Is swimming allowed at Fairy Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Fairy Falls.

Live Conditions · 36 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Fairy Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Fairy Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Fairy Falls.

Wyoming • 200 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Fairy Falls, see below

Yellowstone National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Gérard Cachon CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

joshbousel CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Joe Shlabotnik CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

joshbousel CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

5.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

150 ft

About Fairy Falls

Fairy Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in the park, cascading approximately 200 feet into a serene pool below. The falls are accessible via a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding geothermal features and landscapes.

The Setting

Fairy Falls sits at 7,657 feet within Yellowstone National Park, fed by the Firehole River, in the high mountains of Wyoming. At 200 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Wyoming.

Height: 200 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Kepler Cascades (150 ft) lies 6.3 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Firehole Falls (40 ft, 7.4 mi).

Kepler Cascades Firehole Falls

Trail & Hike Details

5.0 mi distance 150 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 5.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 150 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The Fairy Falls Trail is a well-maintained path that begins near the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. The trail is mostly flat with a gradual incline as you approach the falls. Along the way, hikers can enjoy views of the Grand Prismatic Spring and other geothermal features. The final stretch leads to a viewing area at the base of the falls.

What to Expect

The falls plunge 200 feet.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Fairy Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Fairy Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Fairy Falls is during late spring through early fall when the trail is free of snow and the weather is mild. Summer offers the most accessible conditions, but it is also the busiest season.

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 49°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious of wildlife and stay on designated trails to avoid geothermal hazards. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for rain or cold temperatures even in summer.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

36 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

38 40 54 68

Based on 19 years of record

2.45 ft

Water depth at gauge

49°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 49 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

5.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 40 sq mi

Altitude: 7,352 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP (8 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

36 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

36 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

36 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

36 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

41 cfs

3/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

38 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

36 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

36 cfs

5/10

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

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.

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 186 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The listed height of 200 feet matches what the lidar sees. The ground at the falls is roughly 7,666 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 39 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 171 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Fairy Falls near West Yellowstone, Wyoming, showing about 186 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 7,666 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 186 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Fairy Falls is located in the Midway Geyser Basin area of Yellowstone National Park. The trailhead is accessible from the parking area near the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Fairy Falls Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

7,657 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.524377° N, -110.871045° W

Land Management

Yellowstone National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy hiking shoes. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, as conditions in Yellowstone can be unpredictable.

This trail sits at 7,657 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 31% 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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 5.0 miles and 150 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.

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.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

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

Old Faithful Inn

4.9 miles away · 0 sites

The Old Faithful Inn, built in 1903 and a member of Historic Hotels of America® since 2012 was designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation® for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels across America. Old Faithful Inn, a rustic-style lodge with a log and wood shingle exterior, is adjacent to the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser. The origina

Book on Recreation.gov