Hikes

Those who complain that Yellowstone's three million annual visitors have compromised the park's wilderness should park their car and tackle a trail: There's plenty of extremely wild country here, and only about 10% of visitors set foot in Yellowstone's backcountry.

There are short hikes on which you never lose sight of the road, moderate hikes requiring an afternoon to visit a spot of secluded beauty, and overnight trips on which you can hike for literally days without running into another human being.

In fact, there's so much to see and do here that it's easy to get overwhelmed. I've tried to make it easier by describing my favorite day hikes, backcountry experiences, and park activities.

Day Hikes

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) links many of the individual hikes together as part of a continuous trail from Mexico to Canada, roughly following the spine of the continent. The Yellowstone Backcountry Office maintains a guide to CDT trails. The Howard Eaton Trail system once went all through the park but was largely supplanted by the Grand Loop Road. Sections of the old trail are still maintained and will be found in trail guides, although some of them closely parallel park roads.

Wherever you go, if you're planning to hike for more than 30 minutes, be sure to carry a supply of water and rain gear. Bear spray is also recommended; hiking alone is not.