Hayden Valley Loop
Animals
Scenery
GROUP HIKING NOTICE - Hike with others and make new friends, contact us to start a group hike or for more details!
Available Dates:
No current group hike departures
Description
This loop through Hayden Valley and the south rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone river offers something for everyone. This may be the most varied hike that we offer. From sweeping grasslands, likely wildlife watching opportunities, lodgpole pine forest, hydrothermal areas, dramatic canyon views, and massive water falls, it has a lot to offer! For the first part of the hike, we will wander through the Hayden Valley where thousands of bison gather in August during the rut. The use of this area by thousands of animals becomes apparent as we pass by hundreds of bison rubs (trees that bison rub against) and bison wallows along the trail.
If you are looking for an easy day out, we can make this a 6 and a half mile loop through the Hayden Valley. For a more challenging day, we can do a full 9-10 mile loop that also allows us to see backcountry hydrothermal features and a enjoy long stroll along the south rim of the canyon - with excellent views of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone (308 foot waterfall!). Each hiking option starts with breathtaking views of the Upper falls of the Yellowstone and includes a picnic lunch in the heart of the Hayden Valley.
If you want a little bit of everything during your Yellowstone backcountry experience, this hike is for you!
Trail Stats
The trail is easy to moderate with a couple of hiking options making it a great option for anyone with a desire to spend their day exploring what Yellowstone has to offer!
Hayden Valley Trail Stats:
6.5 or 9 Miles (loop)
600' or 1,000' Elevation Gain
Easy to challenging difficulty - Suitable for beginners, experienced hikers and participants of most activity levels
5 - 7 Hours car to car