Is swimming allowed at Osprey Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Osprey Falls.

Nearby gauge (Boiling River) · 21 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Osprey Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Osprey Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Osprey 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 • 150 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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

Yellowstone National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Nick.I.Am CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

frigginacky CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

drewgeraets CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

frigginacky CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

8.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About Osprey Falls

Osprey Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It cascades approximately 150 feet into the Sheepeater Canyon, offering breathtaking views and a rewarding experience for hikers.

The Setting

Osprey Falls sits at 6,565 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

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Wraith Falls (79 ft) lies 2.9 miles to the east. Also nearby: Undine Falls (60 ft, 2.3 mi) and Rustic Falls (47 ft, 2.2 mi).

Wraith Falls Undine Falls Rustic Falls

Trail & Hike Details

8.0 mi distance 800 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 8.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Osprey Falls begins at the Bunsen Peak Trailhead and follows a relatively flat path for the first few miles. It then descends steeply into Sheepeater Canyon, where the waterfall is located. The descent can be challenging due to loose rocks and steep terrain, so proper footwear is essential.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 150 feet.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Osprey 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

🏊 Is There Swimming at Osprey Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Osprey Falls is during late spring through early fall, when the trail is free of snow and the waterfall is at its most impressive 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

The descent into Sheepeater Canyon is steep and can be slippery. Hikers should wear sturdy footwear and exercise caution. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife in the area. Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for rain or cold temperatures.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Boiling River, 3.9 miles away, not on Osprey Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

21 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

20 21 27 27

Based on 30 years of record

1.11 ft

Water depth at gauge

122°F

Warm

Very comfortable

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. The water is warm at 122 degrees F, very comfortable for swimming.

About This Gauge

Boiling River at Mammoth,YNP

USGS 06190540

3.9 miles from waterfall

Altitude: 5,680 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Boiling River at Mammoth,YNP (6 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

21 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

22 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

21 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

21 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

21 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

22 cfs

3/10

Sun

Low

23 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

23 cfs

4/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to late July, peaking in May.

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 Mammoth hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Osprey Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded

Osprey Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 50°F to 33°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 21 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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 415 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. 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 6,597 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 23 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 216 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northeast, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Osprey Falls near Mammoth, Wyoming, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Osprey Falls near Mammoth, Wyoming, showing about 415 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 6,597 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 415 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Osprey Falls is accessed via the Bunsen Peak Trailhead, located near Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. The trailhead is easily reachable by car, and signs for the trail are clearly marked.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Bunsen Peak Trailhead. However, during peak seasons, parking may be limited, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

6,565 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.928563° N, -110.680996° W

Land Management

Yellowstone National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough time to complete the trail. Bring plenty of water, as the trail can be strenuous, especially during warmer months. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, as conditions in Yellowstone can vary rapidly.

This trail sits at 6,565 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV 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.

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 8.0 miles and 800 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

Mammoth Campground (Yellowstone)

3.2 miles away · 87 sites

Reservable

Overview Starting Tuesday April 15th, the Mammoth Campground is open and reservations are required. For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Fishing Bridge RV Park, Bridge Bay, Canyon, Madison, and Grant Village campgrounds), please visit the Yellowstone National Park Lodges Camping website. Recreation There are many recreational opportunities in the Mammoth Hot Springs and the North area. Visit these pages to learn more:Boating Fishing Hiking Photograp

Book on Recreation.gov