Moose Falls
30‑ft plunge on Crawfish Creek; geothermal warmth supports unique habitat.
Off-peak morning visits reveal quieter surroundings.
Slightly detour to alternate viewpoints for varied angles.
Alpenglow potential on clear mornings; spray adds atmosphere
Steep, slippery descent; water temperature can be dangerously hot from geothermal activity; bear spray advised; maintain distance from wildlife
Natural Attraction
Foaming water spills 30 feet over Crawfish Creek, sending a mist across the spruce. View from above is possible near the trail exit, or you can descend a steep path to the base for a closer look. The drop results from hydrologic erosion, with geothermal warmth shaping the local habitat.
Getting there & parking
- How To Get There
- From the South Entrance Road pullout on the east side, proceed to the overlook. To reach the base, follow the steep trail down to Crawfish Creek for a close view.
- Distance From Entrance
- 0.5 miles from the South Entrance pullout; 75-yard hike to the base
- Road Type
- Paved
- Parking Availability
- Small pullout; fills quickly in peak seasons
- Peak Fill Times
- Parking fills quickly in peak season; arrive early or plan for overflow
- GPS Coordinates
- 44.1518910, -110.6727430
When to go
- Best Time To Visit
- Late spring through early fall, when the weather is warmer and roads are open. In the early morning, mist over Crawfish Creek and low light create a soft glow for photography; evenings can also work as the falls sit in shade. Avoid midday sun for the best results. The South Entrance road closes in winter, so plan accordingly. The small parking area fills during peak seasons, so arrive early.
- Best Visit Times
- Weekday mornings in shoulder seasons; early dawn for mist
- Sunrise Sunset Quality
- Alpenglow potential on clear mornings; spray adds atmosphere
- Best Season
- Late spring to early fall
- Busiest Season
- Summer weekends and holidays
- Seasonal Access
- Open late spring to fall; winter access is limited
- Road Opening Dates
- Open late spring to fall; check current conditions
- Snow Lingering
- Snow can linger into late spring at higher elevations
- Winter Access
- Limited; snow-packed conditions require careful planning
- Weather Patterns
- Mornings cooler; afternoon warmth can increase spray visibility; weather shifts with elevation
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Geological Formation
- Main Features
- Plunge waterfall, 30 ft height, geothermally warmed Crawfish Creek, moose-habitat context
- What Youll See
- 30 ft waterfall with spray, geothermally warmed water, surrounding spruce habitat, potential moose in the vicinity
- Unique Characteristics
- Geothermal heating of Crawfish Creek supports warm-water life at higher latitude; named for moose observed in 1885 by the Arnold Hague Geologic Survey
- Photo Opportunities
- Early morning mist and warm light, spray drama from the 30‑ft drop
- Photography Spots
- Overlook for wide-angle; base for spray close-ups; early light preferred
- Best Viewpoints
- Above the falls from the overlook; base viewpoint via the steep descent
- Common Wildlife
- Moose (historically abundant), Crawfish in warm waters
- Best Wildlife Times
- Dawn and dusk; moose activity varies with season
- Geological Formation Type
- Plunge waterfall (geothermal context)
- Scientific Interest
- Geothermal influence on habitat; hydrology of Crawfish Creek; moose ecology near warm-water systems
Facilities, fees & access
- Entry Fees
- Park entrance fee applies
- Permits Required
- No
- Restrooms Available
- No
- Picnic Areas
- No
- Water Available
- No
- Cell Service
- Spotty
- Interpretive Signs
- No
- Accessibility
- Steep, rugged trail; not wheelchair accessible
- Accessibility Level
- Steep, rugged trail; not wheelchair accessible
- Nearby Services
- South Entrance facilities; Grant Village area; Headwaters Lodge nearby
- Nearby Facilities
- South Entrance services; nearby lodging at Grant Village and Headwaters Lodge
- Family Friendly Notes
- Steep descent; footing can be slick; maintain distance from wildlife; supervise children
Safety
- Safety Considerations
- Steep, slippery descent; water temperature can be dangerously hot from geothermal activity; bear spray advised; maintain distance from wildlife
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- Lewis Falls; South Boundary Trail begins near the south entry
- Connecting Trails
- South Boundary Trail; nearby trails linking to Crawfish Creek area
- Trailheads Here
- Trail to base starts at the overlook and continues to the base via a steep path
Planning advice
- Insider Tips
- Off-peak morning visits reveal quieter surroundings.
- Slightly detour to alternate viewpoints for varied angles.
- Temperature of the water varies with geothermal activity—avoid swimming.
- Look for visible steam or warm eddies where Crawfish Creek meets the air.
- Tips Advice
- Start from the overlook to assess footing, then decide on the base descent.
- Sturdy footwear is essential—the trail to the base is steep and slick.
- Bear spray is advisable in Yellowstone; stay alert for wildlife.
- Check current conditions for geothermal water temps and closures before entering the base.
More details
- Park Area
- Yellowstone National Park, South Entrance Area (Crawfish Creek vicinity)
- Recent Updates
- No notable updates available
- Elevation Feet
- 6200
- Visitor Center Present
- No
- Guided Tours Available
- No
- Waterfall Height
- 30 ft
- Waterfall Flow Rate
- Variable; higher in spring
- Fishing Species
- Crawfish
- Fishing Nearby
- No
- Swimming Allowed
- No
- Boating Allowed
- No
- Climbing Areas
- No
- Review Summary
- 4.9 stars from 33 reviews reflect a straightforward, accessible view of a geothermal-influenced waterfall. Visitors appreciate proximity to the road, the short hike to the base, and the misty atmosphere; warnings about slick trails and hot water are common.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?
Parking is limited and fills quickly in peak season; plan to arrive early or use the overflow areas and be prepared for a short walk from the lot.
Is it worth the 75-yard hike to the base?
Yes. The close-up view reveals spray and heat-enhanced habitat; the steep descent is part of the experience, but footing can be slick, so take your time.
Can I bring my dog to Moose Falls?
Dogs aren’t permitted on the trail to the base; they may be allowed in developed areas only—plan to keep pets secured away from the trail.
Is the water safe to touch or swim in?
Do not touch or swim. Geothermal activity can heat water unexpectedly and cause burns; stick to established overlooks and be mindful of hot eddies.
What is the best time for photography?
Early mornings during golden hour give soft light and enhanced mist; avoid harsh midday glare when possible.
More at Yellowstone National Park
Grand Prismatic Spring
Rainbow rim of a hot spring; colors arise from thermophiles in Yellowstone's volcanic system.
Yellowstone Lake
Caldera lake tilted by resurgent domes; hydrothermal vents dot the lakebed.
Lake Butte Overlook
Panoramic view of Yellowstone Lake from the caldera rim; distant Tetons on clear days.
Artist Point
Lower Falls overlook; canyon walls colored by hydrothermal alteration of rhyolite.
Gibbon River
84 ft Gibbon Falls; river through hydrothermal basins along Grand Loop Road.
Gibbon Falls
84-foot cascade over an ancient Yellowstone lava flow; drive-up overlook with a wheelchair-friendly path.
Sources
- yellowstoneexplored.com
- grokipedia.com
- world-of-waterfalls.com
- annestravels.net
- waterfallguides.com
- gowaterfalling.com
- freeroaminghiker.com
- waterfallz.com
- 10adventures.com
- yellowstoneparknet.com
- wikipedia.org
- youtube.com
- nps.gov
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
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 January 2026. Report an issue.