Dunanda Falls
Wyoming • 150 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
16.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
800 ft
About Dunanda Falls
Dunanda Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Bechler region of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It is known for its picturesque 150-foot drop and the nearby hot springs, which make it a unique destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Dunanda Falls sits at 6,585 feet within Yellowstone National Park, in the high mountains of Wyoming. At 150 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Wyoming.
Height: 150 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard 16.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Dunanda Falls is a challenging but rewarding hike through the remote Bechler Meadows area. The route passes through lush meadows, forests, and river crossings before reaching the falls. The trail is known for its solitude and natural beauty, but hikers should be prepared for potential wet or muddy conditions, especially in spring and early summer.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 150 feet. Swimming is permitted.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Dunanda 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?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A backcountry permit is required for overnight stays in the Bechler area. Permits can be obtained through Yellowstone National Park's backcountry office.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Dunanda Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Dunanda Falls is late summer or early fall when the trail conditions are typically drier, and the weather is more stable.
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 46°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Hikers should be prepared for river crossings, changing weather, and potential wildlife encounters. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Check trail conditions with the Bechler Ranger Station before starting your hike.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Firehole River, 17.7 miles away, not on Dunanda Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
39 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 20 years of record
2.44 ft
Water depth at gauge
46°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 46 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP (28 km away).
Today
Low
39 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
41 cfs
5/10Tue
Moderate
41 cfs
5/10Wed
Moderate
43 cfs
5/10Thu
Moderate
42 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
41 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
41 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
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 Alta hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Dunanda Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately 2 more freezing days forecast
Dunanda Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 52°F to 36°F. 2 freezing days are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 2 of the next 7
- Flow
- 39 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 189 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 150 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 6,608 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 160 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 86 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 6,608 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 189 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Dunanda Falls is accessed via the Bechler Meadows area in the southwestern corner of Yellowstone National Park. The trailhead is typically reached by driving to the Bechler Ranger Station, which is near the town of Ashton, Idaho.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Bechler Ranger Station, which serves as the starting point for the hike to Dunanda Falls.
Elevation
6,585 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.247703° N, -111.024106° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to allow plenty of time to enjoy the falls and return before dark. Bring waterproof footwear for river crossings and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Carry bear spray and know how to use it, as this is bear country.
This trail sits at 6,585 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 26% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
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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.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This challenging 16.0 miles trail gains 800 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
Where to Stay
Blue Buffalo Resort
Pendleton Pointe
Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch
Grandma's Home in the Woods. Yellowstone
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
8.2 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.govNearby Hot Springs
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Excelsior Geyser Crater discharges approximately 4,000 gallons per minute at 199 degrees Fahrenheit into the Firehole River, ma...
Flood Group
Flood Group flows at 203 degrees Fahrenheit in Yellowstone's Midway Geyser Basin, positioned just 583 feet from the Grand Loop ...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Driggs, Wyoming on SoakingSprings.
Explore Wyoming springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in the Bechler area include Bechler Falls, Cave Falls, and the Bechler River Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, elk, and birds. Visitors should practice proper wildlife safety and keep a safe distance from animals.
Cities near Dunanda Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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