Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Rustic Falls
Rustic Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It cascades approximately 47 feet over a rocky cliff and is easily visible from the road, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring the park.
The Setting
Rustic Falls sits at 7,211 feet within Yellowstone National Park, fed by the Boiling River, in the high mountains of Wyoming. The falls drop 47 feet.
Height: 47 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Osprey Falls (150 ft) lies 2.2 miles to the east. Also nearby: Wraith Falls (79 ft, 5.0 mi) and Undine Falls (60 ft, 4.3 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
No hiking is required to view Rustic Falls. It is visible from a roadside pullout along the Grand Loop Road.
What to Expect
The falls drop 47 feet.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Rustic Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rustic Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Rustic Falls is during the spring and early summer when the water flow is strongest. Fall also offers beautiful foliage in the surrounding area.
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 when stopping along the road to view the falls, as traffic can be heavy. Stay on designated areas and avoid venturing too close to the edge of the pullout.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Boiling River at Mammoth,YNP (6 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
22 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
21 cfs
5/10Thu
Low
24 cfs
3/10Fri
Low
25 cfs
3/10Sat
Low
25 cfs
3/10Sun
Low
25 cfs
3/10Mon
Low
26 cfs
3/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, smoke (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.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Rustic Falls is located along the Grand Loop Road near the Golden Gate area in Yellowstone National Park. It is easily accessible by car and can be viewed from a roadside pullout.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small pullout area near the falls along the Grand Loop Road where visitors can park briefly to view the waterfall.
Elevation
7,211 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.934102° N, -110.725766° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking at the pullout. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Be cautious of traffic when stopping along the road.
This trail sits at 7,211 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.
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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 easy 1.2 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. 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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Yellowstone Village Inn and Suites
Corral Villas Yellowstone
Roosevelt Hotel & Cabins - 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
Mammoth Campground (Yellowstone)
3.2 miles away · 87 sites
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.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Mammoth, Wyoming
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs discharges at 163 degrees Fahrenheit just 6 meters from Upper Terrace Drive at 6,589 feet elevation, deposi...
Hot River
Hot River forms where thermal springs mix with cold stream water at 5,685 feet elevation near Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowston...
Apollinaris Spring
Apollinaris Spring emerges in Yellowstone National Park just 95.2 meters from Grand Loop Road at 7,580 feet elevation near Norr...
Amphitheater Springs
Amphitheater Springs reach 196°F in Yellowstone National Park's Norris Geyser Basin, one of Earth's most dynamic thermal areas....
Bear Creek Springs
Bear Creek Springs discharges at 72°F -- only 31 degrees above ambient -- within Gallatin National Forest at 5,423 feet elevati...
Gas Vents At Horseshoe Hill
This thermal feature produces 97-degree Fahrenheit water at 7,640 feet elevation, accessible via 2.6-mile hike from Grand Loop ...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Mammoth, Wyoming on SoakingSprings.
Explore Wyoming springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Golden Gate Canyon, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Norris Geyser Basin are all located nearby.
Wildlife
Visitors may spot wildlife such as elk, bison, and various bird species in the area. Always maintain a safe distance from animals.
Cities near Rustic Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Rustic Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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