Explore the most popular horseback riding trails in Wyoming with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
Zach R. on Beaver Ponds Loop Trail
Did this hike a little too close to dusk. Passed plenty of people who said they had not seen much in the way of wildlife, but our experience was much different. We saw a herd of elk running through a nearby meadow and a badger scuttling across the trail right in front of us. We did not make it to the ponds, however, because we came across a brown bear about 2.5 miles in. It was on the trail 25 yards ahead of us before we ever saw it, and we did not have bear spray. We immediately hiked up the ridge to distance ourselves, and luckily the ol' bear continued on its way without giving us a second thought. We turned around and went back out the way we came. Fantastic scenery and wildlife, but be smarter than I was!
(1) Do not start a hike at dusk. (2) Carry bear spray. (3) Hike in a group of three or more. (4) Follow any other guidelines provided by park personnel.
Jack B. on The Hoodoos
I am totally confused by comments here and elsewhere that state this trail passes the Howard Eaton Trail. Could someone please explain how that is possible? Or what they are talking about?
The Howard Eaton trail that I know goes south from Old Faithful to the Lonestar geyser/Shoshone Geyser Basin trail.
I hike this trail year round and absolutely love it. Snowshoeing is the best on this trail and the views are gorgeous. I usually see wildlife so be prepared, this trail is a must do
This is an amazing hike. I did it on Xmas Eve with light snow and it was as challenging as it gets (used snow shoes when needed). Would not advise doing what I did, but you won't be disappointed any time. Amazing views. One of the best hikes in the area.
Did this as a loop hike over the course of 3 days. Rough outline was: Trailhead, Dad's Lake, Barren Lake, Texas Pass into the Cirque, out over Jackass Pass back to trailhead. Surprised at the lack of mosquitoes in early August. AMAZING hike, but Texas Pass is not for the faint of heart. The only other hard part was picking our way down the boulders into the Cirque.
Highly recommend a bit of training before this trip, but the views are so incredibly worth it.
My husband and I went on this hike 11-17-18. There is a small area to park. Make sure to follow the trail straight from the parking area then go to the right and cross the stream/river (a little difficult when hiking) to get to the more scenic trail. Otherwise if you go to the left and up the hill a little it heads to a road that you can walk on. On our hike we saw wolf tracks, a bison and a grouse! We didn't make it the whole way due to getting a late start. I would recommend if you are looking for a nice hike/walk and a chance to see wildlife!
10/10 views
I don't usually review trails, but this one is pretty great! We went a little later, so it wasn't as busy. But we got to a point in the trail where a moose and her baby were on the trail. We had to wander off the trail but it was an awesome experience. The scenery is also beautiful. It's 4 miles but it's very casual.
Start from Bunsen Peak area then work your way down. Catch a ride back up if your legs are hurting.
Easy hike just a couple of switch backs. Definitely check it out.
Beautiful crisp October morning and the colours on the aspens were amazing
Did this trail 2 weeks ago. Didnt see any wildlife. The ponds were beautiful. Only saw 2 groups of people at the beginning and end of the trail.
One of my all time favorite hikes! Make sure to plan accordingly for river crossings, you’ll want to be able to take of long layers/have shorts for wading. Water shoes are a must! Scout hole provides a perfect resting place before venturing back out.
Went in July. Snowpack was very light and the views were amazing!
Nice hike to end the day! Beautiful fall colors!
Really pretty. Did the trail with wife and three kids. First part, to Taggart Lake, was lead by a park ranger, which was awesome. Great variety of scenery along the trail, with fantastic views of Grand Teton throughout.
fantastic wild country, while we did not see too many large mammals we did have 2 bison encounters and see some very large, very fresh grizzly bear and wolf tracks. I will go again.
We completed this as a day hike. It is very flat to the lake the whole way. We had to double check we were at the correct lake because we completed it so quickly. Beautiful streams and forest along the way. I made a video of the hike if anyone is interested: https://practicalvagabonds.com/big-sandy-lake-wyoming/
We saw no wildlife, other than a grouse, but it was nice with lots of ups and downs, after the initial relatively steep climb. Mostly shaded forest, other than the last mile out on the open hillside, with the view of Gardiner, WY. The reflection of the trees and hills in the largest pond was beautiful.
Easy to moderate.
Easy, afternoon ramble through conifer forests to a glacial lake of aqua and blue. Do the trail going counter-clockwise - the elevation gain is much more gradual and you get rewarded instantly with a beautiful cascading creek flanked by golden birch trees. It is very windy on this trail, so bring a jacket - cool in the forest, blazing in the open fields. After leaving the lake, the hike takes you up to the summit of a butte/hill covered in pine trees. Get a glimpse of Taggart Lake from here - it's amazing. Continue on another 0.25 mile and you'll be rewarded with an expansive view of the park looking south. Once downhill, the trail becomes a means to an end (parking lot) - not a lot to see other than a flat plain and some dense pines. Def worth a few hours and great opportunity to take some great pictures. Enjoy!
8/17/2018.
We hiked this trail from the lava creek trail head parking lot out towards Undine Falls and back again. Steep downhill to get to the suspension bridge crossing the Gardiner River - a fun trail addition, especially the signs warning people not to try and get their horses to cross the bridge!
You’ll walk through tall sagebrush and grasses, so be sure you have bug spray as well as your bear spray.
We ran into three other hikers and spotted some elk grazing by the river.
The trail shows signs of being VERY muddy earlier in the year, making the footing somewhat difficult. Hikers and large wildlife had churned it up pretty good, and it dried into a lumpy mess. Boots are a must here.
We saw lots of signs of wildlife and an elk carcass, but no large animal sightings except the two elk. We started our hike at 9:30 am. Very pretty scenery along the river and at one spot in the trail you are close enough to get down to it.
This is an easily accessible hike if you are staying in Mammoth Hot Springs. It is nearly a Loop, clockwise starting at the Hot Springs, ending behind the hotel, or vice versa. We went in a clockwise direction, skirting the lounging elk. There is a mix of terrain; mostly forested trail. The trail is well marked with orange metal tabs on trees. Some of the tabs will be marked with mileage markers. When going clockwise, there are 2 sign posts pointing you in the correct direction near the beginning of the hike. You will see numerous ponds, and a chance of wildlife includes, but is not limited to, deer, elk, badger, snakes. There is a plateau with a view of nearby Gardiner. The trail is easy enough for a family, as multiple ages were hiking the day we did this trail.
Gorgeous view but a steep grade. Definitely worth it but gets a bit narrow in some spots. Wouldn’t recommend as a solo hike.
Beautiful hike. Uphill all the way to the falls but not extremely strenuous. Falls we’re really low (mid September) but I still went off the slide and we had a blast! Water was so cold but the slide is a must-do. A little scarier than I was expecting but worth it. There were maybe 4-5 groups of people who came and went while we were there. Sunbathed on the big rocks after going down the slide. Beautiful and peaceful little spot!
If you like trails that allow you to be shaded from conifers, well trafficked, but sometimes rocky trails, refreshing streams and falls for a good .5 mile of a ~4 mile hike and vistas that include lakes and mountains, then this hike is for you. We hiked this after driving in from South Dakota and it was a perfect way to stretch our legs. The Fall colors are an added bonus. No wildlife, although the idea of bears kept me on alert!
Definitely add the Bradly Lake loop to get the beat views of Taggert Lake! So gorgeous!! Great views of the tetons and the water. We were pressed for time so cut our loop short and still had an amazing hike! Would definitely do again!!
Great day for a hike. trail is kept in good shape. Beautiful area.
loved it!
Not a soul on the trail. Very peaceful bubbling brook, meandering creek. Lake super pretty. Did not see (make it) to the camp site, turned around at 5 miles. Fall in Wyoming cannot be beat!