The Fairy Falls Hiking Trail is an epic hike in West Yellowstone with a beautiful view of the 200 foot Fairy Falls. I love this hike so much due to the fact that it is great for all skill levels of hikers and most ages.
It is a 5 mile round trip trail that is fairly flat and easy for most of the trail passing the Midway Geyser Basin. You also have an option to loop up and see the spectacular views of Grand Prismatic Spring. Be prepared to have fun and see some epic views!!
Fairy Falls Trail - Yellowstone National Park
Distance: 5 miles round trip, in and out. If you add on the Grand Prismatic Overlook it adds .4 miles making this trail 5.4 miles round trip.
Elevation Gain/Loss: 228 feet
Time: 3-5 hours
Difficulty: Easy hike to Moderate. Mostly Flat. People with disabilities or health issues will find it difficult.
Restrooms: There are no restrooms at the trailhead. Plan ahead accordingly and find a restroom before you head to the trail.
Accessibility: I did see a person in a wheelchair but it did not look easy or enjoyable. The trail surface is not flat.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on this trail or any of Yellowstone’s other trails or boardwalks
Fairy Falls Parking Lot: Small parking lot for the number of people. It fills up very quickly.
Check out all of the waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park!
Where is Fairy Falls Trail Head?
Entering the West Entrance of Yellowstone, you will follow the road to Madison Junction. You will then take a right at the stop sign and head south. You should pass by Fountain Flat Drive, Firehole Lake Drive, and the Grand Prismatic Spring Entrance. Then turn right at the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook shortly after.
Coming from the North Entrance of Yellowstone you will follow the road past the Albright Visitor Center and Mammoth Hot Springs. Follow the road all the way to Norris Junction and go straight through Norris.
You should pass by Norris Geyser Basin and Artist Paintpots as you head towards Madison Junction. Take a left at Madison Junction and follow it until you pass Grand Prismatic Spring Entrance and you will see the Grand Prismatic Overlook trail. Turn there.
From Old Faithful, exit right and follow the road straight past Black Sand Basin and Biscuit Basin. You will then see the Grand Prismatic Springs Overlook/Fairy Falls Trail on your left and turn there.
Hiking the Fairy Falls Trail
The Fairy Falls Hike starts out with the Grand Prismatic Springs Overlook Trail and will split off about 0.5 miles in. I highly encourage you to make the small loop up and down the Grand Prismatic Overlook at some point.
To continue on to Fairy Falls you will continue straight on the path past the overlook trail and head about another 0.5 miles while getting a beautiful view of the Midway Geyser Basin and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
You will then turn left at a sign that marks the Fairy Falls Trail. From here you will have 1.6 miles to the falls. You will then follow the trail through a Lodgepole Pine Forest where the trail continues to be mostly flat.
It will get a little more rugged towards the falls where you will have to navigate over and around some rocks. When you arrive it will all be worth the trip with the amazing view of Fairy Falls and the pool below.
This is a fantastic Yellowstone Day Hike!
Trail Safety
Fairy Falls is a great hiking trail but you must be safe. People should consider their own health and safety when preparing for this hike. Especially people with health conditions. If you second guess your ability to complete the hike safely, then it might be best to sit this one out.
Be aware of wildlife as well. Bears are prevalent in Yellowstone so be prepared if you see one. As well as other wildlife.
The trail can be closed at times due to bear management. Typically it is closed from March 10th through the Friday of Memorial Day weekend but always check to make sure it is open at the time you plan to hike.
Be aware of weather conditions as well.
What to Bring
Water - Water is key to preventing dehydration. It gets hot while hiking and it is crucial to drink water.
Sunscreen/Hat - Make sure you are prepared for the weather and heat! The last thing you want is to get burned on your Yellowstone Vacation.
Make sure you bring the 10 essentials with you!
Camera Gear we use
We are big fans of using great camera gear to get amazing photos while traveling.
Canon R5 - We recently upgraded to the R5 after using a Mark 5 for years. We are loving the camera shutter speed and quality of images.
Canon 100 - 500mm - We use the Canon 100-500 for wildlife photography.
Camera Rain Cover - A rain cover will help protect your camera during rain showers but also when photographing waterfalls.
Camera Cleaning Kit - Cameras can get dirty, beat up, and dusty while in the parks. We like having a cleaning kit with us so we can do on the spot touch ups.
Extra Camera Batteries - We suggest always having one or two extra camera batteries with you. There is nothing worse than going to take a shot and the battery dies.
Extra Memory Cards - We use Extreme PRO SanDisk cards
Yellowstone National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Snowmobile - $30.00 Entry for one driver and one passenger (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$20.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons) ($25.00 plus $20.00 per person)
$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Nearby Yellowstone Attractions
Old Faithful - Old Faithful is just down the road from this trail.
Biscuit Basin - Check out Black Opal Pool and the Jewel Geyser in Biscuit Basin.
Fountain Paint Pot - Explore the Fountain Paint Pot Trail to check out the Celestine Pool, Jet Geyser, Fountain Geyser, and Clepsydra Geyser.
Firehole Canyon Drive - Check out Firehole Falls and Firehole River Swimming Area on this great scenic drive.
Black Sand Basin - This is a great short boardwalk through multiple thermal features.
Norris Geyser Basin - Norris Geyser Basin is home to some of the hottest thermal features in the park. There are two loop trails that guide you along with these thermal features.
Closest Campground - Madison Campground
Closest Yellowstone Lodging - Old Faithful Inn and Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Old Faithful Lodge Cabins
Yellowstone and Glacier National Park Tours
Are you looking to let someone else do the driving? Here are some great Yellowstone and Glacier National Park Tours so you can focus on sightseeing instead of driving and planning. Overnight tours listed below also include room accommodations and complimentary breakfast.
Full Day Yellowstone National Park Tour with pickup - Pickup is included on just about anywhere on the North or west side of Yellowstone.
The tour enters the park through the North Entrance of Yellowstone with key stops, including Mammoth Hot Springs terraces, Tower Roosevelt, and Lamar Valley. This tour is definitely for the wildlife enthusiast, and it offers opportunities to see bison, elk, antelope, coyotes, and moose. This is also where the wolves like to hang out in Yellowstone! Will stop in Cooke City for lunch on your own before heading back. You will also stop by a local commercial hot springs on the way back.
Click here to book your Full Day Yellowstone National Park Tour.
5-Day In-Depth Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park Tour - Meet in Bozeman, Montana, and head to Yellowstone National Park, where you will spend 4 days exploring Yellowstone! Spend the fifth day exploring Grand Teton National Park as the tour ends in Jackson, Wyoming. Don't worry, there is an airport in both locations!
Click here to book your 5-day In-Depth Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park Tour.
Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks 8-Day Tour - This is an 8-Day roundtrip tour out of Salt Lake City, Utah. This epic tour includes stops at the Utah State Capitol, Antelope Island State Park (Utah), Idaho Falls, Jackson Hole (Wyoming), Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, Butte Montana, and Lava Hot Springs! This tour has tons included in the price, including lodging, breakfast, national and state park entrance fees, excursions indicated on the itinerary, snacks bottled water, and more!
Click here to book your 8-Day Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks tour.
Where to stay when visiting Yellowstone National Park
When planning where to stay while vacationing in Yellowstone you will want to determine which area of the park you are planning to visit.
We suggest if possible staying at a few different lodging options to provide easy access to different portions of the park.
Yellowstone National Park Lodging
There are nine National Park Lodges located within the park offering over 2,000 rooms.
Only two lodges are open during the winter - Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
From late spring through fall all of the lodges are open.
- Canyon Lodge and Cabins: 400+ guest rooms spread across 5 hotel-style lodges, with 100+ cabins being more rustic accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
- Grant Village Lodge: 300 guest rooms spread across 6 two-story, hotel-style lodges. Available to book on Expedia
- Lake Hotel and Cabins: Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
- Lake Lodge Cabins: 186 cabins.
- Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins: Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations.
- Old Faithful Inn: Rustic lodge with hotel room-style accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
- Old Faithful Lodge: Cabin accommodations.
- Old Faithful Snow Lodge: Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
- Roosevelt Lodge: Cabin accommodations.
Lodging near Yellowstone NP
Gray Wolf Inn & Suites in West Yellowstone - 3-star hotel. Gray Wolf Inn & Suites is located close to Yellowstone Park West Entrance, and provides a firepit, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour gym. Adventurous travelers may like the snowmobiling at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a business center are available to all guests.
Stage Coach Inn in West Yellowstone - Yellowstone Park West Entrance is located near Stage Coach Inn, which provides free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a gym and a 24-hour business center.
Yellowstone Westgate Hotel in West Yellowstone - At Yellowstone Westgate Hotel, you can look forward to free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a business center are available to all guests.
Brandin' Iron Inn in West Yellowstone - Brandin' Iron Inn is located close to Yellowstone Park West Entrance, and provides free full breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. Skiers and snowboarders can spend time on the slopes at this motel offering ski-in/ski-out access and cross-country skiing. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Kelly Inn West Yellowstone - Close to Yellowstone Park West Entrance, Kelly Inn West Yellowstone provides free continental breakfast, a free roundtrip airport shuttle, and a firepit. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room WIFI is available to all guests, along with laundry facilities and a business center.
Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel near Gardiner, MT- Along with self parking, this campground has coffee/tea in a common area and a microwave in a common area. Free continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi in public areas are also provided. Additionally, concierge services, a garden, and barbecue grills are onsite. All 17 accommodations boast heated floor (bathroom) and offer Wi-Fi and 8 bathrooms. Other amenities available to guests include memory foam beds, premium bedding, and rainfall showerheads. Private bathrooms are not ensuite.
Absaroka Lodge near Gardiner, MT- Absaroka Lodge provides amenities like a terrace and a garden. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.
Yellowstone Big Rock Inn near Gardiner, MT- Yellowstone Big Rock Inn provides a garden and more. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.
Super 8 by Wyndham Gardiner near Gardiner, MT- Super 8 by Wyndham Gardiner/Yellowstone Park Area provides dry cleaning/laundry services and more. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Yellowstone Gateway Inn near Gardiner, MT- 3-star hotel near Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Gateway Inn provides amenities like a garden and laundry facilities. Treat yourself to a massage or other spa services. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.
Click on the maps below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near Yellowstone NP.
For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!
Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando
Additional Yellowstone and Grand Teton NP Resources
Yellowstone Lodging Guide -Check out all of the lodges you can stay in while visiting Yellowstone NP.
Yellowstone Camping Guide - Check out all of the campgrounds available within the park.
Things to do Yellowstone - Check out all of the top things to do in the park.
Yellowstone Facts - Learn more about the unique features of Yellowstone.
Free National Park Days - Check out all of the days the National Park Service waives park entrance fees.
National Parks in Wyoming - Check out all of the parks you can visit while in Wyoming.
Grand Teton Guide - Find out about all about this epic park.
Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok
Leave a Reply