Hiking Near Yellowstone’s East Gate: Best Trails for Every Skill Level

One of the greatest advantages of staying at Old Faithful RV Park in Cody, Wyoming is what waits for you just 32 miles up the road. Hiking near Yellowstone’s East Gate puts you at the doorstep of some of the most spectacular and diverse trail country in America — dramatic alpine summits, pristine lakeshores, steaming geothermal wonders, and wildlife-rich valleys that deliver unforgettable experiences at every skill level.

With over 1,000 miles of trails stretching across 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone National Park has a trail for everyone, from stroller-friendly boardwalks that the whole family can enjoy to lung-burning alpine ascents that reward experienced hikers with views that stop you cold. The eastern section of the park accessed via the East Gate is particularly special — less crowded than the western corridors, wilder in feel, and absolutely stunning in every direction.

Whether you are a first-time hiker looking for an easy introduction to Yellowstone’s wonders or a seasoned backcountry adventurer searching for your next summit, this complete guide to hiking near Yellowstone’s East Gate has everything you need to plan the perfect day on the trail.

Essential Hiking Safety: Before You Hit Any Trail

Before diving into the trail guide, every hiker venturing into the greater Yellowstone region needs to understand these non-negotiable safety rules:

Bear Spray is Mandatory You are in active grizzly bear country throughout the entire eastern section of Yellowstone. Every adult in your hiking group must carry bear spray in an accessible hip holster — not buried in their pack — on every single trail regardless of length or difficulty. Read our complete Bear Safety in Yellowstone Country guide before hiking near Yellowstone’s East Gate. It covers everything from bear spray deployment to hiking with kids in bear country.

Start Early Afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly in the mountains of Yellowstone, particularly at higher elevations above tree line. Plan to be back at the trailhead or well below tree line by early afternoon on every hike. Starting at or before sunrise gives you the best weather window and the best wildlife watching opportunities of the day.

Wildlife Distances Maintain at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife at all times. These are federal regulations — not suggestions.

Tell Someone Your Plan Cell service is unreliable throughout much of Yellowstone. Before heading out on any trail always tell someone at camp your planned route, trailhead location, and expected return time. Download offline maps and the Yellowstone NPS app before leaving camp.

Check Trail Conditions Trail conditions in the eastern park can change rapidly, particularly early in the season when snow lingers at higher elevations. Always check current trail conditions with a ranger at the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center before heading out on any trail.

 

Easy Hikes Near Yellowstone’s East Gate: Perfect for Families & Beginners

Storm Point Trail — Yellowstone Lake

Distance: 2.3 miles round trip

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Best For: Families, beginners, wildlife watchers, stroller-friendly sections

Storm Point Trail is the perfect introduction to hiking near Yellowstone’s East Gate, and one of the most rewarding easy hikes in the entire park. The trail begins at Indian Pond, just off the East Entrance Road, and loops out to Storm Point — a dramatic rocky peninsula jutting into the azure waters of Yellowstone Lake with panoramic views of the Absaroka Mountains beyond.

Storm Point is pretty exposed so bringing a windproof jacket is recommended. The hike is only about an hour long making it easy to squeeze in between other park activities. Along the route keep your eyes open for wildlife: otters playing in the shallows, bald eagles soaring overhead, bison grazing in the adjacent meadows, and yellow-bellied marmots basking on the rocky shoreline.

The trailhead is located on the south side of the East Entrance Road approximately 3 miles east of the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center — making it one of the most conveniently accessed trails in the eastern park for guests driving in from Old Faithful RV Park.

Pro Tip: Ranger-led hikes are available at Storm Point during summer months, an outstanding option for families wanting a more educational experience on the trail.

---

Mud Volcano Area Boardwalk

Distance: 0.7 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Best For: All ages, families with young children, stroller and wheelchair accessible

The Mud Volcano Area boardwalk is one of the most accessible and genuinely fascinating short walks in all of Yellowstone National Park. A short loop through a landscape of bubbling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and acidic pools that look like something from another planet entirely — this is a must-do stop on any hiking near Yellowstone’s East Gate itinerary.

The Dragon’s Mouth Spring — a booming, steaming cave that exhales hot gas in dramatic pulses — is one of the most theatrical geothermal features in the entire park and consistently stops every visitor in their tracks. The Churning Caldron and Black Dragon’s Cauldron are equally dramatic and endlessly fascinating for kids and adults alike.

The boardwalk is completely stroller and wheelchair accessible and takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace. It is one of the best easy stops for families hiking near Yellowstone’s East Gate and pairs perfectly with a visit to Hayden Valley just to the north.

---

Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail

Distance: 3.9 miles round trip

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Best For: Beginners, families, wildlife watchers, canyon views

This beautiful and often overlooked trail follows the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone along the East Rim — treating hikers to stunning views of the Yellowstone River winding through gold and red canyon walls far below. The path is gently inclined and easy to follow making it an ideal choice for beginner hikers and families looking for a longer easy walk with big visual payoff.

Short and scenic this trail treats hikers to colorful views of the Yellowstone River winding through the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The path is gently inclined making it perfect for a peaceful walk that is easy to follow. The trailhead is located at the Yellowstone River Picnic Area just east of the Canyon area, easily accessible from the East Gate via Fishing Bridge.

---

Natural Bridge Trail — Bridge Bay

Distance: 2.0 miles round trip

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Best For: Families, beginners, geology enthusiasts

The Natural Bridge Trail is a short and accessible hike to one of Yellowstone’s most unusual geological features — a massive natural rock arch carved over thousands of years by Bridge Creek. The trail is relatively flat and well-maintained making it an excellent choice for families with younger children or hikers looking for a relaxed and scenic walk.

The natural bridge itself, a dramatic span of rhyolite rock rising 51 feet above the creek below, is one of the most photogenic and surprising sights in the eastern park. A great add-on to a day at the Yellowstone Lake area for guests staying at Old Faithful RV Park.

Moderate Hikes Near Yellowstone’s East Gate: For Active Adventurers

Elephant Back Mountain — Yellowstone Lake

Distance: 3.6 miles round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 800 feet

Best For: Active families, intermediate hikers, panoramic views

Elephant Back Mountain is one of the most rewarding moderate hikes accessible from the East Gate — delivering a stunning panoramic payoff for a relatively modest investment of effort. The trail begins with a steady incline through unburned lodgepole pine forest before splitting into a loop near the summit.

The overlook offers sweeping views of Yellowstone Lake, Pelican Valley, and the Absaroka Mountains to the east. On a clear day the views are simply extraordinary, the vast expanse of Yellowstone Lake stretching south and east, the rugged Absaroka peaks rising dramatically beyond, and the wild undeveloped backcountry of the southeastern park spreading in every direction.

Although this is a popular trail grizzly bears do frequent the area. Be sure to make noise, travel in groups, and have bear spray. The trailhead is located approximately one mile south of the Fishing Bridge intersection on the west side of the road.

---

Mount Washburn via Dunraven Pass

Distance: 6.2 miles round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet

Best For: Active hikers, families with older kids and teens, panoramic views

Mount Washburn is arguably the most popular and rewarding moderate hike in all of Yellowstone National Park — and it is well within reach for guests hiking near Yellowstone’s East Gate. The trail climbs steadily from Dunraven Pass along a wide and well-maintained path to the summit fire lookout tower at 10,243 feet, where the views stretch to the horizon in every direction.

The ascent to Mount Washburn’s summit promises panoramic views stretching as far as the eye can see. As you climb the gentle winding path you will be rewarded with sweeping vistas of Yellowstone’s rugged beauty. At the summit the fire lookout tower awaits providing interpretive exhibits and an even loftier vantage point — a favorite among those wanting to see the park from above.

On a clear day you can see the Grand Teton Range to the south, the Beartooth Mountains to the north, and the entire Yellowstone caldera spread out below you. Bighorn sheep are frequently spotted along the upper reaches of the trail making this one of the best wildlife watching hikes in the park as well.

Start early, afternoon thunderstorms are common on this exposed summit and you want to be well below tree line before the weather turns. Bring all your layers regardless of the morning forecast.

---

Lamar Valley Trail

Distance: 7.0 miles round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Best For: Wildlife watchers, photography enthusiasts, wolf and bear spotters

The Lamar Valley Trail is less about physical challenge and more about immersing yourself in the greatest wildlife watching landscape in North America. This relatively flat trail winds through the open meadows and rolling grasslands of Lamar Valley — the “American Serengeti” — where bison herds, wolf packs, grizzly bears, and elk are all regularly encountered.

Known as the “Serengeti of North America” Lamar Valley is a wildlife lover’s dream. As you traverse open valleys and rolling meadows keep an eye out for bison, elk, and perhaps even a distant wolf or bear. This relatively flat trail leads you through scenic landscapes that bring the true spirit of Yellowstone to life.

Bring binoculars and a spotting scope for the best wildlife watching experience. Early morning is by far the best time to be on this trail — arrive before sunrise and give yourself several hours to scan the valley. Read our complete Yellowstone Wildlife Watching Guide for tips on getting the most out of your Lamar Valley experience.

---

Artist Point to Point Sublime

Distance: 2.6 miles round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Best For: Photographers, canyon views, families with older kids

This spectacular trail follows the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from Artist Point — already one of the most photographed locations in the entire park — out to the remote and dramatically positioned Point Sublime overlook.

This is a spectacular hike that will take you along the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with incredible views all along the trail. The route is easy to follow and not too strenuous as it meanders up and down over the rugged scenery. The dazzling colors of the canyon provide a feast for the eyes all the way along the route making this one of the best hikes in Yellowstone National Park.

A word of caution for families, there is no fence between the trail and the dramatic canyon drop. Supervise children closely throughout this hike and keep everyone well back from the rim edge at all times.

Challenging Hikes Near Yellowstone’s East Gate: For Experienced Hikers

Avalanche Peak — The Crown Jewel of East Gate Hiking

Distance: 4.7 miles round trip

Difficulty: Strenuous

Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet

Best For: Experienced hikers, peak baggers, stunning summit views

Trailhead: Eleanor Lake pullout, 8 miles west of the East Entrance on East Entrance Road

If there is one hike that defines the experience of hiking near Yellowstone’s East Gate it is Avalanche Peak, and it is not for the faint of heart or lungs. But for experienced hikers willing to earn their views, Avalanche Peak delivers one of the most spectacular summit panoramas in all of Yellowstone.

While not the tallest point in Yellowstone, Avalanche Peak is still a worthy summit reaching 10,568 feet in elevation. The trail is 4.7 miles round trip and is rated as difficult, a short but steep climb gaining 2,100 feet. From the top you will catch incredible views of the surrounding mountains, get a sense for the sheer scale of Yellowstone Lake, and on a clear day see all the way to the Tetons to the south.

The trail begins directly across the East Entrance Road from the Eleanor Lake picnic area pullout — just 8 miles inside the park from the East Gate. From the moment you step on the trail it climbs — straight up through a dense coniferous forest of pine, spruce, and fir, past ghost-like stands of whitebark pine killed by mountain pine beetles, and then above tree line into a dramatic open bowl below the summit.

Those who make this arduous hike will be rewarded with stunning views of some of the park’s tallest and most remote alpine peaks. Bighorn sheep, alpine birds, marmots, and pikas can often be seen on this peak.

Critical safety notes for Avalanche Peak:

• Start at or before sunrise, afternoon thunderstorms are extremely dangerous above tree line
• This trail is often snow-covered until early July, even on warm summer days bring rain gear, wool hats, and gloves
• Grizzly bears frequent this area in the fall seeking out whitebark pine nuts, hiking this trail is not recommended in September and October
• Always check trail conditions with a ranger before attempting this hike
• Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the descent
• This trail is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory conditions

---

Pelican Valley Trail

Distance: 12 miles round trip

Difficulty: Strenuous

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Best For: Experienced backcountry hikers, serious wildlife watchers

Note: Permit required — check with Yellowstone National Park for current access restrictions

Pelican Valley is one of the most wild and remote hiking destinations accessible from the East Gate — a vast open valley of sagebrush meadows, wetlands, and meandering streams that is home to some of the densest grizzly bear populations in all of Yellowstone. This is serious backcountry hiking that demands full preparation and experience.

The valley itself is extraordinary — sweeping, silent, and utterly wild. Bison, sandhill cranes, pelicans, trumpeter swans, river otters, and grizzly bears are all regularly encountered. However Pelican Valley has strict access restrictions due to its high bear activity — check with the National Park Service for current trail regulations before planning this hike.

Hiking Near Yellowstone’s East Gate: Tips for the Best Experience

 

Stock Up in Cody Before You Go Everything you need for a great day on the trail is available in Cody, Wyoming: bear spray, hiking supplies, groceries for packed lunches, and any last-minute gear. Stock up before heading up the North Fork of the Shoshone River toward the East Gate. Check out our complete Yellowstone Packing List to make sure you have everything you need before hitting the trail.

Use the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center The Fishing Bridge Visitor Center is your first stop inside the East Gate and an invaluable resource for hikers. Rangers here have up-to-date information on trail conditions, wildlife activity, and any current trail closures. Stop in every morning before heading out, it takes five minutes and could save your life.

Pack Your Lunch Food options near the East Gate trails are extremely limited inside the park. Pack a substantial lunch and plenty of snacks, long days at altitude burn more calories than you expect. A picnic with Yellowstone Lake views beats any restaurant meal hands down.

Combine Trails for a Full Day The eastern section of Yellowstone is wonderfully compact for day hiking — you can combine Storm Point Trail in the morning with a stop at the Mud Volcano boardwalk, a picnic at Yellowstone Lake, and an afternoon at Hayden Valley for wildlife watching all in a single outstanding day. Our Yellowstone Road Trip Guide has everything you need to plan the perfect day itinerary from the East Gate.

Your Perfect Hiking Basecamp

After a big day hiking near Yellowstone’s East Gate there is nothing better than coming home to a comfortable camp on the banks of one of the most beautiful rivers in Wyoming. At Old Faithful RV Park on the North Fork of the Shoshone River in Cody, Wyoming — just 32 miles from the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park — that is exactly what awaits you every evening.

Our full hookup RV sites are big rig friendly with spacious pull through sites and stunning Absaroka Mountain views — perfect for cleaning up, refueling, and getting to bed early for another big day on the trails tomorrow. Our rustic cabins sleep up to 6 guests with a main floor bedroom, loft bedroom, sofa sleeper, full bathroom, and fully equipped kitchenette — everything you need to recover comfortably after a long day of hiking in Yellowstone country.

Before you head out on the trails make sure you have also read these essential guides:

• Bear Safety in Yellowstone Country — required reading before every hike
• Yellowstone Packing List — everything you need on the trail
• Yellowstone Wildlife Watching Guide — know what to look for and where
• Yellowstone with Kids Guide — family hiking tips and safety

📅 Opening May 8, 2026 — book early, summer fills up fast!

👉 Reserve your RV site or cabin at OldFaithfulRVPark.com

Frequently Asked Questions: Hiking Near Yellowstone’s East Gate

What is the best easy hike near Yellowstone’s East Gate? The Storm Point Trail at Yellowstone Lake is the best easy hike near Yellowstone’s East Gate, a beautiful 2.3 mile loop along the lakeshore with outstanding wildlife watching, minimal elevation gain, and stunning views of the Absaroka Mountains. Perfect for families and beginners.

What is the best challenging hike near Yellowstone’s East Gate? Avalanche Peak is the crown jewel of hiking near Yellowstone’s East Gate, a strenuous 4.7 mile round trip with 2,100 feet of elevation gain that rewards experienced hikers with some of the most spectacular summit views in all of Yellowstone.

Do I need bear spray for hiking near Yellowstone’s East Gate? Yes, absolutely. Bear spray is mandatory for every hike in the greater Yellowstone region. Every adult in your group should carry their own canister in an accessible hip holster. Purchase bear spray in Cody, Wyoming before heading up toward the East Gate. Read our Bear Safety in Yellowstone Country guide before your trip.

When is the best time of year for hiking near Yellowstone’s East Gate? Mid-July through September is the optimal window for hiking near Yellowstone’s East Gate. Higher elevation trails like Avalanche Peak are often snow-covered until early July. Fall hiking in September offers cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, spectacular foliage, and active wildlife throughout the day.

Are there stroller-friendly hikes near Yellowstone’s East Gate? Yes, the Mud Volcano Area boardwalk is completely stroller and wheelchair accessible and one of the most fascinating short walks in the eastern park. The Storm Point Trail also has accessible sections along the lakeshore.

How far is Old Faithful RV Park from the East Gate hiking trails? Old Faithful RV Park in Cody, Wyoming is just 32 miles from the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park, making it the closest and most convenient basecamp for hiking near Yellowstone’s East Gate.

What should I bring for hiking near Yellowstone’s East Gate? Bear spray, sturdy hiking boots, layers, a waterproof rain jacket, packed lunch and plenty of water, binoculars, sunscreen, and a headlamp are all essential. Check our complete Yellowstone Packing List for everything you need before hitting the trails.

Rest. Explore. Repeat.