Tower Fall
Wyoming • 132 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Tower Fall
Tower Fall is a stunning 132-foot waterfall located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It is named for the unique rock spires, or 'towers,' that surround the falls, creating a dramatic and picturesque setting. The waterfall is fed by Tower Creek, which flows into the Yellowstone River.
The Setting
Tower Fall sits at 6,329 feet within Yellowstone National Park, in the high mountains of Wyoming. At 132 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Wyoming.
Height: 132 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Tower Fall is a short and easy walk from the parking area to a viewing platform. The trail is well-maintained and offers excellent views of the waterfall and surrounding rock formations. The lower section of the trail leading to the base of the falls has been closed for safety reasons.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 132 feet.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Tower Fall?
❌ 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?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Tower Fall?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Tower Fall is during late spring through early fall when the trail is accessible, and the waterfall flow is 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 the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 38°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms. Do not attempt to access the base of the falls, as the trail is closed for safety reasons. Be cautious of wildlife and maintain a safe distance. Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Lamar River, 2.4 miles away, not on Tower Fall's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
127 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 84 years of record
0.98 ft
Water depth at gauge
38°F
Dangerously coldRisk of cold shock
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is dangerously cold at 38 degrees F, avoid prolonged contact.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Lamar River nr Tower Ranger Station YNP (4 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
127 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
128 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
120 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
123 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
133 cfs
3/10Sun
Low
134 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
130 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late 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 Mammoth hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Tower Fall Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Tower Fall is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 55°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 134 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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 290 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 132 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 6,398 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 135 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 126 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 6,398 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 290 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
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
Tower Fall is located in the northeastern section of Yellowstone National Park, near Tower Junction. It is accessible via the Grand Loop Road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the Tower Fall General Store, which provides easy access to the viewing area and trailhead.
Elevation
6,329 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.893664° N, -110.387219° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during the summer months. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as Yellowstone's weather can be unpredictable.
This trail sits at 6,329 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 25% 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.
For this easy 0.5 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. 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 Gateway Inn
Yellowstone Village Inn and Suites
Corral Villas 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
Tower Fall Campground
0.3 miles away · 33 sites
Overview Tower Fall Campground—elevation 6,600 feet (2012 m)—is on the north side of the steep, winding, road to Dunraven Pass. The campground is near the Tower General Store and Tower Fall. The Lamar Valley, with spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, is nearby as are several Day Hikes in the Tower and Northeast Area. Roosevelt Lodge, a short drive from the campground, offers dining and horseback riding. For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Fishin
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Lamar Valley, known for its wildlife viewing opportunities, and the Yellowstone River. The Tower Fall General Store is also nearby for snacks and souvenirs.
Wildlife
The area around Tower Fall is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, and birds of prey. Visitors should maintain a safe distance from all animals.
Nearby Waterfalls
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