When you take time to treat yourself to an amazing getaway to West Yellowstone, Montana, you’ll find you can always access the adventure, beautiful views, and thrills of Yellowstone National Park. That said, West Yellowstone itself is packed with amazing places to explore and if you happen to be someone with an unwavering passion for lacing up your boots and hitting the trails, the hiking routes that wind through West Yellowstone promise to be irresistible.
Whether you’re in the mood for a more leisurely stroll or you’re looking for a challenge that immerses you in breathtaking terrain, you’ll find it all and more right here. When you have a few days to spare in the area with a focus on hiking in Yellowstone fun, the following trails are must-adds to your journey’s itinerary.
Day 1: Explore the Cabin Creek Trail
The first day of your Yellowstone adventure takes you along the scenic Cabin Creek Trail. When you hike this route, you’ll be treated to a 4.9-mile pathway that ends at a gorgeous lake. In total, the trail only gains 764 feet of elevation making it relatively approachable for hikers of all skill levels. The challenge comes in with the fact the trail is primarily made up of rock and shale, so you’ll want to be wearing sturdy boots and always aware of your footing.
The Cabin Creek Trail is open for hiking and running alike and is the perfect route to choose when you want to pair your trek with angling. Once you reach the lake, you can cast a line at your own preferred pace or enjoy a scenic picnic by the waterside to reward yourself for your efforts.
Cabin Creek Trail at Cabin Creek Campground
Hebgen Lake Road, West Yellowstone, Montana
406-646-1012
Day 2: Check Out Targhee Creek Trail
The second day of your West Yellowstone hiking adventure takes you along Targhee Creek Trail. The appeal of this route for many travelers is its trailhead proximity to downtown West Yellowstone, sitting just about 12 miles away. The Targhee Creek Trail is a 4-mile-long out-and-back route for hikers to enjoy that’s ideal for families looking for a path that accommodates hikers of all skill levels that can be enjoyed together.
The mild 331-foot elevation gain makes the route one that you can trek at your own preferred pace and if you’re traveling with a canine companion, dogs are welcome on this trail too as long as they remain leashed. The Targhee Creek Trail is one that’s well worth hiking when you have a passion for birding, love wildlife watching, and want easy places to stop along the way to take scenic photos with a lush backdrop built in by nature.
Targhee Creek Trail
Forest Road #057, Island Park, Idaho Ranger Station
208-557-5900
Day 3: Trek the Coffin Lakes Trail
While the name may be daunting, the Coffin Lakes Trail is very much worth your while to explore, especially if your West Yellowstone trip brings you this way between June and September. The Coffin Lakes Trail is just over 11 miles long and enjoys a 2,483-foot elevation gain, meaning there’s a good chance you’ll encounter snow later in the season. It’s a great route to pack snowshoes for, and a must-try if you’re up for an exciting challenge with the reward of scenic surroundings.
Along the way, you’ll cross small streams and spot wildlife as well. If you pack your fishing pole, you can see what’s biting at the lake when you arrive, and in the warm-weather months of the year, many hikers opt to enjoy a swim as well. The trailhead for this route is just 20 miles from West Yellowstone making it a refreshingly convenient addition to your hiking itinerary that also feels worlds away from any thoughts of hustle and bustle.
Coffin Lakes Trail
Custer Gallatin National Forest Trailhead
406-522-2520
Book Your Hiking Adventure in Style Today
The next time travel plans bring you to beautiful and inviting West Yellowstone, Montana, be sure you have the right accommodations in place to top your stay off in style by booking through Sweet Home Montana. Here, we specialize in helping travelers make more of their West Yellowstone getaway at every turn and whether you’re just here for a few days or you’re looking forward to an extended stay in Montana, our property options will have you feeling right at home upon arrival.
We have rental options available to book for small and large groups alike and all of our properties keep you close to the places you’re excited to explore while infusing comfort, quality, luxury, and convenience into your experience as well. While we handle the details of your accommodations, you can focus exclusively on the outdoor adventure head. Reach out today to learn more and to begin turning those hiking-focused travel plans into a reality soon. We can’t wait to see you here!