HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Fairy Falls

5.4 midistance
190 ftelevation gain
1h 55mmoving time
35 ft/miaverage climb

Fairy Falls is a 5.4 mi trail with 190 ft of climbing — about 1h 55m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 8. About 30% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 8 👶 No stroller 🚻 No restrooms 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 30% shaded

Underfoot & overhead forest to falls

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Fairy Falls charges in hours, not miles.

5.4 mi and 190 ft of climbing work out to 1h 55m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

1h 55mmoving time, no breaks
0.9–1.9 Lwater, cool day → hot
60–110 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

35 ft per mile 5th steepest of the 6 trails we've measured in Yellowstone National Park
30% shaded Patchy cover — the sun finds you in stretches

In July, Yellowstone National Park runs around 78°F at the main visitor elevation. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Tonight

42°F · Patchy Smoke · wind 2 mph

NOAA forecast for Yellowstone National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ Vehicle Entrance Reservation Not Needed

Although an entrance pass is required to enter Yellowstone National Park, vehicle reservations are not needed. You are encouraged to purchase an entrance pass before arriving, but you may also purchase passes at any...

Live NPS alert for Yellowstone National Park · source
⚠️ Osprey Falls Trail Temporary Closure

The Osprey Falls Trail, located south of Mammoth Hot Springs near Bunsen Peak, will be temporarily closed for critical trail repair work July 28–Aug. 4 from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. On July 30–31, the trail will be closed all...

Live NPS alert for Yellowstone National Park · source
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Yellowstone National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Fairy Falls take?

About 1h 55m of moving time for 5.4 mi and 190 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Fairy Falls?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.9–1.9 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Fairy Falls?

No — Fairy Falls is closed to dogs. Our Yellowstone National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.

Is Fairy Falls good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 8. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Fairy Falls?

About 30% of the route is shaded, and Yellowstone National Park peaks around 78°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.