Is swimming allowed at Rustic Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Rustic Falls.

Live Conditions · 23 ft³/s · About average

Rustic Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Rustic Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Rustic Falls.

Wyoming • 47 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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

Yellowstone National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

mmmavocado CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

nickavarvel CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

daveynin CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

WanderingtheWorld (www.ChrisFord.com) CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

James St. John CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

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).

Osprey Falls Wraith Falls Undine Falls

Trail & Hike Details

1.2 mi distance 200 ft climbed

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

spring summer fall

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.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

23 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

20 21 27 28

Based on 29 years of record

1.11 ft

Water depth at gauge

125°F

Warm

Very comfortable

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. The water is warm at 125 degrees F, very comfortable for swimming.

About This Gauge

Boiling River at Mammoth,YNP

USGS 06190540

4 miles from waterfall

7-Day Flow Outlook

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

High confidence

Moderate right now

23 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

23 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

23 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

25 cfs

5/10

Mon

Moderate

27 cfs

6/10

Tue

Moderate

24 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

23 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

23 cfs

8/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

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

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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 208 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 47 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 7,183 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 134 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 166 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Rustic Falls near Mammoth, Wyoming, showing about 208 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 7,183 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 208 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; 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 north).

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

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 Maps

Parking

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

Yellowstone National Park NP

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 Trail

UV 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.

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

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

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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