Taylor Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Trail Length
1.7 miles
About Taylor Falls
Taylor Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located in Montana, offering a serene and scenic experience for visitors. It is surrounded by lush forested areas and is a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Taylor Falls sits at 7,674 feet within Gallatin National Forest, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Taylor Falls (#17), a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
TAYLOR FALLS #17
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
1.70 miTrail Description
The trail to Taylor Falls is not well-documented, and details about its length, terrain, and difficulty are unclear. Visitors should prepare for potentially uneven or unmarked paths.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful and natural setting with a waterfall surrounded by forest. The area may be remote, so plan accordingly.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Taylor Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Taylor Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is likely to be at its peak 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 with Gallatin National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 47°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
The trail may be remote and unmarked. Visitors should carry sufficient supplies, inform someone of their plans, and be cautious of wildlife and weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Madison River, 12.2 miles away, not on Taylor Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
641 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 88 years of record
1.47 ft
Water depth at gauge
47°F
Very coldExpect 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 47 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Madison River bl Hebgen Lake nr Grayling MT (20 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
641 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
647 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
636 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
625 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
650 cfs
2/10Sun
Barely Flowing
662 cfs
2/10Mon
Barely Flowing
645 cfs
2/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid October to late November, peaking in June.
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 Big Sky hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Taylor Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Taylor Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 48°F to 28°F.
- Days below freezing
- 2 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 641 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 Montana.
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 182 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 7,674 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 135 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 81 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 7,674 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 182 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
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
Specific directions to Taylor Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or guides for accurate navigation. It may require driving on unpaved roads and a short hike to access.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but visitors should expect limited or informal parking near the trailhead.
Elevation
7,674 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.036594° N, -111.407459° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
This trail sits at 7,674 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV 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.
Where to Stay
Terra Nova Cabins
Dream Drift Motel
Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel
Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel
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
BEAVER CREEK CABIN (MT)
8.7 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Beaver Creek Cabin is a primitive, rustic cabin located within the Custer Gallatin National Forest, in an area that offers a variety of recreational activities. The cabin is situated 3.5 miles down Forest Service Road 985. It is accessible by vehicle when there is no snow, but winter access is only by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and they must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation Several trailheads near
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Nearby Attractions
Other natural attractions in Montana, such as Glacier National Park or local hiking trails, may be worth exploring.
Wildlife
The area may host a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and possibly bears. Visitors should take standard precautions.
Cities near Taylor Falls
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