The Best Family Friendly Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is famous for its geysers, colorful hot springs, and incredible wildlife, but some of the park’s best experiences happen once you get out of your car and onto the trail. From boardwalks winding past bubbling geothermal features to scenic strolls to towering waterfall overlooks and mountain peaks, there are some really great family friendly hikes in Yellowstone National Park.
The best part? You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy them. Many of the park’s most iconic sights are reached by short, flat, family-friendly walks.
Here are our top family friendly hikes in Yellowstone that we recommend adding to your Yellowstone itinerary.
Our Top Pick Family Friendly Hikes in Yellowstone
1. Upper Geyser Basin Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re only going to do one trail in Yellowstone, make it this one.
Starting at Old Faithful, the Upper Geyser Basin Trail takes you through the largest concentration of geysers in the world. Wooden boardwalks wind past colorful hot springs, steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and dozens of active geysers.
Because the trail is mostly flat, families can easily customize how far they want to walk. You can stop at Old Faithful to watch her erupt, or continue farther into the basin to discover some of the lesser-known geothermal features.
Pro tip: Watch Old Faithful from the backside along the Upper Geyser Basin Trail to avoid the huge crowds!
2. Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail
Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
While the boardwalk lets you stand beside Grand Prismatic Spring, the overlook gives you the postcard view.
The short uphill trail climbs through a forest before opening to an overlook of the vibrant blue, orange, and yellow spring below.
It’s a relatively easy hike for most families, but be prepared for a crowd!
3. Brink of the Lower Falls Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate (steep stairs)
Don’t let the short distance fool you—this hike is a workout.
A series of switchbacks and stairs leads nearly to the base of Yellowstone’s Lower Falls, where you’ll stand just feet from one of the most powerful waterfalls in the country.
The climb back up is steep, but the view is stunning.
4. West Thumb Geyser Basin
Distance: 1 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
West Thumb is one of Yellowstone’s less popular geothermal areas, but that doesn’t mean its not amazing!
The boardwalk loops along the edge of Yellowstone Lake, where steaming pools and colorful hot springs are bubbling right beside the cold lake water.
Don’t miss Black Pool, one of the park’s most stunning geothermal features.
5. Forces of the Northern Range Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles loop
Difficulty: Easy
This short boardwalk trail near Mammoth Hot Springs is one of Yellowstone’s hidden gems.
Interactive signs explain how volcanoes, glaciers, earthquakes, and wildlife have shaped the landscape over thousands of years, making it engaging for curious kids.
We loved that it combined beautiful scenery through a unique area of Yellowstone without requiring a long hike.
It’s also a great place to watch for elk, which are frequently seen nearby.
6. Bunsen Peak Trail
Distance: 4.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
If your family is looking for more of a challenge, Bunsen Peak is one of Yellowstone’s best summit hikes.
The trail climbs steadily through pine forest before rewarding you with panoramic views overlooking Mammoth Hot Springs, Swan Lake Flats, and the surrounding mountains.
7. Mystic Falls Trail
Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Mystic Falls is a lovely waterfall hike that’s perfect for kids of all ages.
Beginning near Biscuit Basin, this family-friendly hike in Yellowstone winds through the forest before reaching a beautiful 70-foot waterfall.
If your family is up for a little extra climbing, you can continue to the overlook for even bigger views of the surrounding geyser basins.
8. Mud Volcano Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This short loop shows off some of Yellowstone’s most unique geothermal areas, where thick mud bubbles and gurgles from deep underground.
Along the trail, you’ll also see dramatic features like Dragon’s Mouth Spring, where steam billows from a cave while water churns inside, creating a roaring sound that’s really fun for kids.
Safety Tips for Hiking in Yellowstone
Hiking in Yellowstone is unforgettable, but it’s important to remember that you are truly out in untouched parts of nature.
Before heading out, keep these tips in mind:
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
- Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife.
- Never leave the boardwalks in geothermal areas, and keep a close eye or hand on young children.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Start hikes early to avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms.
- Wear sturdy shoes—even easy trails can be uneven.
- Check current trail conditions before heading out.
- Be prepared with hiking essentials before you hit the trail.
Which Yellowstone Hike Is Best for Your Family?
If you’re visiting with younger children, we recommend:
- Upper Geyser Basin
- West Thumb Geyser Basin
- Grand Prismatic Overlook
- Forces of the Northern Range
- Mud Volcano Trail
If you’re looking for a longer trail or more of a challenge, try:
- Bunsen Peak
- Brink of the Lower Falls
- Mystic Falls
There are so many more family friendly hikes in Yellowstone, so download All Trails to check out some of your other options before you go.
Final Thoughts
One of the things we loved most about Yellowstone is that every hike feels completely different. One trail takes you past erupting geysers, another leads to a towering waterfall, while another rewards you with sweeping mountain views or wildlife sightings.
Whether your family prefers short nature walks or more challenging trails, there are ample family friendly hikes in Yellowstone perfect for your next adventure.
