Osprey Falls Trail

Q: 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.

Q: Do I need trekking poles?

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

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Strenuous

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.

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.

Best Season to Hike

Summer and Fall

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 8 miles

Elevation Gain: 700 ft

Duration: 4-6 hours (fit hikers at faster pace; expect 6+ if you stop for photos or move conservatively on descent)

Difficulty: Strenuous

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: First 3 miles: gravel old service road (Old Bunsen Peak Road). Final mile: rocky descent trail with loose scree, boulders, and dirt.

Getting There

Trailhead: 5 miles south of Mammoth on Grand Loop Road. Parking: gravel lot just south of Golden Gate, across from Glen Creek trailhead.

Parking: Small, unpaved (relatively small capacity)

Fills Up: Full by sunrise during summer weekends. Peak saturation 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM July-August.

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits required. Day-use only.

Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass)

Shuttle Available

No shuttle service. Parking only—arrive early or accept a full lot.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No

Biking: Bikes allowed on Old Bunsen Peak Road (first 3 miles); no bikes on final Osprey Falls Trail descent

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.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Gardner River at destination (must filter before drinking). No water sources on first 3 miles—carry everything.

Shade: Exposed: full sun on meadow and burned-forest road section (first 3 miles). Shaded canyon bottom near falls provides relief.

Cell Service: Unreliable to none (backcountry)

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: Call 911 from trailhead area (service unreliable on trail). Nearest ranger: Mammoth District Ranger Station (5 miles north at Mammoth).

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Popular during peak summer weekends; moderate solitude mid-week or early morning. Off-peak (September-October) is much quieter.

Peak Times: July-August weekends and holidays. Weekday mornings (weekdays generally less congested).

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Not accessible. Steep, rocky descent. Loose scree and uneven terrain. No railing on exposure. Requires high fitness and solid footing.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Mammoth Hot Springs (5 miles north): lodging, restaurants, visitor center, ranger station. No services at trailhead.

FAQs

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?

Do I need trekking poles?

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

What if I forget water at the start?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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