Hayden Valley Trail

Route Description for Hayden Valley Trail

The Hayden Valley Hiking Trail is a wonderful route from the Fishing Bridge to the Chittenden Bridge in Yellowstone National Park. This is a long hike. Make sure that, if you plan to do it all in one day, you start your hike early and bring along a headlamp in case you wind up finishing in the dark. With so much to explore, the Hayden Valley Trail is a great place to see wildlife, including elk, bison, and wolves. Bears are sometimes seen in this area. Before hitting the trail, make sure that everyone in your hiking party is familiar with bear safety protocols. At least one member of your hiking group should carry bear spray and know how to use it properly.

To hike the Hayden Valley trail, begin at the Fishing Bridge Visitors Center and follow the Howard Eaton Fishing Bridge Canyon Trail north as it winds its way along the east bank of the Yellowstone River. The trail will divide approximately 3.2 km in; stay right here to remain on route. 14.5 km later, the trail will split once again; stay right here, then keep left to follow the Sour Creek Trail and the Wapiti Lake Trail to the Wapiti Lake Trailhead.

Your arrival at the Wapiti Lake Trailhead marks the end of the Hayden Valley Hiking Trail. From here, catch your shuttle home or explore Yellowstone Falls along the North Rim Trail that begins here if you have the energy.