Tower Fall

132-ft plunge over columnar basalt; easy paved overlook near the Tower General Store.

Insider tip

Look for hexagonal basalt columns along the cliff face.

Insider tip

The base trail is closed; enjoy the overlook for geology and scenery.

The light

Golden hour mornings; sunset can enhance canyon colors

Heads up

Gravity and cliffs demand respect; stay behind barriers; the river trail is exposed and steep; bear spray recommended; keep a wide berth from wildlife; footing…

Natural Attraction

Natural AttractionOPERATIONAL★ 4.7
Geological Formation6,342 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

132-foot plunge spills over dark basalt, viewed from a paved overlook adjacent to the Tower General Store. Hexagonal basalt columns rise along the cliff, a relic of ancient lava flows, while Tower Creek hangs slightly above the Yellowstone River, evidence of differential erosion. The falls began where a tougher brink rock met softer downstream rock, and erosion outpaced downcutting enough to create this cascading leap. This scene echoes Yellowstone’s volcanic past, a story Moran helped immo...

132-ft. falls, seen from an overlook with a general store above or via a short hike to the bottom.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
From Tower Junction, drive Tower Falls Road to the Tower General Store; park in the large paved lot and take the short, paved path to the overlook.
Distance From Entrance
Varies
Road Type
Paved
Parking Availability
Large, paved lot; designated accessible parking; lot can fill up during peak season
Peak Fill Times
Busiest 6am–9am; weekends during peak season
GPS Coordinates
44.891908°N 110.38711°W

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Late spring through early fall is the core visiting window, with the Grand Loop road typically open from mid-May to late October depending on snow. The river swells during snowmelt, increasing the waterfall's visual impact. Morning light is softer; late-afternoon sun can illuminate the canyon walls, though direct sun on the falls can create glare. July and August bring the highest visitor numbers, so expect crowds and limited parking. In winter, access is limited to days with conditions suitable for non-snowshoe travel.
Best Visit Times
Late spring to early summer; fall is quieter with wildlife activity
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Golden hour mornings; sunset can enhance canyon colors
Best Season
Late spring to early summer; fall
Busiest Season
Summer
Seasonal Access
Open spring through fall; winter access limited; skis or snowshoes may be required in winter
Road Opening Dates
Seasonal; typically open spring through fall; winter closures possible
Snow Lingering
Snow lingers into late spring; melt typically by early summer
Winter Access
Limited; ice/snow conditions require skis or snowshoes
Weather Patterns
Snowmelt-driven high flows in late spring; harsh midday light; winter access limited; thunderstorms possible in summer afternoons.
Fall Colors Peak
Late September to October

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
132-foot plunge waterfall; basalt and rhyolite bedrock; hexagonal columnar basalt; overlook
What Youll See
132-foot cascade; hexagonal basalt columns; Tower Creek meeting the Yellowstone River; overlook with railing; interpretive signs explaining geology; nearby petrified trees
Unique Characteristics
Tower-like rock formations and hexagonal basalt columns from cooling lava; proximity to Moran’s landscape painting linked to Yellowstone’s park origins
Photo Opportunities
Golden hour mornings; spray at the base creates mist for dramatic photos; columns and cliff face offer strong geological lines
Photography Spots
Overlook edge for a wide view; right-angled vantage along the railing; mornings for soft light
Best Viewpoints
Overlook from the main parking area; short paved path; other vantage points along the canyon edge (limited)
Common Wildlife
Bighorn sheep, peregrine falcons, osprey, red-tailed hawks, bison, elk, black bears, wolves
Best Wildlife Times
Fall for peak wildlife activity; dawn/dusk often productive for sightings
Geological Formation Type
Columnar basalt; volcanic basalt and rhyolite bedrock
Scientific Interest
Visible columnar basalt from ancient lava cooling; petrified trees nearby; Moran painting tied to Yellowstone’s preservation
Stargazing Quality
Fair to good; some light pollution from nearby facilities

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Varies
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Accessible vault toilets
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Cell Service
Cell service in the Tower Fall area is intermittent; expect limited coverage and unreliable data access away from main park roads.
Interpretive Signs
Yes
Accessibility
Paved overlook; accessible parking; ramped paths to overlook
Accessibility Level
Drive-up view; paved, accessible overlook
Nearby Services
Tower General Store; adjacent restrooms; interpretive signs at overlook
Nearby Facilities
Tower General Store; restrooms; interpretive signs
Family Friendly Notes
Short, accessible overlook suitable for families; keep children away from edges; wildlife awareness key

Safety

Safety Considerations
Gravity and cliffs demand respect; stay behind barriers; the river trail is exposed and steep; bear spray recommended; keep a wide berth from wildlife; footing can be slippery near spray

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Calcite Springs Overlook; Tower Creek; Yellowstone River viewpoints
Connecting Trails
Overlook trail from parking; river access trail closed since 2004; canyon trails nearby
Trailheads Here
Overlook trail from parking lot; 0.1–0.2 mile to overlook; river trail to base closed since 2004

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Look for hexagonal basalt columns along the cliff face.
  • The base trail is closed; enjoy the overlook for geology and scenery.
  • Parking fills quickly in peak season—arrive early or expect overflow.
  • Carry bear spray and watch for wildlife during fall and dawn/dusk.
Tips Advice
  • The 132-foot drop is visible from a fenced overlook; stay behind the railing
  • The paved overlook is reachable by car, but the lot fills quickly during peak season, so consider arriving early
  • A lower, river-side trail to the base is typically closed for safety concerns, so remain on the overlook
  • Carry bear spray and stay aware of wildlife—bears, bison, and wolves frequent the area
  • Wear sturdy boots, bring water, and the nearby general store stocks beverages and snacks

More details

Park Area
Tower Fall area, Yellowstone National Park
Elevation Feet
6342
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Waterfall Height
132 feet
Waterfall Flow Rate
High during spring snowmelt; varies seasonally
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Tower Fall delivers a dramatic 132-foot drop framed by ancient volcanic rocks and columnar basalt. The paved overlook makes the geology approachable and safe for families, while the river-side trail remains closed for safety. Peak-season parking can challenge visitors, but the short, accessible path pays off with a clear, science-driven perspective on Yellowstone’s volcanic and erosional history.

Location

Tower Fall waterfall cascades through snow-dusted rock spires in Yellowstone National Park.Tower Fall overlook in Yellowstone National Park showcases a cascading waterfall between light-colored canyon walls and evergreen trees.Tower Fall overlook along the Yellowstone River shows dramatic canyon walls in Yellowstone National Park.Tower Fall in Yellowstone National Park showcases a dramatic waterfall plunging through a basalt canyon with rugged cliffs.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Yes—the lot can fill up quickly, especially during peak season; plan accordingly and consider arriving early or using overflow parking.

Is the 150-yard paved path to the overlook worth the effort?

Yes. It’s short and accessible, and you get a direct, safe view of the 132-foot plunge and the columnar basalt cliff.

Can I hike to the river base to see the falls up close?

No. The final section to the base has been closed since 2004 due to erosion.

Should I bring bear spray?

Yes. Wildlife in the area is common, so carry bear spray and stay alert while on trails.

Is there an accessible facility nearby?

Yes. Accessible vault toilets are available at the trailhead/parking area; the Tower General Store offers refreshments nearby.

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

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.