Are dogs allowed on Fairy Falls Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Fairy Falls Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Fairy Falls Trail?

No, Fairy Falls Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Fairy Falls Trail?

Fairy Falls Trail is rated easy. It is 5.4 miles long with 98 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Fairy Falls Trail?

Fairy Falls Trail is best hiked in summer and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

1 / 4

EasyOut and Back

Yellowstone National Park/Wyoming

Fairy Falls Trail

West Yellowstone, Wyoming

5.4 mi

Distance

98 ft

Elev. Gain

1h 51m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Easy

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Flat trail to 197-foot Fairy Falls with optional spur to Grand Prismatic Overlook offering the iconic aerial view of the massive hot spring.

Trail Conditions

Open

Updated Apr 19, 2026 — may be out of date

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Wildlife encountersChanging weatherFlash flood dangerCold waterSlippery rocks

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:307-344-7381
Address:2 Officers Row, Yellowstone National Park Headquarters · Yellowstone National Park, WY · 82190

Best Seasons

Summer Fall

Highlights

Fairy Falls (197 ft)Grand Prismatic OverlookImperial GeyserThermal features

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Verified from National Park Service public trails dataset

Trail centerline: National Park Service public trails dataset. Source ↗

Fairy Falls Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

Reviews

No reviews yet

Nearby Trails

Lone Star Geyser Trail

Gibbon Falls

Latham Spring Loop

North Fork of Split Creek

Johnny Sack Cabin

Big Springs Interpretive Trail

Other trails in Yellowstone National Park

Mount Washburn Trail

Uncle Tom's Trail

Lamar Valley Trail

Bunsen Peak

Lone Star Geyser Trail

Gibbon Falls

Campgrounds near this trail

0D1 - Fairy Meadows - Yellowstone NP Back Country Campsite

Old Faithful Inn

Madison Campground

Shoshone Lake Backcountry Campsites

Mary Mountain Backcountry Patrol Cabin

Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone

Similar trails in Wyoming

Mount Washburn Trail

Darby Canyon Wind Cave Trail

Snow King Summit via Slow Trail

Red Beds Trail

Turtle Rock Loop Trail

Bunsen Peak