THING TO DO

Fairy Falls Trail

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

NPS/Diane Renkin

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.
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.

More on Day Hikes in Yellowstone

Hikers standing on the rocky top of Avalanche Peak with Yellowstone Lake in the background.

Yellowstone Day Hikes

Lace up your boots and explore some of the over 1,000 miles of trails in Yellowstone National Park.

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

Old Faithful Area Day Hikes

Discover the unique hikes around the largest concentration of hydrothermal features in the world.

Tags: Yellowstone National Park trail day hike Easy hike Midway Geyser Basin Fairy Falls Fairy Falls Trail Many hours A few hours hiking

Last updated: October 28, 2019