Fairy Falls Trail
The trail crosses lodgepole forest to slender Fairy Falls, with an optional continuation toward Imperial Geyser.
Artwork inspired by Neltje
Fairy Falls is a roughly 200-foot ribbon of water reached across the lodgepole flats west of Midway Geyser Basin. The same trail system also serves the elevated Grand Prismatic overlook, but the overlook and waterfall are separate objectives: The spring viewpoint is a 1.2-mile out-and-back, while continuing to the falls makes a much longer outing.
The National Park Service lists a 5.4-mile round trip from the Fairy Falls parking area or 6.7 miles from the Fountain Flat Drive trailhead, generally requiring three to five hours. Beyond the falls, a further 0.6-mile continuation reaches Spray and Imperial geysers, adding interest and commitment rather than serving as a casual afterthought.
- Waterfall
- About 200 feet
- Option
- 5.4 or 6.7 miles round trip
- Allow
- 3–5 hours
Quick guide
- Treat Grand Prismatic
- Treat Grand Prismatic overlook as a separate spur.
- Continue
- Choose the 5.4- or 6.7-mile official route.
Route logic for Fairy Falls Trail
- Opening question
- The overlook and waterfall are distinct side trips.
- Treat Grand Prismatic
- From the Fairy Falls lot, the route is 5.4 miles round trip; from Fountain Flat, it is 6.7 miles.
- Decide at the waterfall
- Look for Fairy Falls’ roughly 200-foot drop, then choose whether the additional 0.6-mile walk to Spray and Imperial geysers fits weather, daylight, and the return.
- Conditions check
- Stay off thermal crust and honor closures; choose the official 5.4- or 6.7-mile route.
Good to know
Two official starts produce different mileages. Parking is very limited, thermal closures are absolute, and the exposed route can be hot; review bear, fire, and trail notices before leaving the car.
Notice these
- About 200 feet
- 5.4 or 6.7 miles round trip
- Choose the 5.4- or 6.7-mile official route.