How to Get There
Fairy Falls can be reached from two different trailheads. The first trailhead, 1 mile south of the Midway Geyser Basin, begins at a steel bridge across the Firehole River and follows the Fountain Freight Road hiking/biking trail for approximately 1 mile before the hiking-only trail to Fairy Falls branches off on the left. The second trailhead, 1/2 mile south of the Nez Perce picnic area on the Fountain Freight Road, follows the hiking/biking path from the northern end, 1-3/4 miles to the junction with the Fairy Falls trail.
Trailhead: 1) Steel Bridge parking area 1 mile south of the Midway Geyser Basin
Trailhead: 2) Fountain Freight Road parking area 1 mile south of Nez Perce picnic area on the Fountain Freight Road
Distance: 5 miles (8 km) from trailhead #1; 7 miles (5.5 km) from trailhead #2
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Fairy Falls is one of Yellowstone National Park’s most iconic “frontcountry” waterfalls, known for its elegant, 200-foot (61 m) plunge off the edge of the Madison Plateau. It is a favorite for hikers because the trail is mostly flat, family-friendly, and passes by the famous Grand Prismatic Spring.
The Hike to the Falls
The most popular way to reach the falls is via the Fairy Falls Trailhead, located about one mile south of Midway Geyser Basin.
- Distance: Approximately 4.5 to 5 miles (7.2–8 km) round-trip.
- Difficulty: Easy/Level. The path follows an old freight road for the first mile before narrowing into a forest trail.
- Terrain: You’ll walk through a young lodgepole pine forest that is still recovering from the historic 1988 fires, offering a unique look at forest regeneration.
Key Highlights Along the Way
- Grand Prismatic Overlook: About 0.6 miles into the hike, a spur trail climbs roughly 105 feet to a viewing platform. This offers the famous “postcard view” of the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring that you can’t get from the boardwalks below.
- Imperial and Spray Geysers: If you have extra energy, you can continue 0.6 miles past Fairy Falls to see Imperial Geyser, a backcountry geyser that erupts frequently, and the nearby Spray Geyser. This adds about 1.2 miles to your total trip.
Essential Tips for Visitors
- Bear Safety: This trail is located within a Bear Management Area. It typically does not open until the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to protect grizzly bears during the spring. Always carry bear spray and hike in groups.
- Parking: The Fairy Falls Parking Lot is small and fills up very quickly (often by 9:00 AM). Arrive early or late in the afternoon to secure a spot.
- Bicycles: You can bike the first mile of the trail on the old freight road, but there are racks to lock your bike before the path narrows toward the falls, as bikes are not allowed on the final stretch.