Fairy Falls

Fairy Falls drops 200 feet in a slender ribbon that drifts and sways in the wind like a strand of silk, making it one of Yellowstone's tallest and most elegant waterfalls. The falls emerge from a notch in a volcanic cliff and descend in a nearly free-fall plunge into a shallow pool ringed by fallen timber and wildflowers. The delicate stream belies the height — this is not a thundering cascade but a graceful descent that rewards patience and quiet observation.

The trail covers 2.5 miles one way through a young lodgepole forest regenerating from the 1988 fires. The terrain is flat and easy, making the 5-mile round trip one of the most approachable long waterfall hikes in the park. A short detour 0.6 miles past the falls leads to Spray and Imperial geysers, which erupt unpredictably from a mud-splattered basin. A spur trail near the start offers the iconic elevated view of Grand Prismatic Spring.

June through September provides the best hiking conditions, with peak water flow in June. Start early to combine the falls with the Grand Prismatic overlook. The flat terrain makes this an excellent option for families with older children who can handle the distance.