Yellowstone National Park: Fairy Falls
This diverse 5.6-mile out-and-back, a park signature hike, passes colorful geysers and an eerie burn zone en route to a 100-foot cascade. Caution: Grizzly restoration area.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 4.4
Waypoints
FFT001
Location: 44.5159339904785, -110.831916809082
Begin on Fountain Flat Trail from N side of parking lot. Cross bridge, keeping eye out for thermal pools to R
FFT002
Location: 44.5185852050781, -110.833183288574
Hike uphill; pass field of numerous yellow, orange, and white steaming geysers on R
FFT003
Location: 44.5215682983398, -110.835220336914
Photo op: Midway Geyser Basin, a massive, fuming, turquoise pool
FFT004
Location: 44.5271682739258, -110.842399597168
Turn L @ junction
FFT005
Location: 44.5256843566894, -110.846282958984
Scenery changes to polished, gray burn land dotted with baby quaking aspens and new-growth pine before entering canyon
FFT006
Location: 44.5253982543945, -110.850166320801
Bridge crossing; cool feet in fresh stream
FFT007
Location: 44.5259017944336, -110.866317749023
Straight @ trail intersection; pass grove of mature lodgepole pines
FFT008
Location: 44.525951385498, -110.866630554199
Navigate over or under two permanently downed pines blocking trail
FFT009
Location: 44.5252685546875, -110.869613647461
Turn L; approach Fairy Falls, a tall yet tame oasis cutting through the charred landscape; great spot for the family to enjoy picnicking, swimming, or rock-skipping Option: Continue .3 mi. NW to Imperial Geyser, which can be seen from the falls. Retrace trail to parking lot.