Wraith Falls
Wyoming • 79 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.8 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Wraith Falls
Wraith Falls is a picturesque 79-foot cascading waterfall located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It is named for its ghostly appearance, especially when mist rises from the falls.
The Setting
Wraith Falls sits at 6,759 feet within Yellowstone National Park, fed by the Boiling River, in the high mountains of Wyoming. The falls drop 79 feet.
Height: 79 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Osprey Falls (150 ft) lies 2.9 miles to the west. Also nearby: Undine Falls (60 ft, 0.9 mi) and Rustic Falls (47 ft, 5.0 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.8-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Wraith Falls is a short and easy hike, suitable for most visitors. It follows a well-maintained path through a meadow and forested area, leading to a viewing platform with a clear view of the falls.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 79 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 Wraith Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Wraith Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Wraith Falls is in late spring or early summer when the water flow is at its peak. Fall also offers beautiful foliage, while winter access may be limited.
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
Stay on the trail to avoid damaging the environment or encountering dangerous wildlife. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Be cautious of slippery surfaces near the falls.
Current Water Conditions
23 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 29 years of record
1.11 ft
Water depth at gauge
125°F
WarmVery comfortable
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. The water is warm at 125 degrees F, very comfortable for swimming.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Boiling River at Mammoth,YNP (7 km away).
Today
Moderate
23 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
23 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
25 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
27 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
24 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
23 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
23 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to late July, peaking in May.
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.
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 193 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 79 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 6,773 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 73 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 81 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north 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
- 6,773 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 193 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- 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 north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Wraith Falls is located in Yellowstone National Park, approximately 0.5 miles from the Grand Loop Road near Mammoth Hot Springs. The trailhead is well-marked and easy to find.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead along the Grand Loop Road. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
6,759 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.937158° N, -110.623541° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak season to secure parking. Bring insect repellent during summer months, as mosquitoes may be present. Stay on the designated trail to protect the environment and avoid encounters with wildlife.
This trail sits at 6,759 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 27% 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 0.8 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
Yellowstone Gateway Inn
Yellowstone Village Inn and Suites
Roosevelt Hotel & Cabins - Yellowstone
Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone, an Ascend Collection 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
Mammoth Campground (Yellowstone)
4.2 miles away · 87 sites
Overview Starting Tuesday April 15th, the Mammoth Campground is open and reservations are required. For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Fishing Bridge RV Park, Bridge Bay, Canyon, Madison, and Grant Village campgrounds), please visit the Yellowstone National Park Lodges Camping website. Recreation There are many recreational opportunities in the Mammoth Hot Springs and the North area. Visit these pages to learn more:Boating Fishing Hiking Photograp
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Wraith Falls, Wyoming on SoakingSprings.
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Nearby Attractions
Mammoth Hot Springs, Undine Falls, and the Lamar Valley are all located nearby and worth visiting.
Wildlife
The area around Wraith Falls is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bison, and occasionally bears. Always maintain a safe distance from animals.
Nearby Waterfalls
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