Right now
Right now as of Oct 28, 2026
- Status The West Entrance-Madison-Old Faithful road has been closed to regular vehicles since November 1, 2026.
- Permit No permit needed. Entry fee: $35 per vehicle.
Status note (Oct 28, 2026): Seasonal. The West Entrance-Madison-Old Faithful road has been closed to regular vehicles since November 1, 2026. NPS listed it open April 17 to October 31, 2026. The oversnow season (commercial snowcoach and snowmobile) runs December 15, 2026 to March 15, 2027. NPS hasn't posted 2027 spring opening dates. What the status labels mean
Fairy Falls is a 200-foot plunge on Fairy Creek in Yellowstone National Park. NPS lists the hike at 5.4 miles round trip from the Fairy Falls Parking Lot, or 6.7 miles from Fountain Flat Drive, and estimates 3 to 5 hours. The same trailhead serves the Grand Prismatic Overlook. You pay only the park entrance fee. The road has been closed to regular vehicles since November 1, 2026.
About Fairy Falls
Fairy Falls drops 200 feet (61 meters) on Fairy Creek, according to the National Park Service. Wikipedia's list of Yellowstone waterfalls gives a slightly lower 197 feet.
NPS places the trailhead 1 mile south of Midway Geyser Basin, between Madison and Old Faithful. The same trailhead is the start of the Grand Prismatic Overlook trail, so you can do both from one parking spot.
This is not the Fairy Falls on Oregon's Wahkeena Trail in the Columbia River Gorge; for that area, see Wahkeena Falls.
Getting there and parking
Park at the Fairy Falls Parking Lot, 1 mile south of Midway Geyser Basin, or at the end of Fountain Flat Drive for the longer route.
Fairy Falls lot or Fountain Flat Drive
The shorter route starts at the Fairy Falls Parking Lot, 1 mile south of Midway Geyser Basin. NPS says parking there is very limited. The longer route starts at the end of Fountain Flat Drive.
NPS lists only an information kiosk at the trailhead, with no restrooms or water. Its trail page says to carry water.
Entrance fees
Yellowstone's entrance fee is $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle or $20 per person, each valid for 7 days, as listed Oct 2026. The park's annual pass is $70.
NPS adds a $100 per-person surcharge for non-US residents 16 and older, unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass. Our Yellowstone entrance fee calculator works out your group's total.
For more national park and mountain falls on this site, see St. Mary Falls in Glacier and Mesa Falls in Idaho, which is closed for construction until 2027.
Map and nearby falls
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Fairy Falls Trail
The NPS trail page, updated September 10, 2025, gives 5.4 or 6.7 miles round trip, depending on the trailhead, and a time of 3 to 5 hours. The older NPS trailhead page says 4.5 miles round trip. This page uses the newer trail page figures.
The trailhead page describes the route as relatively flat and easy. It's for hikers only: bikes aren't allowed past the trailhead, and NPS says no pets or strollers. We could not confirm the elevation gain to the falls.
Grand Prismatic Overlook spur
NPS lists the overlook trail as 1.2 miles round trip from the Fairy Falls Trailhead, climbing 105 feet over 0.6 miles. It estimates 1 to 2 hours. The spur starts at a 14% grade, and NPS lists it as not accessible.
On to Spray and Imperial geysers
Past the falls, NPS says you can continue 0.6 miles to Spray and Imperial geysers. Going on to them adds 1.2 miles to your round trip.
When to visit
You can drive to Fairy Falls only while the West Entrance-Madison-Old Faithful road is open. In 2026 that was April 17 to October 31, per NPS.
Road season and winter
NPS lists the West Entrance-Madison-Old Faithful road open April 17 to October 31, 2026, subject to weather (park roads page, updated October 13, 2026). The road has been closed to regular vehicles since November 1, 2026.
The oversnow season runs December 15, 2026 to March 15, 2027, when the West, South and East entrances and the groomed roads open to commercial snowcoaches and snowmobiles. NPS hasn't posted its 2027 spring opening dates.
NPS tags the trail for winter, summer and fall, but in winter you can reach it only by oversnow travel or skis. Park photos show the falls partly frozen. We could not confirm the best months for water flow.
| Height | 200 ftNote: per NPS; Wikipedia's list of Yellowstone waterfalls gives 197 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | 5.4 mi round trip from Fairy Falls Parking Lot or 6.7 mi from Fountain Flat Drive (NPS trail page); NPS trailhead page says 4.5 mi |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Time needed | 3-5 hours (NPS) |
| Entry fee | Yellowstone entrance: $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle or $20 per person, each for 7 days. Non-US residents 16+ pay a $100 surcharge unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass |
| Permit / reservation | None for this day hike; park entrance pass needed |
| Parking | Very limited lot; Fountain Flat Drive alternative |
| Dogs | Not allowed on trails or in thermal areas (NPS) |
| Wheelchair / stroller | No: NPS bars strollers on the trail; the overlook spur is listed as not accessible |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Restrooms | None listed at the trailhead; NPS lists only an information kiosk and says to carry water |
| Managed by | National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park |
Safety and swimming
NPS bear guidance applies here. Since 1970, 91% of people injured by bears in Yellowstone were alone or with one other person. NPS advises hiking in groups of three or more, keeping bear spray within reach and staying 100 yards from bears.
The trail starts 1 mile from Midway Geyser Basin and continues past the falls to Spray and Imperial geysers. Near thermal features, stay on the trail or boardwalk. NPS doesn't allow pets in thermal areas.
We could not confirm a swimming rule at Fairy Falls. Do not climb near the falls or wade into Fairy Creek. Our waterfall safety guide has more general advice.
Where to stay near Fairy Falls
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Photos
Fairy Falls FAQ
How long is the Fairy Falls hike?
The NPS trail page lists 5.4 miles round trip from the Fairy Falls Parking Lot, or 6.7 miles from the end of Fountain Flat Drive. It estimates 3 to 5 hours. Going on to Spray and Imperial geysers adds 1.2 miles.
Can you see Grand Prismatic from the Fairy Falls trail?
Yes, from the overlook spur. It leaves from the same trailhead and is 1.2 miles round trip, climbing 105 feet, according to NPS.
Where is Fairy Falls in Yellowstone?
Between Madison and Old Faithful. NPS says to park 1 mile south of Midway Geyser Basin at the Fairy Falls Parking Lot, or at the end of Fountain Flat Drive.
When is the road to Fairy Falls open?
In 2026, NPS listed the West Entrance-Madison-Old Faithful road open April 17 to October 31. It has been closed to regular vehicles since November 1, 2026. In winter only oversnow travel runs, December 15 to March 15. NPS hasn't posted 2027 spring dates.
Are there restrooms at the Fairy Falls trailhead?
NPS lists none. Its trailhead page shows only an information kiosk, and the trail page says to carry water.
How much does it cost to get into Yellowstone?
$35 per private vehicle for 7 days, $30 per motorcycle or $20 per person on foot or bike, as listed Oct 2026. Non-US residents 16 and older pay an extra $100 each unless they have an annual or America the Beautiful pass.
Do I need bear spray for Fairy Falls?
NPS recommends carrying bear spray where you can reach it, hiking in groups of three or more and staying at least 100 yards from bears.
Can I bring my dog to Fairy Falls?
No. NPS doesn't allow pets on Yellowstone trails or in thermal areas.
Nearby waterfalls
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Sources
- NPS: Fairy Falls Trail
- NPS: Fairy Falls Trailhead (OK5)
- NPS: Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail
- NPS: Yellowstone fees
- NPS: Yellowstone safety
- NPS: Park roads
- Wikipedia: List of waterfalls in Yellowstone
- NPS Yellowstone: Accessibility (Grand Prismatic Overlook)
Last verified Oct 28, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.