When we think about Yellowstone National Park most of the time people think about something epic! Whether it is the animals like wolves, bears, and bison to geysers, and thermal features Like Old Faithful, Steamboat Geyser, or Grand Prismatic Spring. Yellowstone Waterfalls are no exception with 45 named waterfalls and hundreds more not even named.
Here are my top finds for Yellowstone National Park:
🏨Hotels: Old Faithful Inn, Mammoth Hot Springs Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel
📍Tours: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Self-Guided Audio Tour, Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour w/lunch, Yellowstone Lake Morning Kayak Tour w/lunch
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
Yellowstone Waterfalls
The majority of these waterfalls can be reached with your car! They even have great viewpoints making it easy to view and photograph these epic Yellowstone waterfalls.
Don't get me wrong there are a ton of waterfalls that are hidden away from the main roads that take a bit of hiking or more to reach them but one thing I know from many visitors to Yellowstone is that they try to see as much of the park as possible with the limited time that they have to explore this amazing park.
Yellowstone Falls - Upper Falls
Location - Canyon Area - South Rim Drive of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Length - 109 feet
Viewpoint - Brink of the Upper Falls viewpoint, .2 mile walk
Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls are located in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and are the epic destination for waterfall lovers!
Getting there is easy too, simply drive towards the middle of the park towards Canyon Village. From the Canyon Village intersection, go south towards Hayden Valley. You will see signs that will direct you to North Rim Drive and South Rim Drive with both giving you views to both the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls.
I personally prefer the views from South Rim Drive. For the Upper Falls, park into the Uncle Tom's Point Parking Lot and take a short walk to the Upper Falls Viewpoint. You can also get a great view of the Upper Falls at the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail on the North Rim Drive.
If you want a great unobstructed view of Lower Yellowstone without the crowds at Artists Point, I would suggest Uncle Tom's Trail. Now Uncle Tom's trail is not for everyone.
If you would consider yourself a couch potato, out of shape, or have any medical conditions like bad knees/joints/arthritis/ heart issues/lung issues, well you get the point this trail is not for you.
This trail starts off at 8000' in elevation and breathing is already a bit more difficult. Now, Uncle Toms Trail adds the thrill of 328 steps down then you get to climb right back up, perfect for those who miss their stair climber at home.
Just remember that all the parking lots on both the North Rim Drive and the South Rim Drive fill up quickly and can be a real pain to navigate in the summer months.
I consider both the Upper Yellowstone Falls and the Lower Yellowstone Falls as one of the must-see destinations in Yellowstone!
Yellowstone Falls - Lower Falls
Location - Canyon Area - North Rim Drive of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Length - 308 foot
Viewpoint - Artist Point
Lower Yellowstone Falls is the tallest waterfall in Yellowstone standing proud at 308'! Its impressive size is slightly diminished by the canyon itself as both compete for your attention! The falls can be seen from outlooks on both North Rim Drive and South Rim Drive but an experienced visitor to Yellowstone will quickly advise you to walk to Artist's Point at the end of the South Rim Drive. This viewpoint gives you the epic view of the falls that everyone knows and desires to see and photograph. Just be prepared for crowds as you will not be alone in this journey to see one of America's best-known waterfalls!
Crystal Falls
Location - Canyon Area
Length - 129'
Viewpoint - Before the Brink of the Upper Falls on North Rim Drive
Crystal Falls is the lesser-known of the three waterfalls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Normally visitors would flock to a 129' tall waterfall but it gets dwarfed by the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls.
This is a great waterfall to see and you could very well have it to yourself!
Firehole Falls
Location -Firehole Falls is located on the Firehole Canyon Scenic Drive just south of the Madison Junction.
Length - 40 feet
Viewpoint - Side of the road
Firehole Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park to view! It is right off the side of the road on the scenic Firehole Canyon Drive near the Madison Junction.
This 2-mile scenic loop also includes the Firehole River Swimming Area. The parking area for Firehole Falls can be extremely popular! We suggest visiting early or later in the day to have time to check out the falls and get photographs.
Tower Fall
Location - Three miles south of the Roosevelt Junction
Length - 132 feet
Viewpoint - 100 foot walk from the parking lot.
This is one of the most popular waterfalls in the park. It's easy to get to, you can see the falls from the parking lot and it is rather impressive at 132 feet tall.
Tower Fall is located 3 miles south of the Roosevelt Junction and was named from the rock pinnacles at the top of the fall not because it is on Tower Creek. From the falls, the river dumps into the Yellowstone River.
Gibbon Falls
Location - Just off the road between Madison and Norris Junctions
Length - 84 feet
Viewpoint - Approximately 5 miles upstream from the Madison Junction on the East Side of road between Norris and Madison Junctions.
Gibbon Falls is another popular waterfall in Yellowstone. There is easy access with a large pullout and a paved trail leading back downstream of the Gibbon River for people to take photos and soak in this beautiful 84-foot waterfall!
Make sure to plan a few minutes to enjoy Gibbon Falls. This is a great place to enjoy a Yellowstone Picnic.
Kepler Cascades
Location - Just south of Old Faithful
Length - 150 foot
Viewpoint - The viewpoint is a short 50-foot walk from the parking lot. There is a great wooden overlook built so you can look out to the falls.
Kepler Cascades is a beautiful surprise just 2 miles south of Old Faithful Village. I say this because after spending a full day looking at nothing but the ground filled with geysers, barren landscapes, and unique colored pools, you come around the corner and pull into an easy pullout to an overlook at this beautiful three-tiered, 150' tall waterfall! Magnificent!
Undine Falls
Location - Highway between Mammoth Hot Springs and Tower-Roosevelt
Length - 60 feet
Viewpoint - Parking lot on the north side of the road between Mammoth and Roosevelt Junctions.
Undine Falls is actually very surprising as it looks much larger than it really is. It measures 60' over a three-tier drop but appears much taller.
It is definitely worth a few minutes to stop and get out and enjoy this waterfall.
Virginia Cascades
Location - Between Norris and Canyon
Length - 60 Feet
Viewpoint - One the One-Way road between Norris and Canyon Junctions.
Virginia Cascades today is one of the least visited waterfalls in the park yet one with a colorful past.
The One-Way road this waterfall lies on was the original park road between Norris and Canyon that provided access to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Virginia Cascades turned out to be a great warm-up for what was to come for park visitors.
Lewis Falls
Location - Two miles south of Lewis Lake Campground
Length - 30 feet
Viewpoint - Parking lot on side of the road
Lewis Falls is a nice waterfall at the South end of Yellowstone National Park between the parks south entrance and Grant Village.
It can easily be seen while driving southbound heading towards Grand Teton National Park. You can also get out and hike just over the hill for an unobstructed view.
Moose Falls
Location - Near the south entrance to the park
Length - 30' feet
Viewpoint - Moose Falls is located just north of Yellowstone's South Entrance.
This pretty plunge waterfall could be easily missed by those in a hurry to get to the park's main attractions but I quite like this waterfall. The falls were named Moose Falls for the plentiful amount of moose found in the southern section of Yellowstone.
Waterfalls you need to hike to
Fairy Falls
Location - Midway Geyser Basin
Length - 197 foot
Viewpoint - Fairy Falls Trail leads you to the viewpoint.
Fairy Falls is the tallest front country waterfall visitors can reach. This trail has a few highlights along the way including views of Grand Prismatic Spring, Spray Geyser, and imperial Geyser making for a great hike!
Mystic Falls
Location - Behind Biscuit Basin, 3 miles north of Old Faithful Area
Length - 70 feet
Viewpoint - 3-mile hike
Mystic Falls can be accessed by a moderate 3-mile loop hike starting out of Biscuit Basin. The trail ascends 550 feet and the views are best if you hike in a clockwise direction.
Osprey Falls
Location - 5 miles south of Mammoth on the Old Bunsen Peak Road Trail
Length - 150 feet
Viewpoint - To reach the falls you will need to hike an 8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip. The hike descends over 700 feet into Sheepeater Canyon before seeing this waterfall as it plunges over the edge of a lava flow.
I would consider this a difficult hike and to be cautious as Grizzly Bears frequent the area.
Union Falls
Location - near Flagg Ranch just south of the southern entrance to Yellowstone
Length - 265 feet, it is the second-highest waterfall in Yellowstone
Viewpoint - To reach the falls you will need to hike 16 miles round trip.
We hope you have a great time exploring these epic Yellowstone Waterfalls. Make sure to check out the links below for more great information on Yellowstone National Park.
Best Yellowstone National Park Tours & Activities
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
⭐️ Rating: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours to 1 day | 🔊Check Rates and Availability
See the highlights of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park without worrying about going with a tour group. This audio tour lets you navigate the way to see what you are intrested in the most, or you can use a planned out itinerary. Plus, this audio tour works even if your smartphone doesen't have service or WIFI.
Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (208+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours | 🥾🦬 Check Rates and Availability
Take a guided small-group hike into the Lamar Valley is the wildlife-watching experience that serious Yellowstone visitors come back for year after year. Often called America's Serengeti, Lamar Valley is the best place in the park to spot bison herds, pronghorn, coyotes, badgers, wolves, and grizzly bears, and having an expert guide from Yellowstone Hiking Guides on your side dramatically increases what you see and understand. Guides consistentaly earn extraordinary reviews for their knowledge of animal behavior, their ability to navigate around bison safely, and their genuine passion for the park. A packed lunch including sandwich, fruit, nuts, and snacks is provided, along with bear spray, binoculars, and trekking poles.
Yellowstone Lake Morning Kayak Tour with Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (206+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🛶🌋 Check Rates and Availability
This morning kayak tour is one of the most unique ways to experience Yellowstone, Guests will paddle on Yellowstone Lake for approximately 6 miles along the shore of the West Thumb. Geysers and hot springs visible only from the water are a highlight, along with frequent wildlife sightings including elk, waterfowl, bears, and bald eagles along the shoreline. A full brown bag lunch with sandwich, fruit, chips, and snacks is included, along with hot coffee or tea, a kayak, paddle, life vest, paddle jacket, and dry bag. Suitable for first-time kayakers and experienced paddlers alike.
Click here to find more great Yellowstone National Park Tours.
Lodging Options in Yellowstone National Park
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Old Faithful Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The most iconic hotel in the American national park system, a National Historic Landmark and the largest log structure in the world, sitting just steps from Old Faithful geyser!
Built in 1903 from local rhyolite stone and lodge pole pine, the soaring 7-story lobby with its massive stone fireplace and hand-crafted copper and wrought iron clock is one of the most breathtaking interior spaces in any hotel anywhere. Choose from historic Old House rooms, some with shared bathrooms straight out of the early 1900s, to modern Deluxe rooms, Junior Suites, and Geyser Basin View Suites. Live music fills the lobby each evening, and the elegant Old Faithful Inn Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dinner reservations required. Also on site are the Bear Pit Lounge, Bear Paw Deli and Coffee Bar, & gift shop. No TVs, WiFi, or air conditioning keeps the historic magic intact. Open early May through mid-October, book up to 13 months in advance as this is the most requested lodging in Yellowstone!
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The oldest operating hotel in Yellowstone National Park and a National Historic Landmark, a stunning 1891 colonial masterpiece sitting directly on the shores of Yellowstone Lake with sweeping water views!
The iconic Sunroom with its floor-to-ceiling windows and live string quartet is the most celebrated gathering place in the park, perfect for afternoon cocktails while watching bison wander the lakeshore. Choose from elegant hotel rooms and suites in the main historic building, Sandpiper Lodge rooms, or rustic lakeside cabins with private baths. The full-service Lake Hotel Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with reservations required, while a deli and gift shop round out the amenities. Free parking and porter service included. No WiFi, TVs, or air conditioning, keeping the 1920s ambiance gloriously intact. Open mid-May through early October, book well in advance!
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel has hotel rooms and cabin accommodations. (Cabins are seasonal) and steps away from Mammoth Hot Springs and a great option for exploring Lamar Valley and wildlife viewing.
Lodging Options Near Yellowstone
⭐️ 4.9 of 5 Stars - 1892 Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability.
West Yellowstone's most refined boutique hotel, a gorgeous adults-only mountain lodge just 1 mile from the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, named after the year America's first national park was established!
The 18 rooms feature gas fireplaces, premium bedding, bathrobes and slippers, dual towel warmers, flat-screen satellite TVs, mini-fridges, and walk-in showers, all wrapped in rustic-chic Montana style with cowhide chairs and western throws. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning, and the cozy lobby lounge with a stone fireplace is perfect for unwinding after a long day in the park. Sauna, fitness center, business center, free WiFi, and free parking included. Open year-round!
⭐️ 4.9 of 5 Stars - Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.
One of the most unique places to sleep near any national park in America, a luxury glamping resort featuring 20 individually decorated tipis tucked in the Montana mountains just minutes from Yellowstone's North Entrance!
Each tipi features memory foam beds with down comforters, premium bedding, rainfall showerheads in the private-use bathrooms, eco-friendly toiletries, free WiFi, and a furnished private patio with mountain views. Every evening guests gather around a communal campfire for s'mores, wine, and beer under some of the darkest skies in Montana, and a free continental breakfast with grab-and-go hiking options is served each morning. Additional amenities include BBQ grills, a garden, gift shop, EV charging, concierge services, and free parking. Steps from Gallatin National Forest, the Yellowstone River, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and fly fishing. Pet friendly and open seasonally!
Click this link or the map below for a complete list of hotels and vacation rentals in the West Yellowstone, Montana Area.
https://www.stay22.com/embed/61f07ec196333b001540b97aYellowstone National Park Entrance Fee
New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Yellowstone National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Snowmobile - $30.00 Entry for one driver and one passenger (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$20.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons) ($25.00 plus $20.00 per person)
$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Additional Yellowstone National Park Information
- Yellowstone National Park Guide - Your complete guide to exploring the world's first National Park!
- Things to do in Yellowstone - These are the top things to do that you don't want to miss, including exploring the Mammoth Hot Springs, the Museum of the National Park Ranger, Yellowstone Waterfalls, Kayaking in Yellowstone, fishing in Yellowstone, Fairy Falls Trail, and more!
- Yellowstone National Park Facts - Learn more about our 1st National Park and fun facts about the wildlife in the park.
- Yellowstone Wildlife Guide- Complete Guide to seeing wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, including the most popular wildlife viewing areas, including Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley.
- Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Lodging Guide - This complete guide to all of Yellowstone National Park's Lodges and cabins
- Ultimate Yellowstone Camping Guide - This complete guide to camping in Yellowstone includes all front country campgrounds
Yellowstone Geyser Basin Areas
- Upper Geyser Basin, including Biscuit Basin, Black Sand Basin, and Old Faithful Geyser.
- Midway Geyser Basin, including Grand Prismatic Spring and Firehole Lake Drive.
- Lower Geyser Basin, including Fountain Paint Pot Trail and Firehole Canyon Drive
- Norris Geyser Basin-This basin is known for having some of the hottest water and springs in the park. It is actually two basins: Porcelain Basin and Black Basin, with famous geysers, including Ledge Geyser, Cistern Geyser, and Steamboat Geyser.
- West Thumb Geyser Basin - Beautiful boardwalk trail with hydrothermal features right next to Lake Yellowstone!
- Mud Volcano - The Mud Volcano area is Located south of Canyon Village and North of Lake Yellowstone. It has several hydrothermal features, including a mud volcano and Dragon's Mouth Spring.
Additional Montana National Parks
- Complete Guide to Grand Teton National Park - Your complete guide to go explore Grand Teton National Park before or after you visit Yellowstone!
- Epic Guide to Glacier National Park - Complete guide to exploring Glacier National Park
- Little Bighorn Battlefield - Also known as Custer's Last Stand, a place where the Plains Tribes fought their last major battle and won.
- Big Hole National Battlefield - site of the pivotal battle in the Nez Perce War of 1877 between Colonel Gibbon's troops and five bands of the Nez Perce Indians led by the famous Native American Leader, Cheif Joseph.
- Grant Kohr's Ranch National Historic Site - See what ranch life was like in the 1800s in Montana
Check out all of the Montana National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Wyoming, National Parks in South Dakota, North Dakota National Parks, and Idaho National Parks.
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