Wraith Falls Trail Yellowstone National Park - Image 1
1 / 3

Wraith Falls Trail Yellowstone National Park

5
Β·20 reviewsΒ·, United States

A scenic, moderate hike leading to the stunning Wraith Falls, offering wildlife viewing opportunities and beautiful natural scenery.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Wraith Falls Trail Yellowstone National Park - Image 1

Wraith Falls Trail Yellowstone National Park

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic, moderate hike leading to the stunning Wraith Falls, offering wildlife viewing opportunities and beautiful natural scenery.

5
(20 reviews)

"Short trail with some wildlife. Beautiful falls at the end."

Vertical photo
TIP

Easy Hike, Big Reward

A short, mostly easy trail leading to a gorgeous waterfall. Worth every step for the stunning views! :hiking_boot:

Wildlife Spotting

You might see mule deer and marmots! Keep a safe distance and enjoy the natural inhabitants. 🦌

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

5 Β· 20 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

πŸ‘Ά Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wraith Falls

Wraith Falls

Yellowstone National Park

A beautiful waterfall accessible via a short, rewarding hike. The sound and sight of the falls are truly captivating.

Abundant Wildlife

Abundant Wildlife

Along the trail

Keep an eye out for mule deer, marmots, and various birds. Spotting wildlife adds an extra layer of magic to the hike.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and increase wildlife sightings. The trail can get busy, so planning your visit outside peak hours is key for a more serene experience.

Trail Conditions & Wildlife

While generally easy, some steep spots exist. Be aware of potential fallen trees and always maintain a safe distance from wildlife like mule deer and marmots.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour, wildlife active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Detailed itinerary πŸ‘‡πŸΌ Your ultimate USA roadtrip itinerary from Wyoming to South Dakota - Save for your next adventure! 🦊 Yellowstone National Park (WY) 🟒 Must-see: Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful, Lamar Valley for wildlife 🟒 Take the Fairy Falls Trail for the best Grand Prismatic view 🟒 Pro tip: Visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds & spot wildlife 🟒 Best time: June to September f...
thespinningatlas
686 likes β€’ 22.6K views

Easy Hike, Big Reward

A short, mostly easy trail leading to a gorgeous waterfall. Worth every step for the stunning views! :hiking_boot:

Wildlife Spotting

You might see mule deer and marmots! Keep a safe distance and enjoy the natural inhabitants. 🦌

Is this for real?! The hike I’m showing is called Brink of the Lower Falls Trail in Yellowstone National Park. It ends at a dramatic viewpoint right above the 308-foot Lower Falls β€” you’ll feel the power of the water up close, with thunderous sound and jaw-dropping canyon views. This hike completely shocked me! It’s so much more jaw-dropping in real life than in a video. πŸ”Ί Difficulty: Moderate β€”...
elinaways
1.7K likes β€’ 100.6K views

Beat the Crowds

Visit early or late to avoid the busiest times and enjoy a more peaceful experience. :clock1:

Trail Navigation

The trail is generally clear, but be mindful of occasional fallen trees. Alternative paths are often available. :evergreen_tree:

Tips

from all over the internet

Easy Hike, Big Reward

A short, mostly easy trail leading to a gorgeous waterfall. Worth every step for the stunning views! :hiking_boot:

Wildlife Spotting

You might see mule deer and marmots! Keep a safe distance and enjoy the natural inhabitants. 🦌

Beat the Crowds

Visit early or late to avoid the busiest times and enjoy a more peaceful experience. :clock1:

Trail Navigation

The trail is generally clear, but be mindful of occasional fallen trees. Alternative paths are often available. :evergreen_tree:

What Travellers Say

5
(20 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Wraith Falls Trail for its beautiful waterfall and the rewarding, relatively easy hike. It's a popular spot for wildlife sightings, adding to the overall enjoyable experience. Some note minor trail obstructions, but these are generally manageable.

"Fairly easy hike to the view point. Across the creek and up a couple hundred yards after you hike in around a mile. It’s not too steep.

Birds and marmots(or something?) in abundance."

Steve Hess

"The short hike to the waterfall is worth the views."

Rick White

"Short trail with some wildlife. Beautiful falls at the end"

Carmen Martucci

What People Like

Beautiful waterfall views
Easy to moderate hike
Wildlife sightings

What People Dislike

Occasional fallen trees

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Wraith Falls Trail is located in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park, near the Mammoth Hot Springs area. Access is typically from the Grand Loop Road. Parking can be limited, especially during peak season. TikTok

Yes, the trailhead is accessible by car. There is a parking area available, though it can fill up quickly. Consider visiting early or late to secure a spot. Instagram

The closest entrance to Wraith Falls Trail depends on your direction of travel. If coming from the north, the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) is closest. If coming from the east, the Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT) is a viable option. Reddit

Yellowstone National Park does not typically offer specific shuttle services directly to individual trailheads like Wraith Falls. It's best to drive your own vehicle or use a guided tour service that includes this stop. Reddit

Driving conditions are generally good on the Grand Loop Road. However, be prepared for potential wildlife delays and always adhere to the park's speed limits. Road closures can occur due to weather, especially outside of summer months. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, you need an entrance pass to enter Yellowstone National Park. The pass covers access to all areas of the park, including Wraith Falls Trail. Reddit

As of recent information, a private vehicle pass for Yellowstone National Park costs $35 for a 7-day admission. Check the official NPS website for the most current pricing. Reddit

Yellowstone National Park has not implemented a timed entry system for general access. However, it's always wise to check the official NPS website for any last-minute changes or specific area restrictions. Reddit

Wraith Falls Trail is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, access may be limited by snow or road closures in the winter months. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase Yellowstone National Park entrance passes online through the official NPS website or Recreation.gov. This can save you time at the entrance gate. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Wraith Falls Trail is a relatively short hike, typically around 1 mile roundtrip. It's considered an easy to moderate trail, suitable for most fitness levels. Reddit

The trail is generally described as easy to moderate. There are some slightly steep sections, but it's not overly strenuous. Reddit

You can expect beautiful forest scenery leading to the impressive Wraith Falls. The falls themselves are a highlight, with the sound of rushing water and picturesque views. Reddit

Yes, Wraith Falls Trail is a great option for families. The short length and moderate difficulty make it manageable for children, and the waterfall is a rewarding sight. Reddit

Restroom facilities may be available at or near the Wraith Falls Trailhead, but it's always a good idea to confirm with the park's visitor services or check recent visitor reports. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can create magical shots. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and surrounding canyon. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures to smooth the water. TikTok

The main viewpoint is at the end of the trail, offering a direct view of the falls. Be mindful of safety and stay on designated paths. Instagram

Drone usage is strictly prohibited in Yellowstone National Park, including at Wraith Falls. Please respect park regulations. Reddit

Besides the waterfall itself, look for opportunities to photograph the surrounding forest, any wildlife you encounter, and the textures of the rocks and water. TikTok

Wraith Falls Trail Yellowstone National Park (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide