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Firehole Falls Yellowstone National Park

4.8
·55 reviews·, United States

A picturesque 40-ft. waterfall on the Firehole River, accessible via a scenic drive with easy pull-offs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Optimal lighting & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Firehole Falls - Image 1

Firehole Falls Yellowstone National Park

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Optimal lighting & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque 40-ft. waterfall on the Firehole River, accessible via a scenic drive with easy pull-offs. Reddit

4.8
(55 reviews)

"A beautiful spot for a quick drive, offering a scenic and refreshing view without a long hike. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚫 No RVs on Canyon Road

RVs, campers, and buses cannot drive Firehole Canyon Road. Plan your route to avoid this restriction. :car:

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

Lush greenery and unique rock formations surround the falls, making it a great spot for photos. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Firehole Falls

Firehole Falls

Firehole River

A stunning 40-ft. waterfall cascading over volcanic rock, offering picturesque views and a serene atmosphere.

Reddit
Scenic Drive

Scenic Drive

Firehole Canyon Road

A picturesque drive along the Firehole River with multiple overlooks to admire the natural landscape.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

RV Access Restrictions

Planning an RV trip? Note that RVs, campers, and buses are prohibited from driving through Firehole Canyon Road. Plan your route accordingly to avoid disappointment and ensure a smooth visit to this scenic spot. Reddit

Quick Scenic Stop

Firehole Falls is a beautiful, easily accessible waterfall perfect for a quick stop. It's ideal if you're short on time but still want to experience Yellowstone's natural beauty without a strenuous hike. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning or late afternoon
Why
Optimal lighting & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Firehole Lake Loop Hike October 2023

🚫 No RVs on Canyon Road

RVs, campers, and buses cannot drive Firehole Canyon Road. Plan your route to avoid this restriction. Reddit :car:

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

Lush greenery and unique rock formations surround the falls, making it a great spot for photos. Reddit :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

Kid friendly swimming holes?

reddit.com

RV! Firehole Canyon?

🐾 Wildlife Awareness

Always keep a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter in the area. Reddit :deer:

🚗 Easy Pull-Off Access

The falls are easily accessible from the parking area, perfect for a quick, refreshing stop. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚫 No RVs on Canyon Road

RVs, campers, and buses cannot drive Firehole Canyon Road. Plan your route to avoid this restriction. Reddit :car:

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

Lush greenery and unique rock formations surround the falls, making it a great spot for photos. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🐾 Wildlife Awareness

Always keep a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter in the area. Reddit :deer:

🚗 Easy Pull-Off Access

The falls are easily accessible from the parking area, perfect for a quick, refreshing stop. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(55 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Firehole Falls for its stunning beauty and easy accessibility, making it a highly recommended quick stop in Yellowstone. While not a major attraction, its picturesque waterfall and scenic drive offer a refreshing natural experience. Some note the road's narrowness and RV restrictions, but overall, it's seen as a worthwhile and beautiful addition to any Yellowstone itinerary. Reddit

"It is a small road, so you can't take campers through. It is a beautiful waterfall, its on a side loop that you drive, so you just pull over and step out of the car and it's there."

Sadie Kane

"4.5/5 Stars: Firehole Falls, Yellowstone

I recently visited Firehole Falls in Yellowstone National Park, and it was a breathtaking experience! This picturesque waterfall is nestled in the Firehole River and offers stunning views and a serene atmosphere.

Highlights:

- Scenic Views: The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and unique rock formations, making for a perfect photo opportunity.
- Easy Access: The falls are easily accessible via a short hike from the parking area, making it a great spot for families or those with mobility limitations.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: The sound of the rushing water and the surrounding natural beauty create a peaceful and calming atmosphere.

Tips:

- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds.
- Be Mindful of Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from any wildlife that may be in the area.

Overall Experience:

Firehole Falls is a must-visit destination in Yellowstone National Park. The scenic views, easy access, and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect spot to relax and connect with nature. Don't miss this gem on your Yellowstone adventure!"

Abhay Gupta

"This is a cool area to drive to. There’s different overlooks are few places to stop"

Nelida Safrit

What People Like

Beautiful waterfall views
Easy access from car
Scenic drive

What People Dislike

RV restrictions
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Firehole Falls is located along Firehole Canyon Road, a scenic loop off Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone National Park. The road itself offers beautiful views and pull-offs. Reddit

No, RVs, campers, and buses are prohibited from driving through Firehole Canyon Road. You'll need to use a different vehicle or plan your visit accordingly. Reddit

No, Firehole Falls is easily accessible via a short walk from the parking area, making it a convenient stop for most visitors. Reddit

The best way is to drive the scenic Firehole Canyon Road, stopping at the designated overlooks to admire the falls and surrounding landscape. Reddit

Absolutely! Firehole Falls is a beautiful spot for a quick drive and offers a scenic view without requiring a long hike, perfect for those with limited time. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Firehole Falls is located within Yellowstone National Park, so you will need a valid park entrance pass to access it. Reddit

Firehole Canyon Road is typically open seasonally, generally from late May or early June through October, weather permitting. Always check the official Yellowstone National Park website for current road status. Reddit

The entrance fee is for Yellowstone National Park itself, not specifically for Firehole Falls. The fee is per vehicle and valid for 7 days. Reddit

No, Firehole Canyon Road is a seasonal road and is closed during the winter months due to snow and ice. Reddit

There are no specific restrictions on photography, but always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can admire the waterfall, take photos, enjoy the scenic drive, and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available at designated pull-offs along Firehole Canyon Road. Reddit

Yes, it's a great spot for families as it's easily accessible and offers beautiful scenery without a demanding hike. Reddit

Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted directly at Firehole Falls due to strong currents and the nature of the falls. Reddit

You might see various animals common to Yellowstone, such as bison, elk, or birds. Always maintain a safe distance. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Firehole Falls is an excellent stop for families visiting Yellowstone. The easy accessibility from the parking area means kids won't get tired on a long hike, and the visual appeal of the waterfall is captivating for all ages. It's a perfect spot for a quick break and to let children marvel at nature's power. Reddit

Remember to emphasize wildlife safety and keep a close eye on children near the overlooks. The scenic drive itself is also enjoyable for kids, offering changing views of the river and canyon. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited along this specific stretch of road. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

For those on a road trip or a day excursion through Yellowstone, Firehole Falls is an ideal, time-efficient stop. The short drive loop and easy access to the falls mean you can experience a significant natural wonder without dedicating hours. It’s a refreshing pause on a busy itinerary. Reddit

Prioritize this stop if you're looking for scenic beauty that doesn't require extensive physical exertion. Just be mindful of the RV restrictions on Firehole Canyon Road and ensure your vehicle is suitable for the narrow, winding path. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Firehole Canyon Road

Firehole Canyon Road is a one-way loop that offers a stunning perspective of the Firehole River and its geological features. It's a popular scenic drive, especially for those looking for a less strenuous way to experience Yellowstone's beauty. The road is narrow and winding, which is why larger vehicles like RVs and buses are prohibited. This restriction helps maintain the flow of traffic and preserves the intimate feel of the canyon drive. Reddit

As you drive, you'll encounter several pull-offs and overlooks, each providing a unique vantage point of the river and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The most prominent feature is Firehole Falls, a beautiful cascade that plunges over dark, rugged rock formations. The sound of the water and the visual spectacle make it a memorable stop. Remember to drive cautiously and be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians. Reddit

Pro Tip: The best times to drive this road are early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These times offer softer lighting for photography and tend to have fewer visitors, allowing for a more peaceful experience. Always check the park's official website for the most current road opening and closing dates, as it's a seasonal route. Reddit

Photography at Firehole Falls

Firehole Falls presents a fantastic opportunity for photographers, offering a blend of natural beauty and dramatic geological features. The waterfall itself, with its 40-foot drop over volcanic rock, creates dynamic water movement that can be captured beautifully with a tripod and a slower shutter speed. The surrounding canyon walls, often covered in lush vegetation, add depth and color to your shots, especially during the warmer months. Reddit

Consider visiting during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon. The low-angled sunlight can create dramatic shadows and highlights, enhancing the textures of the rocks and the flow of the water. If you're visiting mid-day, look for shaded areas or use a polarizing filter to manage harsh sunlight and reflections on the water. The scenic drive leading to the falls also offers numerous opportunities for landscape photography, capturing the winding river and the vast Yellowstone scenery. Reddit

Key Photography Tips:

* Use a tripod for sharper images, especially with slower shutter speeds to capture water movement.
* Experiment with different angles from the various overlooks.
* Look for wildlife along the riverbanks – they can add an exciting element to your photos.
* Be patient and wait for the best light and fewer crowds. Reddit

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