Trail

Wraith Falls Trailhead

TrailOPERATIONAL★ 5
Wraith Falls Trailhead in Yellowstone National Park leads through forested rock formations to a cascading waterfall.

Wraith Falls Trail is an easy out-and-back stroll of roughly 0.8–1 mile with about 79–100 ft of gain. The surface shifts from packed dirt to boardwalks and a few stairs, with partial shade from a Douglas-fir forest and meadows. High reward for the effort: a short, family-friendly stop at a waterfall with a fenced viewing area. Stay alert for bears and changing weather, and carry adequate water and bear spray.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
0.9
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty
easy
Difficulty Level
Easy Stroll

Trail profile

Distance Miles
0.9
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty
easy
Difficulty Level
Easy Stroll
Elevation Gain Feet
90
Estimated Time
15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on pace
Trail Surface
Packed dirt, sagebrush, boardwalks, with some stairs
Trail Features
  • Wraith Falls
  • Rocky cliff face
  • Meadows with sagebrush
  • Douglas-fir forest
Trail Highlights
Wraith Falls cascade from a rocky cliff; short, fenced overlook with opportunities to get closer with safe scrambling around the edge

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Grand Loop Road, ~5 miles southeast of Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone NP
Parking Lot Size
Decent-sized parking lot
Parking Fill Time
Arrive before 9:00 AM to secure parking
Shuttle Required
0

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
National Park Entrance Fee
Fees
$35 per vehicle entrance (valid for 7 days). America the Beautiful Pass accepted.
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Snow closures possible in winter; generally snow-free by late spring/early summer; mud season in spring

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
No reliable water sources on the trail; carry sufficient water
Accessibility
Not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bear country
  • Lightning exposure
  • Swift and cold park waters
  • River crossings hazardous
  • Stairs
Hazard Details
Bear country—keep noise, travel in groups when possible, and carry bear spray; thunderstorms bring lightning risk; water crossings can be treacherous; stairs can be slick when wet
Cell Service
Cell service is usually limited or unavailable near the trailhead; don’t rely on your phone for navigation.
Crowd Level
Moderate
Peak Crowd Times
Summer mornings
Best Season
Spring through Fall (May–October)
Best Time To Visit
Spring through Fall (May–October) offers the best flow; arrive before 9:00 AM to beat crowds and secure parking; midday lighting is good for photography.
Tips Advice
  • Carry 2L water minimum.
  • Bear spray is strongly recommended in bear country.
  • Start cold and move steadily; the trail is short but uneven in places.
  • Use the fenced overlook and mind the stairs when bringing kids or older travelers.

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Trail Markers
Well-marked with boardwalks and stairs
Dogs Allowed
Dog policy not published here; verify on-site signage for leash rules before hiking.
Biking Allowed
Bike access isn’t documented for this trail; it’s primarily a hiking route.
Shade Level
Partial shade from forest and open meadows
Emergency Contacts
In emergencies, call 911; contact Yellowstone National Park rangers
Map Recommended
0
Alltrails Link
www.alltrails.com
Snow Dates
Snow persists in winter; trail generally snow-free by late spring/early summer
Mud Season
Potential for muddy conditions in spring
Bug Season
Bug season typically runs from late spring through early fall; bring insect repellent.
Insider Tips
  • - There’s a short climb with a few stairs near the viewpoint; strollers and wheelchairs may have trouble.
  • - In spring, the waterfall flows most powerfully; midday sun offers good photography light.
  • - The fenced viewpoint keeps kids close; supervise children at all times.
Family Friendly Notes
Short length and fenced viewpoint make it suitable for children
Nearby Facilities
Parking: paved lot adjacent to the trailhead with space for several vehicles. Restrooms and drinking water are not confirmed on site.
Review Summary
Easy, family-friendly hike with a modest payoff at Wraith Falls. Moderate crowds for a Yellowstone short hike; some visitors note the waterfall isn’t the most impressive, and the viewing distance is a bit far.

Location

Wraith Falls Trailhead along a dirt path in Yellowstone National Park, with sagebrush and pine on a clear day.Wraith Falls Trailhead at Yellowstone National Park winds through sagebrush toward a distant canyon and blue sky.Wraith Falls Trailhead in Yellowstone National Park, rocky riverfront with pine forest under a bright blue sky.Wraith Falls Trailhead overlook in Yellowstone National Park shows a canyon, layered rock, and pine forest.

Frequently asked questions

Are bears a concern on this trail?

Yes. Bear country is present; stay on trail, make noise, and carry bear spray.

Is a permit required?

No permit for day hiking; pay the park entrance fee.

How long is the hike?

0.8-1 mile round trip; 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on pace.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are not specified for this trail; check current park rules before bringing a dog.

Is the waterfall view accessible for all ages?

Short hike with stairs; the viewing area is fenced and may be less suitable for extremely young children who need close supervision.

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 January 2026. Report an issue.