Ragged Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
300 ft
About Ragged Falls
Ragged Falls sits within Yellowstone National Park and is managed by the National Park Service. The falls offer a rugged, photogenic cascade set against the park’s wild scenery—an inviting stop for hikers and photographers exploring Yellowstone’s geothermal and forested landscapes. As an NPS site, the area is stewarded for both visitor enjoyment and resource protection, so expect maintained access and park regulations to be in effect. The falls are reached via a moderate out-and-back hike of 2.5 miles with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain, making it a rewarding half-day outing for most hikers. The nearest developed lodging/campground is the Old Faithful Inn, about 19.65 km from the falls, so plan your day with that distance in mind and follow Leave No Trace practices while in the park.
The Setting
Ragged Falls sits at 7,356 feet within Yellowstone National Park, fed by the Firehole River, in the high mountains of Wyoming.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 2.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Out-and-back trail, 2.5 miles total, approximately 300 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. Trail type: out-and-back. Specific surface, grade, and technical trail class are not specified in the provided NPS data; the route is maintained as part of Yellowstone National Park facilities and is suitable for hikers prepared for a moderate, park-managed trail.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ragged Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ragged Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Ragged Falls is during late spring or early summer when water flow is at its peak, or in the fall for vibrant foliage.
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
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Always stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife in the area.
Current Water Conditions
36 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 19 years of record
2.45 ft
Water depth at gauge
56°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
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 a bracing 56 degrees F, limit your time in the water.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP (20 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
36 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
36 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
36 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
38 cfs
3/10Tue
Barely Flowing
37 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
36 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
36 cfs
5/10Best 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 bare-earth surface loses about 112 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 7,384 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 45 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 61 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 7,384 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 112 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
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
Ragged Falls is located in a remote area of Wyoming. Access typically requires driving on unpaved roads, and visitors should check local maps or GPS for the most accurate directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There may be a small parking area near the trailhead, but availability is limited. Visitors are advised to arrive early during peak seasons.
Elevation
7,356 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.287986° N, -110.889936° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be rocky and uneven. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may become slippery after rain.
This trail sits at 7,356 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 29% 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 2.5 miles and 300 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
Cabin Village
Sawtelle Mountain Resort
Blue Buffalo Resort
Pendleton Pointe
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
Old Faithful Inn
12.2 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
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include other hiking trails and scenic viewpoints in the surrounding area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of bears and carry bear spray if hiking in the region.
Cities near Ragged Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Ragged Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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