Tendoy Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Tendoy Falls
Tendoy Falls is a tucked-away cascade within Yellowstone National Park, managed by the National Park Service. This lesser-known drop offers a peaceful, wooded setting where mossy banks and rocky outcrops frame the stream—an inviting escape for hikers who prefer quieter corners of the park. As part of Yellowstone National Park, the area is overseen by the NPS, so plan your visit according to park guidelines and seasonal access; the hike makes for a pleasant half-day outing for visitors with moderate fitness looking to experience a quieter waterfall in the park.
The Setting
Tendoy Falls sits at 7,444 feet within Yellowstone National Park, in the high mountains of Wyoming.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail type: Out-and-back. Length: 2.4 miles. Difficulty: Moderate. The route is a relatively short hike with steady elevation change—suitable for hikers comfortable with moderate uphill sections and typical park trail conditions. (Trail surface, grade class, and a USFS trail number are not provided for this park-managed route.)
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic experience at Tendoy Falls. The area is likely to be quiet and less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls. The surrounding landscape may include forested areas and rocky outcrops.
Accessibility
Accessibility information for Tendoy Falls is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Tendoy 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?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Tendoy Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Tendoy Falls is typically in the spring or early summer when water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt. Fall can also be a beautiful time to visit, with colorful 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
Water temperature is currently 46°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Carrying a first aid kit is recommended.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Firehole River, 12.4 miles away, not on Tendoy Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
39 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 20 years of record
2.44 ft
Water depth at gauge
46°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 46 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 Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP (20 km away).
Today
Low
39 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
41 cfs
5/10Tue
Moderate
41 cfs
5/10Wed
Moderate
43 cfs
5/10Thu
Moderate
42 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
41 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
41 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to mid July, 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 West Yellowstone hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Tendoy Falls Frozen?
Updated about 16 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded 2 more freezing days forecast
Tendoy Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 47°F to 32°F. 2 freezing days are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 2 of the next 7
- Flow
- 39 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 80 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 7,476 feet above sea level.
Above the falls the ground is nearly level, then it breaks away and keeps dropping about 63 feet over the next 500 feet downstream. The falls face northeast 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
- 7,476 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 80 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- 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 northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Tendoy Falls is located in a remote area of Wyoming. Access may require driving on unpaved roads, and visitors should ensure their vehicle is suitable for such conditions. Specific directions to the falls are not well-documented, so consulting local resources or maps is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability near Tendoy Falls is unclear. Visitors may need to park along the roadside or at a nearby trailhead, depending on the access point.
Elevation
7,444 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.284653° N, -110.878547° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check local weather conditions before visiting, as the area may become difficult to access during heavy rain or snow. Bring a map or GPS device, as cell service may be limited.
This trail sits at 7,444 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 30% 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
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
12.3 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
The surrounding area may include other natural attractions such as hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Wildlife
The area around Tendoy Falls may be home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious and respectful of wildlife.
Cities near Tendoy Falls
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