Hiking in Wyoming is truly the experience of a lifetime. Our state is blessedly packed with natural and man-made wonders of every size and shape, from our grandiose mountains to sand dunes that literally sing to mysterious rock formations, historic ghost towns, and everything in between. But of all the challenging, summit-filled hikes that are likely on your bucket list, Wyoming is also filled with an abundance of paved and multi-use trails that cater to those looking to enjoy our state’s majestic sights without the scramble.
Until now, many portions of the Oregon Short Line through the Mountain West have been their own individual treks, including Wyoming’s rail trails. But a larger hiking and biking trail has been in the works since 2015: a 180-mile, world-class trail through three states and two national parks, and it’s definitely one of the most incredible trails in the state! The Greater Yellowstone Trail winds visitors through some of the most scenic areas of the Mountains West, and with so much of it traversing through Wyoming’s stunning Western half, it’s undeniably phenomenal.
The Yellowstone region is world-renowned for its stunning beauty, natural diversity, wildlife, pristine wilderness, and abundant recreation opportunities. Some of the most iconic and treasured landscapes in the country are right here.
The concept of the Greater Yellowstone Trail, which was developed in 2015, seeks to provide residents and visitors alike with a safe, unique way to experience this region’s one-of-a-kind environment.
The trail will eventually link our state's two national parks, plus three national forests, two state parks, and multiple city and county parks while simultaneously creating a safe recreation opportunity that can be enjoyed in all seasons.
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Soon, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana's existing trails around the stunning Greater Yellowstone region will connect as one cohesive, 180-mile hiking and biking trail.
In fact, the Greater Yellowstone Trail is so monumental that it even overlaps with two already-established national bike routes: the TransAmerica U.S. Bicycle Route 76 and the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Altogether, this creates a whopping 260-mile world-class biking loop right here in Wyoming!
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The diversity along the Greater Yellowstone Trail is awe-inspiring, humbling, and breathtaking. Not to mention chock full of history.
Spectacular sights are around every corner on the GYT. And since the entire trail will stretch from West Yellowstone, MT all the way to Colter Bay, WY, there's a lot of ground (and beauty) to cover!
Western Wyoming residents have likely strolled along many of the segments over the years - the Snake River Pathway Bridge and Moose to Jenny Lake Pathway are just two of the most well-known portions.
Since the trail is still a work in progress, few people realize just how incredible the GYT is as a whole, or understand how monumental of an undertaking it has been to bring it to fruition.
Historic sites along the GYT will showcase railroad history, Native American history, and allow for unrivaled views of the historic Teton Pass. In fact, the GYT even connects to the Continental Divide Trail as well, which allows visitors to truly choose their own adventure.
If you're ready to experience the spectacular Greater Yellowstone Trail for yourself, there are six completed trail segments in Wyoming that will be fully linked once the project is finished:
Moose to Jenny Lake Pathway, Jackson-Moose-Wapiti Pathway, Moose-Wilson Pathway, Path 22 / Snake River Pathway Bridge, Wilson Millennium Trail, and Old Pass Road are all open for recreation!
While every segment of the massive Greater Yellowstone Trail is gorgeous, there’s no doubt that Wyoming has some of the best sights along the way. Check out any of the segments above to immerse yourself in our state’s beauty and history, and stay tuned for the final result!
