Pat O’Hara Trail is a local favorite because the entire route is gorgeous. Even the first few moments on the trail include sweeping views into the North Absaroka Wilderness.

This is a 2.5 mile hike, one way, to a large, deep, picturesque

lake near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

This is a short, family-friendly hike that quickly gives you a taste of Yellowstone’s wilderness, wildlife, and panoramas.

Even when snow is scarce in Cody, Yellowstone’s East Entrance Road transforms into a snowy dreamland in winter. Travel through Sylvan Pass on foot like the old days when pack trains passed carefully between the avalanche-prone slopes. Or consider a walk-in winter camping trip to the shore of Yellowstone Lake. For locals used to seeing the lake in summer, the vast, icy-white version is a magical sight.

Lonesome Mountain rises majestically above the already high Beartooth Plateau. The 11,400-foot summit beckons Beartooth adventurers, but the mountain’s slopes are a challenging boulder scramble. From the top, enjoy rugged scenes of the alternating rocky peaks and alpine lakes of the entire Beartooth Mountain Range.

Within minutes of starting this hike, the noise of the busy Beartooth Highway fades away. Watch for marmots scurrying among the rocks and listen for the high chirp of native Black Rosy-Finches in the trees. Hauser Lake lies within the relatively flat and high Beartooth Plateau, which was created by glacial activity over millions of years. At the high point of the trail, look for evidence of glacial erosion all the way to the horizon. Kettle lakes, rounded boulders, glacial till, and terminal moraines are all visible from this trail.

Kitty Creek Trail climbs eight miles from the North Fork Highway into the Washakie Wilderness, but this well-maintained trail is suitable for all levels of hikers. With beautiful views all along the way, this hike can be shortened to match the ability levels of the group. After a journey through alpine meadows, the trail ends at Flora Lake, on a high saddle, with a dramatic view of the steep and rugged Washakie Wilderness backcountry.

This popular 6-mile out-and-back trail climbs gradually to two alpine lakes in the Bighorns. With its short distance and gentle incline, this trail could also be a fun introduction to hiking or backpacking for kids.

It’s time. Peak hiking season is finally here in northern Wyoming. If you are looking for a great way to get out and stretch your legs - or just get away from the hustle of Cody for a day - we have some ideas about how to make it happen.