Thing to Do

Fairy Falls Trail

Steam rises from a blue-, yellow-, and orange-colored hot spring.

Fairy Falls, 200 feet (61 m) high, is one of Yellowstone's most spectacular waterfalls. From the trailhead, walk 1.6 miles (2.6 km) through a young lodgepole pine forest to the falls. You can continue 0.6 miles (0.97 km) to Spray and Imperial geysers, which adds 1.2 miles (1.9 km) to the hike.

Safety notes: Trail opens in late May (Bear Management Area closure). Parking is very limited.

Trailheads: There are two trailheads and two different approaches to reach Fairy Falls. Either park at the end of Fountain Flat Drive or park 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Midway Geyser Basin at the Fairy Falls Parking Lot.

Details
This is either a 5.4-mile (8.6-kilometer) or a 6.7-mile (10.7-kilometer) there-and-back trail that begins and ends at the same trailhead.
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
This trail is located in the western part of the park, with trailheads both north and south of Midway Geyser Basin.
Reservations
No
Season
Winter, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Any Time

Yellowstone National Park

Steam rises from a blue- and orange-colored hot spring.
Hot spring along the Fairy Falls trail.

NPS/Diane Renkin

More on Day Hikes in Yellowstone

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Steam rises from a blue-, yellow- and orange-colored hot spring.

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Last updated: October 28, 2019