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.

Live Conditions · 89 ft³/s · About average

Twister Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Twister Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Twister Falls.

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

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, fed by the Firehole River, in the high alpine of Wyoming.

Trail & Hike Details

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

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

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 1 hour ago Strong

89 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

52 56 119 214

Based on 19 years of record

2.82 ft

Water depth at gauge

55°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 55 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

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 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 40 sq mi

Altitude: 7,352 ft

Weather Forecast

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

8054 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

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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