Right now
Right now as of Oct 29, 2026
- Status The road to Tower Fall has been closed to regular vehicles since November 1, 2026, NPS says. The trail to the base remains closed for severe erosion, with no reopening announced as of October 25, 2026.
- Permit No permit needed. Entry fee: $35 per vehicle.
Status note (Oct 29, 2026): Seasonal. The road to Tower Fall has been closed to regular vehicles since November 1, 2026, NPS says. The trail to the base remains closed for severe erosion, with no reopening announced as of October 25, 2026. What the status labels mean
Tower Fall is a 132-foot waterfall on Tower Creek in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, seen from an overlook about 150 yards up a paved, accessible path. You can't hike to the bottom: NPS says the lower trail is closed for severe erosion. The only cost is the park entrance fee, $35 per private vehicle. The road has been closed to regular vehicles since November 1, 2026, NPS says.
About Tower Fall
Tower Fall is in the Tower-Roosevelt area of northern Yellowstone. NPS describes 'the 132-foot (40-m) drop of Tower Creek, framed by eroded volcanic pinnacles.' Wikipedia gives the same height and calls it a plunge.
The falls sit on Tower Creek about 1,000 yards above where the creek meets the Yellowstone River, according to Wikipedia.
Tower Fall is named for the volcanic pinnacles that frame it. Wikipedia says Samuel Hauser of the 1870 Washburn party chose the name. The US Geological Survey made the singular 'Tower Fall' official in 1928, per Wikipedia, though you'll also see 'Tower Falls.'
Tower Fall also has a place in the park's founding story. Thomas Moran painted it in 1871, and Wikipedia says the painting helped persuade Congress to create Yellowstone National Park in 1872.
Getting there and parking
Gardiner, Montana, is the nearest town. NPS lists two road segments that reach Tower Fall: one from Tower-Roosevelt, and one from Canyon over Dunraven Pass.
The NPS park roads page, updated October 28, 2026, lists Tower-Roosevelt to Tower Fall as open May 8 to October 31 in 2026. It projected Canyon to Tower Fall over Dunraven Pass for May 22 to October 12, 2026.
An NPS release on October 21, 2026, updated that plan. It said the Dunraven Pass road will 'remain open through Oct. 31, weather permitting.'
We could not confirm the road's status on the day we checked, so look at the roads page before you set out.
NPS lists designated accessible parking for the overlook and calls it 'a short walk from the Tower General Store.' The store has accessible parking in front. In the campground, NPS says, parking is limited.
No separate fee or permit applies at Tower Fall. The Yellowstone entrance fee covers it: NPS lists $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle or $20 per person 16 and older, each valid for 7 days. A park annual pass is $70.
NPS also charges non-US residents 16 and older an extra $100 per person, unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass. The fees page was updated June 16, 2026. Our Yellowstone entrance fee calculator works out your group's total.
NPS lists November 11 as the last 2026 free entrance day for US citizens and residents. The road to Tower Fall has been closed to regular vehicles since November 1, 2026, so that day won't get you there by car.
Two more Yellowstone falls on this site make good pairings. Gibbon Falls, 4 miles north of Madison Junction, is another short, accessible stop. Fairy Falls near Midway Geyser Basin is a longer hike. Our guide to waterfalls in Wyoming compares all three.
Map and nearby falls
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The walk
The walk to the Tower Fall overlook is short and paved. NPS says: 'Redesigned and constructed in 2021, this ~150 yard (137 m) asphalt trail leads to a view of Tower Fall.' The grade is 2 to 4%.
NPS lists the overlook as wheelchair accessible and suggests it for visitors with heart, lung or knee problems. We could not confirm whether the 150 yards is one way or round trip.
The trail to the base of Tower Fall is closed
You can't hike to the bottom of Tower Fall. NPS's Tower-Roosevelt page answers that question directly: 'No, the lower part of the trail is closed because of severe erosion.'
NPS last updated its Tower-Roosevelt page on July 3, 2025. As of October 25, 2026, we found no NPS notice of a reopening.
The same page says you can 'walk past the Tower Fall Overlook for 0.75-mile (1.2-km)' to a view of Tower Creek entering the Yellowstone River. It doesn't explain how that route relates to the closed section. Ask a ranger before you walk past the overlook, and obey any closure signs.
Longer trails from the Tower Fall Trailhead
The NPS Tower Fall Trailhead page, updated August 15, 2026, lists two longer routes. The Tower Creek Trail is 7 miles there and back, and the Roosevelt Lodge-Tower Fall Trail is listed at 2 miles.
The trailhead has flush toilets, according to NPS. We found no elevation gain or walking time for either longer trail.
Tower General Store and campground
NPS says the Tower General Store is 'typically open daily from late-May through late-September.' The store is wheelchair accessible. By late October, that typical season is over.
Tower Fall Campground has 31 sites at $20 a night, per NPS and Recreation.gov. Its 2026 season ran May 22 to September 27, so it won't reopen this year.
The campground listing warns of a hairpin curve, prohibits generators and includes one accessible site. Vault toilets serve the campground.
When to visit
The road from Tower Junction has been closed to regular vehicles since November 1, 2026, NPS says. Most other park roads, and the West, South and East entrances, closed that day too.
Only the road between the North and Northeast entrances stays open to cars all year, according to NPS.
In winter, NPS lists a 5-mile Tower Fall ski trail rated 'Easiest.' It follows the unplowed road from near Tower Junction, past Calcite Springs Overlook.
NPS hasn't posted spring 2027 road dates yet. For comparison, Tower-Roosevelt to Tower Fall opened May 8 in 2026. We could not confirm the best months for water flow.
Road work can slow you down. The NPS park roads page, updated October 28, 2026, lists chip-seal delays of up to 30 minutes at various locations around the park.
| Height | 132 ftNote: per NPS; Wikipedia agrees |
|---|---|
| Trail | About 150 yd of asphalt path to the overlook, rebuilt in 2021, at a 2-4% grade (NPS). The trail to the base is closed for severe erosion |
| Difficulty | Paved and accessible at a 2-4% grade (NPS); trail to the base closed |
| Entry fee | Yellowstone entrance: $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, $20 per person 16+ (each 7 days). Non-US residents 16+ pay a $100 surcharge unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass |
| Permit / reservation | None for the overlook; Yellowstone entrance pass needed |
| Parking | Accessible parking; road closed to cars since Nov 1, 2026 |
| Hours / season | No posted hours found. The road has been closed to regular vehicles since Nov 1, 2026 (NPS). The General Store is typically open daily late May to late September |
| Dogs | Not on trails or boardwalks, per NPS. Pets may be within 100 ft of roads, parking areas and campgrounds on a leash of 6 ft or less. NPS doesn't say whether the overlook path counts as a trail |
| Wheelchair / stroller | Yes, per NPS: the overlook path is asphalt at a 2-4% grade, with designated accessible parking. The General Store is also wheelchair accessible |
| Restrooms | Flush toilets at the Tower Fall Trailhead; vault toilets in the campground, whose 2026 season ended Sep 27 (NPS) |
| Managed by | National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park |
Safety and swimming
Stay on the paved path at the overlook. NPS closed the trail below it because of severe erosion, so do not pass closure barriers or scramble down the slope toward the creek.
We could not confirm a swimming rule for Tower Creek at the falls. Do not wade in or climb near the falls.
Wildlife rules apply even on a short walk. NPS asks you to stay at least 100 yards from bears, wolves and cougars and 25 yards from all other animals. It also advises carrying bear spray where you can reach it.
NPS doesn't allow pets on 'boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas,' and the ban covers carried pets too. Pets may be within 100 feet of roads, parking areas and campgrounds, on a leash of 6 feet or less.
NPS doesn't say whether the paved overlook path counts as a hiking trail. Ask a ranger before you bring a dog along it.
Fire danger was listed as high on the NPS alerts page, last updated September 29, 2026. Our waterfall safety guide has more general advice on cliffs, cold water and wildlife.
Where to stay near Tower Fall
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Photos
Tower Fall FAQ
Is Tower Fall worth visiting?
Yes, for a short, accessible walk to a 132-foot falls. NPS describes the drop as framed by eroded volcanic pinnacles, seen from a paved path of about 150 yards. Wikipedia says Thomas Moran's 1871 painting of Tower Fall helped persuade Congress to create the park. The trade-offs: you can't reach the base, and the road has been closed to regular vehicles since November 1, 2026.
How far is the walk to Tower Fall?
About 150 yards on an asphalt path rebuilt in 2021, with a 2 to 4% grade, NPS says. NPS lists the path as wheelchair accessible. We could not confirm whether that distance is one way or round trip.
Can you hike to the bottom of Tower Fall?
No. NPS says the lower part of the trail is closed because of severe erosion. We found no reopening announced as of October 25, 2026.
Is the road to Tower Fall closed for winter?
Yes. The road from Tower Junction has been closed to regular vehicles since November 1, 2026, NPS says. In 2026, cars could reach Tower Fall through October 31, weather permitting. In winter, NPS lists a 5-mile ski trail on the unplowed road.
Can I bring my dog to Tower Fall?
Not on trails or boardwalks, per NPS. Pets may be within 100 feet of roads, parking areas and campgrounds, on a leash of 6 feet or less. NPS doesn't say whether the overlook path counts as a trail, so ask a ranger.
Is it Tower Fall or Tower Falls?
The official name is Tower Fall, singular. Wikipedia says the US Geological Survey made that form official in 1928. 'Tower Falls' refers to the same waterfall.
Do I need a permit for Tower Fall?
No. You need only a Yellowstone entrance pass, which NPS lists at $35 per private vehicle for 7 days. Non-US residents 16 and older pay an extra $100 each unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass.
Nearby waterfalls
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Sources
- NPS Yellowstone: Tower-Roosevelt (updated Jul 3, 2025; base trail closure checked Oct 25, 2026)
- NPS Yellowstone: Accessibility
- NPS: Tower Fall Trailhead (updated Aug 15, 2026)
- NPS: Tower Fall General Store
- NPS Yellowstone: Campgrounds
- Recreation.gov: Tower Fall Campground
- NPS: Tower Fall Ski Trail
- NPS Yellowstone: Park roads (updated Oct 28, 2026)
- NPS Yellowstone news release (Oct 21, 2026): road closing dates
- NPS Yellowstone: Fees (updated Jun 16, 2026)
- NPS Yellowstone: Pets (updated Jul 29, 2026)
- NPS Yellowstone: Safety (updated Jul 28, 2026)
- NPS Yellowstone: Current conditions and alerts (updated Sep 29, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Tower Fall
Last verified Oct 29, 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.