Yellowstone National Park

Wraith Falls Trail

easy FamiliesWaterfall LoversPhotographers
0 mi Distance
60 min Estimated Time
Out & Back Trail Type

What to Expect

Wraith Falls is Yellowstone's secret handshake — a legitimate waterfall payoff disguised as a leg-stretcher. The trail rolls out from a small roadside pullout east of Lava Creek Picnic Area and immediately drops you into open sagebrush meadows where bison sometimes graze close enough to make you reconsider your life choices. The path threads through boggy marshland on boardwalks before ducking into a cool mixed conifer forest that smells like Christmas morning. The whole thing takes about half an hour each way, and then there it is: Wraith Falls, a 79-foot veil of water sliding down a rocky face on Lupine Creek. It is not Yellowstone's most dramatic cascade, but it is one of the most accessible — the trail is wheelchair-friendly and flat enough for toddlers. Perfect for families between geyser stops, photographers chasing that silky-water shot, or anyone who wants a real trail experience without committing to a full day.
FamiliesWaterfall LoversPhotographersWheelchair UsersQuick Detour

Safety Advisory

Bison frequently graze in the sagebrush meadows along the first stretch. Maintain at least 25 yards of distance — they look slow until they decide not to be, and they can sprint three times faster than you can run.

Bear activity is common in this corridor, especially in spring and fall. Carry bear spray and make noise through the forested section where sight lines drop to nothing.

Trail Details

Difficulty easy
Estimated Time 60 min
Trail Type Out & Back
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead Wraith Falls Trail

Pro Tips

Trail Tip

Hit this trail before 9 AM or after 5 PM — the small pullout parking area fills fast midday in summer, and you will end up driving past it three times looking for a spot.

Trail Tip

The boardwalk sections through the marsh can be slick after rain or snowmelt. Shoes with any kind of grip beat sandals here, even though the trail is easy enough to tempt you into flip-flops.

Trail Tip

For the best waterfall photo, visit in late May or June when snowmelt has Lupine Creek running at full volume. A polarizing filter cuts the glare off the wet rock face and turns a good shot into a portfolio piece.

Photos

Water cascades down a slope surrounded by rocky cliffs and sparse trees.NPS / Addy Falgoust

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