Are there fees or permits required for Albright Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Albright Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Albright Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Albright Falls.

Nearby gauge (Firehole River) · 38 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Albright Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Albright Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Albright Falls. Pets aren't allowed on hiking trails, boardwalks or in the backcountry in Yellowstone; they must stay within 100 feet of roads, parking areas and campgrounds.

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Yellowstone National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

M 4411041 se 12 060 20190828.tif Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

About Albright Falls

Albright Falls is a picturesque, lesser-known cascade tucked inside Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Nestled within the park’s protected landscape and managed by the National Park Service, the falls offer a quiet, scenic reward for visitors seeking a peaceful nature escape away from the busiest park attractions. The setting is intimate and photogenic, perfect for a short day outing or a concise nature break while exploring Yellowstone’s broader wonders. Reaching the falls requires a short hike that keeps the experience approachable but satisfying. Because the falls sit on National Park Service land (designation: national park), visitors should check current conditions and any access notices with park staff before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

The Setting

Albright Falls sits at 7,467 feet within Yellowstone National Park, in the high mountains of Wyoming.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Sluiceway Falls (10 ft) lies 1.2 miles to the east.

Sluiceway Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Official surface, grade, and trail-class data are not available in the provided records; the route is documented primarily by its moderate length and elevation change. Hikers should consult Yellowstone National Park/NPS resources for up-to-date trail conditions, seasonal closures, and any route advisories before setting out.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil natural setting with the sound of cascading water. The area may feature forested surroundings and opportunities for wildlife observation.

Accessibility

Accessibility details are not documented. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Albright Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on hiking trails, boardwalks or in the backcountry in Yellowstone; they must stay within 100 feet of roads, parking areas and campgrounds.

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Albright Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow due to snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 42°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Trail conditions may vary, and the area may have uneven terrain. Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and prepare for changing weather conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Firehole River, 13.2 miles away, not on Albright Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

38 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2.43 ft

Water depth at gauge

42°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 42 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP

USGS 06036805

13.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 40 sq mi

Altitude: 7,340 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP (21 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

39 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

39 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

38 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

38 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

39 cfs

5/10

Sat

Low

42 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

44 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

43 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to mid July, peaking in June.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near West Yellowstone hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Albright Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately 1 more freezing day forecast

Albright Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 46°F to 30°F. 1 freezing day are forecast, so ice may start to form.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 1 of the next 7
Flow: 40 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Wyoming.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The ground through the falls loses about 272 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 7,472 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 87 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 248 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Albright Falls near West Yellowstone, Wyoming, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Albright Falls near West Yellowstone, Wyoming, showing about 272 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 7,472 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 272 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location and directions to Albright Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or contact nearby park services for guidance.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park at a nearby trailhead or designated area.

Elevation

7,467 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.277708° N, -110.903548° W

Land Management

Yellowstone National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring sturdy footwear, as trail conditions may vary. Check weather conditions before visiting and carry sufficient water and snacks.

This trail sits at 7,467 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 30% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Cave Falls Campground

11.7 miles away · 0 sites

This campgrond is situated on the banks of Fall River in Wyoming along the south border of Yellowstone National Park. Cave Falls Campground has 23 single site units and a terrific area for fishing. Each campsite has fire rings, grills and picnic tables. Located throughout the campground are vault toilets, water faucets, bear proof storage boxes, and a dumpster. The campground is located in grizzly bear habitat that requires special precautions be taken with food storage.

Book on Recreation.gov