Fairy Falls Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Waterfall

The Fairy Falls Trail begins about 6 miles north of Old Faithful. In order to get to the start of the Fairy Falls Trail, you'll start on Fountain Flats Drive. Begin by crossing the Firehole River on an old bridge. The Fountain Flats Drive follows a wide, old dirt road for about the first mile, and is very flat. On this section of the trail, you'll pass the backside of the largest hot spring in the park, Grand Prismatic Spring. This section of the trail can be biked.

After about a mile, you'll reach the official trailhead for the Fairy Falls Trail on your left. If you're biking, leave your bike here. This portion of the trail is through dense, young lodgepole pines. Just like the first part of the trail, it is relatively flat. When you begin to get close to the fall, there is a slight incline. There are various backcountry campsites along this trail that are nice easy overnighters. Check with park service for availability and restrictions on these sites.

Fairy Falls is a tall, thin plummeting waterfall that ends in a blue pool. For a shorter hike, you can retrace your steps and follow the trail back the way you came. Or if you wish to continue on to Twin Buttes and a few thermal features, continue down the trail for several more miles. You'll come across the junction for the Fairy Creek Trail at about two miles and if you continue on, the trail ends at the Imperial Meadows Trail.

Along the trail, you will mostly find lodgepole pines.