15 Amazing Waterfalls in Wyoming

Imagine a land where the earth breathes steam, where bison roam free, and where the majestic roar of cascading water echoes through ancient valleys. Welcome to Wyoming, a state that truly embodies the wild heart of America, and a hidden gem for waterfall enthusiasts. While Yellowstone National Park often steals the spotlight with its geysers and hot springs, it also harbors some of the most spectacular waterfalls on the planet, and beyond its famous boundaries, other natural wonders await. This guide invites you on an unforgettable journey to discover 15 amazing waterfalls across Wyoming, from the easily accessible roadside marvels to the secluded backcountry treasures.

You will witness the raw power of nature, feel the refreshing spray on your face, and capture moments of breathtaking beauty. The best time to embark on this watery adventure is typically late spring through early summer, when snowmelt swells the rivers, ensuring the falls are at their most powerful. However, visiting in the fall offers a stunning backdrop of golden aspens and fewer crowds. Pack your sturdy hiking boots, your camera, and an adventurous spirit – Wyoming’s waterfalls are calling!

Lower Falls

Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer majesty of this iconic waterfall, often considered the crown jewel of Yellowstone National Park. Plummeting 308 feet into the vibrant yellow canyon of the Yellowstone River, it is nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls. What makes it truly special is not just its immense power, but the spectacular setting within the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The mineral-rich walls of the canyon paint a masterpiece of ochre, orange, and red, providing a dramatic contrast to the thundering white water.

You can experience this wonder from various viewpoints, with Artist’s Point offering the quintessential postcard view, while Uncle Tom’s Trail (when open) provides a thrilling descent via a steel staircase for an up-close, mist-filled encounter. South Rim Trail connects many of these perspectives, allowing for a leisurely stroll with unparalleled vistas. This is a must-see for anyone visiting Yellowstone, offering both grandeur and accessibility. Families will love the easy access to viewpoints, while photographers will find endless inspiration in the dynamic light and colors.

The Wilderness Falls and Columbine Falls

Tucked away in the less-traveled northern reaches of Grand Teton National Park, these two captivating waterfalls offer a serene escape from the more bustling areas. The Wilderness Falls and Columbine Falls are often visited together as part of a longer, rewarding hike through the backcountry, starting from the Leigh Lake Trailhead. What makes them truly special is their pristine, untouched setting, framed by the majestic peaks of the Teton Range. You will navigate through lush forests, past sparkling lakes, and across serene meadows before reaching these cascades.

The Wilderness Falls, though smaller, is charming, while Columbine Falls presents a more impressive tiered plunge. This journey is ideal for adventurous hikers seeking solitude and breathtaking scenery away from the crowds. While the hike requires commitment, the reward is an intimate connection with nature and views that few casual visitors ever witness. This is a perfect destination for experienced solo travelers or couples looking for a challenging yet incredibly picturesque adventure.

Kepler Cascades

Situated just south of the Old Faithful area in Yellowstone National Park, Kepler Cascades offers a powerful and easily accessible display of water flowing over a series of ledges. This impressive cascade isn’t a single plunge but rather a dramatic series of drops as the Firehole River tumbles approximately 150 feet through a narrow gorge. What makes Kepler Cascades special is its raw power and the sheer volume of water that rushes through, especially during the spring melt.

You can enjoy fantastic views from a well-maintained viewing platform located just a short walk from the parking area, making it an excellent stop for all types of travelers. The sound of the roaring water is truly immersive, and the spray can be felt on the viewing deck, adding to the sensory experience. This is an ideal stop for families with young children or those with limited mobility, as it requires minimal effort for maximum impact. It’s a perfect quick stop to stretch your legs between geyser basin explorations.

Upper Falls

Upstream from its more famous sibling, the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River offers a unique perspective on the power of this mighty waterway. While not as tall as the Lower Falls, this 109-foot cascade is incredibly wide and powerful, showcasing the immense volume of water plunging over a volcanic rock ledge. What makes Upper Falls distinct is the opportunity to view it from several angles, including a vantage point very close to where the water begins its descent, giving you a visceral sense of its force.

You can access impressive viewpoints from both the North Rim and South Rim drives within Yellowstone National Park. The trail to the brink of the Upper Falls on the South Rim provides a thrilling perspective, allowing you to stand right at the edge of the roaring water. This waterfall is an excellent addition to your Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone exploration, offering a different, equally impressive facet of the river’s power. It’s suitable for families, solo travelers, and anyone who appreciates the raw force of nature.

Hidden Falls

True to its name, Hidden Falls is a captivating cascade tucked away in a verdant canyon within Grand Teton National Park, accessible via a popular and scenic hike. What makes this 100-foot waterfall special is the journey itself. You can choose to hike the entire 6.8-mile round trip from Jenny Lake Visitor Center, or opt for a scenic boat shuttle across Jenny Lake, significantly shortening the hike to a manageable 1-mile round trip. The trail winds through lush forest, offering glimpses of the stunning Teton peaks and the pristine lake.

Upon arrival, you’ll find the falls roaring down a rocky cliff, often surrounded by mist and vibrant greenery. The area around the falls can be quite busy, especially in summer, as it’s a popular destination. Beyond the falls, the trail continues to Inspiration Point, offering panoramic views of Jenny Lake and the Jackson Hole valley. This destination is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a rewarding hike with a beautiful natural payoff.

Terraced Falls

For those seeking a more secluded and wild waterfall experience, Terraced Falls in the southwestern corner of Yellowstone National Park is a true hidden gem. This magnificent cascade, where Falls River plunges over a series of basalt steps, is unique for its multi-tiered structure and the rugged wilderness that surrounds it. Unlike many of Yellowstone’s more famous falls, reaching Terraced Falls requires a commitment to a longer, less-traveled hike, often starting from the Cave Falls area just outside the park’s south entrance in Idaho.

The trail winds through dense forest, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing in a pristine environment. The reward is a powerful, sprawling waterfall that feels entirely your own, far from the tour buses and crowds. This is an ideal destination for experienced hikers, nature photographers, and anyone who cherishes solitude and the untouched beauty of the backcountry. Be prepared for a full-day adventure and pack accordingly.

Undine Falls

Nestled in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park, near Mammoth Hot Springs, Undine Falls offers a picturesque and easily accessible stop along the Grand Loop Road. This charming 60-foot waterfall cascades gracefully over a series of moss-covered rock formations, creating a delicate and serene scene. What makes Undine Falls special is its unique rock structure, which gives the water a fanning, almost ethereal appearance as it descends.

You can enjoy lovely views from a pull-off directly adjacent to the road, making it an ideal quick stop for all travelers, including families and those with limited mobility. There’s also a short, easy trail that leads closer to the falls for a more intimate experience. The surrounding area is characterized by open meadows and scattered trees, providing a peaceful backdrop. It’s a perfect spot for a tranquil moment and a great photo opportunity without requiring a long hike.

Firehole Falls

Cascading over ancient basalt columns in Yellowstone’s Lower Geyser Basin, Firehole Falls is a unique and captivating waterfall that combines natural beauty with geological wonder. The Firehole River plunges approximately 40 feet over a striking formation of columnar basalt, remnants of ancient lava flows.

What makes Firehole Falls truly special is the opportunity to view it up close from the scenic Firehole Canyon Drive, a one-way loop that descends into a picturesque canyon. You can also, seasonally, take a dip in the designated swimming area below the falls, where the river is warmed by geothermal activity – a truly unique Yellowstone experience! The drive itself is beautiful, offering glimpses of the river and canyon walls. This is an excellent stop for families, especially those with kids who might enjoy the swimming hole (check park regulations for opening dates), as well as geology enthusiasts and photographers.

Tower Fall

Standing majestically near the historic Tower-Roosevelt area in Yellowstone National Park, Tower Fall is a striking 132-foot cascade plunging over a formation of dramatic, slender basalt columns. These unique rock spires, resembling medieval towers, give the waterfall its distinctive name and make it one of Yellowstone’s most visually arresting sights. What makes it special is the combination of its geological grandeur and its historical significance, being a favorite spot of early park explorers and artists.

You can enjoy impressive views from a paved overlook just a short walk from the parking area. For a closer look, a steep but short trail leads down to the base of the fall (check park conditions as this trail is often closed due to erosion). This is an iconic stop for all visitors to Yellowstone, offering a blend of natural beauty and geological intrigue. It’s particularly appealing for photographers and those interested in the park’s early history.

Shell Falls

Venturing outside of Yellowstone, Shell Falls stands as a geological marvel in the Bighorn National Forest, easily accessible right off US Highway 14. This powerful cascade, where Shell Creek carves its way through a narrow canyon, is unique for the visible geological cross-section it reveals. You can literally see millions of years of earth’s history laid bare in the exposed rock layers around the falls.

What makes Shell Falls truly special is the interactive visitor center and interpretive trails that explain the geology and ecology of the area. The main viewpoint offers a spectacular perspective of the water thundering through the ancient granite, and the roar of the falls is immense. This is an excellent stop for all ages, offering both stunning natural beauty and educational opportunities. It’s a perfect destination for families, geology enthusiasts, and anyone traveling through the scenic Bighorn Mountains.

Gibbon Falls

Located along the scenic Gibbon River in Yellowstone National Park, Gibbon Falls is a beautiful, wide cascade that stretches approximately 84 feet across a sloping rock face. What makes this waterfall special is its picturesque, fanned appearance as the water spreads out over the volcanic rock, creating a delicate yet powerful display. You can enjoy stunning views directly from a well-maintained pull-off on the Grand Loop Road, making it incredibly accessible for all visitors.

The falls are surrounded by lush forest, and the sound of the rushing water is a soothing backdrop. It’s a popular spot for a quick photo opportunity and a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of Yellowstone without a lengthy hike. This is an ideal stop for families, photographers, and anyone looking for an easy-to-access, scenic waterfall.

Mystic Falls

Hidden within the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin, Mystic Falls offers a serene escape and a rewarding hike through a diverse landscape. This beautiful 70-foot waterfall cascades down a rocky slope, surrounded by lodgepole pines and the occasional steam vent from nearby hot springs. What makes Mystic Falls special is the journey to reach it: a moderate 2.4-mile round-trip hike that starts from the colorful geothermal features of Biscuit Basin.

You will walk alongside the Little Firehole River, experiencing the unique smells and sights of Yellowstone’s thermal areas before reaching the tranquil falls. For those seeking a longer adventure, the trail continues to an overlook of the Upper Geyser Basin. This is an excellent choice for active families, solo hikers, and anyone who enjoys combining a waterfall visit with explorations of Yellowstone’s unique thermal landscapes.

Iris Falls

For the truly adventurous and those seeking profound solitude, Iris Falls presents a remote and pristine wilderness experience deep within Yellowstone National Park, accessible primarily by a long hike or a paddle across Shoshone Lake. This beautiful cascade, approximately 45 feet high, is fed by the Shoshone River as it flows out of Shoshone Lake. What makes Iris Falls special is its untouched wilderness setting.

You won’t find paved paths or crowds here; instead, you’ll be immersed in a vast, quiet landscape. Reaching it typically involves a multi-day backpacking trip or a long day of kayaking across Shoshone Lake, followed by a hike along the river. This is a destination for experienced backpackers, kayakers, and wilderness enthusiasts who value the journey as much as the destination and are prepared for a challenging, self-reliant adventure.

Moose Falls

As you enter Yellowstone National Park from the south, Moose Falls often greets visitors as one of the first waterfalls encountered, offering a delightful and easily accessible stop. This charming 30-foot cascade plunges over a series of dark volcanic rocks into a clear pool, framed by lush forest. What makes Moose Falls special is its tranquil beauty and the ease with which it can be visited.

A very short, paved path leads from the parking area to a viewpoint, making it perfect for a quick stretch of the legs and a photo opportunity. While not as grand as the Lower Falls, its intimate setting and gentle roar provide a peaceful introduction to Yellowstone’s natural wonders. This is an ideal stop for families with young children, those with limited mobility, or anyone just beginning their Yellowstone adventure from the south.

Duck Creek Falls

Nestled in the northern part of Grand Teton National Park, near Jackson Lake, Duck Creek Falls offers a less-visited but charming waterfall experience for those willing to explore off the main tourist circuit. This modest cascade, where Duck Creek tumbles over a series of rocky ledges, is special for its serene, forested setting and the feeling of discovery it offers. Access typically involves a moderate hike from one of the nearby trailheads, such as the Hermitage Point Trail.

The trail meanders through quiet woodlands, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and peaceful reflection away from the more crowded viewpoints. While not as dramatic as the park’s more famous falls, Duck Creek Falls provides a lovely, intimate encounter with nature. This is a great option for solo travelers or couples seeking a tranquil hike and a rewarding, uncrowded waterfall experience within the stunning Teton landscape.

Plan Your Visit

Wyoming, with its rugged landscapes and pristine wilderness, is an unparalleled destination for waterfall lovers. From the thundering grandeur of Yellowstone’s Lower Falls to the serene seclusion of Terraced Falls, you have discovered a diverse tapestry of cascading wonders, each with its own unique charm and story. This journey through Wyoming’s watery heart promises not just breathtaking views but also opportunities for thrilling hikes, peaceful moments of reflection, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Whether you are a solo adventurer seeking solitude, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family creating lasting memories, Wyoming’s waterfalls offer an experience for every type of traveler. Start planning your epic adventure today, considering a National Park Pass for significant savings, and remember to book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season. Prepare to be inspired, invigorated, and utterly captivated by the raw, untamed beauty of Wyoming’s liquid jewels. Your next great adventure awaits!