Yellowstone is famous for its headline attractions, but some of its most rewarding experiences lie just beyond the main roads. Whether you’re looking for secluded hikes, quiet thermal areas, or wildlife without the busloads of tourists, this list is your guide to Yellowstone’s secret side.
With a private day tour from Adventurehero, we’ll help you explore these quieter corners of the park at your own pace, with expert insights, flexible routes, and zero stress. Let us know what you have in mind and we can help you come up with a great custom itinerary.
1. Blacktail Plateau Drive
A quiet gravel road between Mammoth and Tower Junction, perfect for wildlife sightings and scenic solitude. The parking lot is plowed in the winter and it is a great place to cross-country ski.
2. Fairy Falls Trail
A moderate trail (1.6 miles) that brings you behind Grand Prismatic Spring and ends at a stunning 200-foot waterfall – less crowded and worth the walk. Continue another ½ mile to visit Spray and Imperial geysers.
3. Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail
A lightly trafficked loop just east of Tower Junction with gorgeous canyon views and excellent chances of spotting bighorn sheep.
4. Shoshone Lake via DeLacy Creek
A peaceful backcountry lake set among the pine trees only and accessible on foot (6 miles round trip) – a favorite for nature lovers who want to escape the main circuits. A great beach for a swim on a hot summer day.
5. Gneiss Creek Trail
Quiet and scenic, this trail runs alongside the Madison River as it meanders through meadows and pine forest – great for wildlife and solitude.
6. Terrace Spring
Just past Madison Junction on the way to Norris, this small thermal area is often missed but offers colorful pools and steaming vents with very few visitors.
7. Lost Lake Trail
Behind Roosevelt Lodge, this easy three-mile loop takes you to a serene alpine lake and through open meadows – a hidden gem for birdwatchers. Continue another ½ mile to see Lost Creek Falls.
8. Cascade Lake Trail
A flat, peaceful trail near Canyon Village, ideal for spotting wildflowers and enjoying a picnic by the lake (4.5 miles in and out). Its an ideal hike for late summer as its often wet and muddy early in the season.
9. Storm Point Trail
A short 2.5-mile scenic hike near Yellowstone Lake that offers open views, pine forest, and possible wildlife sightings (keep an eye out for the numerous marmots).
10. Cave Falls (Bechler Region)
Located near the park’s remote southwest corner, Cave Falls is Yellowstone’s widest waterfall. Easy to access by vehicle (weather permitting), this tranquil spot is perfect for photography or a riverside lunch. It’s a great spot for a short hike up the Fall River or some fly fishing.
11. Bunsen Peak
A challenging but short hike (4 miles and 1300 feet elevation gain) near Mammoth Hot Springs with panoramic views from the summit – great for sunrise or sunset.
12. Pelican Creek Nature Trail
This easy, family-friendly walk near Yellowstone Lake features wetland views and is often overlooked despite its beauty. Great spot to see wildlife (be careful for bears).
13. Lone Star Geyser
A scenic 5 mile hike along a forested trail, Lone Star is a beautiful backcountry geyser that erupts roughly every 3 hours. You can find eruption times online to time your hiking. This one can be hot on a sunny July or August day. Don’t get too close to any lone Bison.
14. Natural Bridge Trail
A short and rewarding 2.5 mile round trip hike to a stone arch, tucked into forest near Bridge Bay – often skipped but easy to include on a custom tour.
15. Purple Mountain Trail
A steep 3 mile climb near Madison Junction that rewards hikers with sweeping views over the Firehole River and geyser basins.
16. Trout Lake
This calm alpine lake near Lamar Valley is a short hike and ideal for early morning reflections, wildlife photography, and peaceful solitude.
17. Swan Lake Flat
Just north of Mammoth, this broad valley is often ignored by travelers but teems with birds, elk, and occasional grizzlies in the spring.
18. Point Sublime (Yellowstone Canyon Rim Trail)
A longer but less-traveled hike (3 miles round trip) offering a unique and quiet view down the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
19. Ice Lake & Little Gibbon Falls
Short, quiet trails near Norris that lead to serene lakes and lesser-known waterfalls – perfect for low-key exploring. The entire loop is about 4 miles and takes a little over an hour to hike.
20. Grizzly Lake Trail
A seldom-used trail between Norris and Mammoth, ideal for those wanting a longer hike through quiet meadows and forested terrain. As the name implies bear spottings are common.
Bonus Attraction – Grebe Lake Trail
A half-day (6-mile in and out) hike to a secluded mountain lake. Watch for wildlife and try to fish for the seldom seen Arctic Greyling that live here.
Why Choose a Private Day Tour for These Hidden Gems?
Most visitors never see these places – not because they’re inaccessible, but because they’re not on the main map. With our private tours:
- You skip the crowds and go deeper into Yellowstone’s wild heart.
- Your guide customizes the route to your fitness level and interests.
You get local insight, flexible timing, and a relaxed pace.
