Are there fees or permits required for Twister Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Twister Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Twister Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Twister Falls.

Nearby gauge (Firehole River) · 39 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Twister Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Twister Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Twister Falls. 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.

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Yellowstone National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About Twister Falls

Twister Falls is a photogenic cascade tucked inside Yellowstone National Park, managed by the National Park Service. The falls are framed by classic park scenery—conifer stands and rugged rock—and make a rewarding destination for hikers looking to pair waterfall views with Yellowstone’s backcountry atmosphere. Visitors will experience a sense of remoteness compared with the park’s more heavily trafficked thermal basins. The hike to Twister Falls is commonly approached as an out-and-back route of about 4.0 miles with roughly 800 feet of elevation gain, and it’s generally rated moderate. While there are no nearby campgrounds within a 10 km radius, the well-known Old Faithful Inn is approximately 18.2 km (about 11.3 miles) from the falls if you’re planning an overnight stay in the area.

The Setting

Twister Falls sits at 8,054 feet within Yellowstone National Park, in the high alpine of Wyoming.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Sluiceway Falls (10 ft) lies 1.5 miles to the southwest.

Sluiceway Falls

Trail & Hike Details

4.0 mi distance 800 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 4.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back; length: ~4.0 miles; elevation gain: ~800 feet; difficulty: moderate. This route is managed by the National Park Service as part of Yellowstone National Park rather than by the USFS; no USFS trail number or formal surface/grade/class data were provided in the supplied information. Expect a moderately sustained climb over the course of the hike and typical park trail conditions—trail maintenance and routing are handled by NPS staff, so check current park alerts before you go.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a serene hike through nature, culminating in views of the cascading Twister Falls. The area is known for its tranquility and natural beauty.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Twister 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 Twister Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Twister Falls, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest 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 46°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Always stay on marked trails and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Low

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Firehole River, 11.4 miles away, not on Twister 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

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

38 42 51 59

Based on 20 years of record

2.44 ft

Water depth at gauge

46°F

Very cold

Expect 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.

Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP

USGS 06036805

11.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 40 sq mi

Altitude: 7,340 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP (18 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

39 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

39 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

41 cfs

5/10

Tue

Moderate

41 cfs

5/10

Wed

Moderate

43 cfs

5/10

Thu

Moderate

42 cfs

5/10

Fri

Moderate

41 cfs

5/10

Sat

Moderate

41 cfs

5/10

Best 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 Twister Falls Frozen?

Updated about 16 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately 2 more freezing days forecast

Twister Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 45°F to 28°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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 124 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 8,083 feet.

The ground changes about 36 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 69 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Twister Falls near West Yellowstone, Wyoming, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Twister Falls near West Yellowstone, Wyoming, showing about 124 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 8,083 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 124 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Twister Falls is located within a remote area of Wyoming. Access typically requires driving to a trailhead followed by a hike. Specific directions may vary depending on the trailhead used.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

8,054 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.297431° N, -110.861880° W

Land Management

Yellowstone National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail may become slippery after rain or snow.

This trail sits at 8,054 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

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.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 4.0 miles and 800 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Old Faithful Inn

11.3 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

Book on Recreation.gov