Trail

Osprey Falls Trail

Trail
A hiker stands at the base of a large waterfall.

This is a genuine lung-buster: 8 miles round-trip with 700 feet of elevation loss into Sheepeater Canyon to reach a 150-foot waterfall plunging over an ancient lava flow. The first 3 miles traverse a burned-out meadow on an old service road with zero shade. Then you descend steeply into rocky, bear-thick canyon terrain. A reward, brutal price of admission.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
8
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet
700

Trail profile

Distance Miles
8
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet
700
Estimated Time
4-6 hours (fit hikers at faster pace; expect 6+ if you stop for photos or move conservatively on descent)
Trail Surface
First 3 miles: gravel old service road (Old Bunsen Peak Road). Final mile: rocky descent trail with loose scree, boulders, and dirt.
Trail Features
  • Osprey Falls (150-foot plunge)
  • Sheepeater Canyon—one of Yellowstone's deepest canyons
  • Old lava flow edge
  • Gardner River viewpoint
  • Burned forest transitioning to healthy growth
  • Alpine meadow views
Trail Highlights
Osprey Falls drops 150 feet over the edge of an ancient lava flow into Sheepeater Canyon. The canyon itself is one of Yellowstone's deepest. You stand at the base with Gardner River thunder below.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
5 miles south of Mammoth on Grand Loop Road. Parking: gravel lot just south of Golden Gate, across from Glen Creek trailhead.
Parking Lot Size
Small, unpaved (relatively small capacity)
Parking Fill Time
Full by sunrise during summer weekends. Peak saturation 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM July-August.
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
No shuttle service. Parking only—arrive early or accept a full lot.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permits required. Day-use only.
Fees
$35 per private vehicle (7-day pass)
Trail Status
Open (weather and snow dependent)
Seasonal Closures
Typically closed mid-November through mid-April due to snow. Grand Loop Road section (access) usually open mid-April through early November. Verify with ranger before winter or shoulder season.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Gardner River at destination (must filter before drinking). No water sources on first 3 miles—carry everything.
Accessibility
Not accessible. Steep, rocky descent. Loose scree and uneven terrain. No railing on exposure. Requires high fitness and solid footing.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Grizzly bears
  • Steep canyon descent with drop-offs
  • Slippery wet rocks
  • Swift Gardner River
  • Exposure to intense UV (high altitude)
  • Loose scree and boulders
Hazard Details
Grizzly bears frequent this drainage—make continuous noise and carry bear spray. Canyon descent is steep and technical with loose rocks; footing is treacherous when wet. Drop-offs exist on narrow sections. Upper road section offers zero shade and intense sun exposure at elevation. River crossings and rocks are slippery.
Cell Service
Unreliable to none (backcountry)
Crowd Level
Popular during peak summer weekends; moderate solitude mid-week or early morning. Off-peak (September-October) is much quieter.
Peak Crowd Times
July-August weekends and holidays. Weekday mornings (weekdays generally less congested).
Best Season
Summer and Fall
Best Time To Visit
Summer and early fall (June through September). Arrive by 6:30 AM—the small gravel lot fills fast on sunny days. Start hiking before 7 AM to avoid afternoon heat and maximize daylight in the canyon. Late morning onward, the exposed upper road section becomes a furnace.
Tips Advice
  • Carry 3-4 liters of water minimum—no sources until Gardner River at mile 4.
  • Bear spray mandatory. Grizzlies use this drainage heavily. Make noise constantly.
  • Trekking poles essential for the descent on loose scree and rocky terrain.
  • Start before dawn to finish before dark. Headlamp backup.
  • Sunscreen and hat for the exposed meadow section. No shade for first 3 miles.
  • Avoid solo visits—hike with partners. Wildlife encounter risk is real.

More details

Park Area
Mammoth Hot Springs
Trail Markers
Well-worn on Old Bunsen Peak Road section. Trail markers and good tread on canyon descent, but route-finding required in dense timber near top.
Dogs Allowed
No
Biking Allowed
Bikes allowed on Old Bunsen Peak Road (first 3 miles); no bikes on final Osprey Falls Trail descent
Shade Level
Exposed: full sun on meadow and burned-forest road section (first 3 miles). Shaded canyon bottom near falls provides relief.
Emergency Contacts
Call 911 from trailhead area (service unreliable on trail). Nearest ranger: Mammoth District Ranger Station (5 miles north at Mammoth).
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
November through April (variable; typically closed mid-November to mid-April)
Mud Season
April-May. Snowmelt makes upper road section boggy and slippery.
Wildflower Peak
July-August (meadow section)
Fall Colors Peak
Mid-September to early October
Bug Season
July-September (mosquitoes and biting flies in canyon drainage)
Insider Tips
  • The false summit at mile 3 (junction with Osprey Falls Trail) tricks hikers. Keep going—the real payoff is 1 mile further and 700 feet down.
  • Clouds move fast in this canyon. If it clouds over, visibility at the falls drops instantly.
  • Return with 30 minutes of daylight to spare minimum. Canyon shadows kill light fast.
  • Park in back of lot if main area is full—walk is short and lot clears later.
  • Bikers often park here then pedal the road section; hike starts at their turnaround.
Recent Updates
No major closures reported. Always check NPS website or Mammoth ranger station for current trail conditions before departure, especially early/late season.
Family Friendly Notes
Strenuous for children under 10. The canyon descent has loose rocks, steep drop-offs, and exposure. Older kids (12+) with solid hiking fitness may succeed with close supervision. Hand-holding required on narrow canyon sections.
Nearby Facilities
Mammoth Hot Springs (5 miles north): lodging, restaurants, visitor center, ranger station. No services at trailhead.
Review Summary
Hikers unanimously say the reward is worth the punishment. The 700-foot descent on sketchy scree separates the committed from the casual. Osprey Falls itself is a legitimate show-stopper. Grizzly bear awareness is constant—this is prime territory. Early morning start is non-negotiable.

Frequently asked questions

Are there really bears on this trail?

Yes. Grizzly bears frequent this drainage. Carry bear spray and use it if needed. Make continuous noise—talk, clap, or use a bear bell. Hike with others, never solo.

Is this trail safe to do alone?

Not recommended. Lone hikers are at higher risk in bear country, and if you twist an ankle on the rocky descent, backup is critical. Bring a partner minimum.

Do I need trekking poles?

Yes. The rocky descent is steep and loose. Poles absorb impact on knees and prevent falls on scree.

Can I do this if I'm not super fit?

If you can sustain hiking for 4-6 hours and don't have knee problems, yes. Bring extra water and rest breaks. The reward justifies the effort, but it's not a casual stroll.

What if I forget water at the start?

Don't. The meadow section has zero sources. Carry 3-4 liters minimum or turn back. Gardner River at the falls is drinkable only with a filter.

Brink of Lower Falls

0.7 miles out-and-back. Steep climb back. The brink of Lower Falls rewards the grit.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated June 2026. Report an issue.