Introduction:
What? :
The hike to Fairy Falls Trail is a fun hike leading to a 200-foot waterfall.
At this trail you can also pass through a spectacular high viewpoint of the world-famous Grand Prismatic Spring, in my view one of the must visit location in Yellowstone Park.
The 5.5 miles hike leading to the waterfall is winding through pine forest.
It's the perfect combination of easy trail without any climbing, iconic sights of the Grand Prismatic Spring and a quieter nature walk.
Where? :
The Fairy Falls Trail is located in the Midway Geyser Basin area.
The popular trailhead is the Fairy Falls Parking Lot, situated off the Grand Loop Road between the Midway Geyser Basin and Old Faithful.
Given the trail's popularity, especially for the Grand Prismatic Overlook, the parking lot is often full during peak season, so an early start is highly recommended.
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When? :
The park is open year round, but the journey to get here and the surrounding scenery change dramatically between summer and winter.
For most people, late May to September is the ideal time to visit here.
My personal recommendations are to visit Yellowstone National Park during the month of September.
The park is not as crowded as the peak tourist season of the summer months, the weather is ideal for hiking, it is not so hot or cold, all the roads are still open and the animals are in their active months.
Another option is during June when the snow is mainly cleared, all is green and the animals are getting out and active after the long winter.
Summer:
This is the peak Season (Mid-June to Mid-September)
All park roads are open to personal vehicles, making it easy to drive right to any destination within the park.
It is very crowded here during the summer months. Traffic jams, slow drive and challenges with finding parking spots.
Days are usually warm (70-80f), but nights can still be cool. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
All hotels, lodges and campgrounds are open, high price and reservation need many months in advance.
Fall:
Fall season is short (Mid-September to end October) offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.
All roads are still open (most interior roads close to vehicles by early November), usually there is no heavy snow but you should expect a mix of sunny and rainy days and cold temperatures.
Daytime highs can range from the 40-70F, with nights dropping below freezing.
Winter:
Winter (Mid-December to Mid-March) transforms the park into a quiet, magical, snow-covered land.
The geyser's steam plumes are enormous.
Crowds are minimal.
Most interior park roads are closed to regular cars. You must travel into the park by a guided snowcoach or on a permitted snowmobile tour.
If you plan to visit Yellowstone in the winter, you will need to book a tour from one of the gateway towns like West Yellowstone or Mammoth Hot Springs (which is accessible by private vehicle year-round via the North Entrance).
The weather is cold with daytime temperatures between 0-20f.
You need proper, layered, waterproof and warm winter clothing is essential.
Spring:
Spring is a very short season in Yellowstone, practically in May and early June.
Some roads start to get open during end of April
Crowds are minimal, especially in April and May, making for a quiet visit.
Weather is unpredictable, with the potential for warm, pleasant days mixed with snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.
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Tips and inputs:
Due note 1:
This is a long hike so bring at least 2-3 liters of water with you.
Bring snacks and light food to the hike.
Due note 2:
There are no facilities like toilets or trash cans along the main trail to Fairy Falls.
Nearby Services is located at Old Faithfull. You can find there extensive services, including a Visitor Center, lodging, a campground, restaurants, general stores, and a gas station.
Due note 3:
Dress in Layers: Yellowstone's weather can change quickly even during the summer months. Be prepared for sun, rain, wind, and cold temperatures.
Some sections of the trail are exposed to the sun so bring a hat, use sunscreen and use sunglasses.
Due note 4:
Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and hike in groups while making noise (calling out "Hey Bear!" occasionally) to alert wildlife to your presence.
Remember to maintain a safe and legal distance from all wildlife: 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other animals, including the bighorn sheep.
Due note 5:
To get the best views of Grand Prismatic Spring it is highly recommended to come midday when the sun is high and the air is warmer. Early mornings can be very misty, obscuring the view and colors.
If you are starting this hike in the early morning, consider hiking to Fairy Falls first, and climbing to the overlook on your way back around late morning or noon.
My thoughts:
This is a fun hike. The Grand Prismatic Spring high viewpoint is a must visit and I highly recommend hiking here. The hike to Fairy Falls is pleasant and flat but I do not see it as a “mandatory” hike, the waterfalls are not as impressive as I thought them to be.
The Hike:
From the parking lot the trail crosses the river over a large bridge and heads to the base of the hills.
The trail here begins on a wide, mostly flat dirt/gravel road (the old Fountain Flat Drive) which crosses the Firehole River.
After about 0.7 miles you will see a clear marked trail on your left, heading up the hill.
Take this trail and climb the hill all the way to the small viewing platform.
From the small viewing platform there is a gap in the trees and you can clearly see the large Grand Prismatic Spring.
Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States (third-largest in the world), with a diameter of about 370 feet (112 meters) and depth up to 160 feet (50 meters).
The water temperature in the spring source can reach up to 189f.
The rainbow-like colors are the result of a fascinating interaction between heat, water, and microscopic life (heat-loving bacteria). From its deep blue center to yellow, orange, and red rings.
The spectacular rainbow color and the large size of the pool is clear from this high vantage point.
You can clearly see the pool's deep-blue center transition into dark red on its edges.
You can see the boardwalk and you will have the people walking there as a reference to the large pool size.
After enjoying the view from above you need to hike down to the main Fairy Falls trail and head north.
After about 1.3 miles from the trailhead you will see a turn to the left.
The trail narrows and enters a pine forest, much of which is regrowth from the 1988 fires. This section is very flat and easy.
After an additional 1.4 miles (total of 2.8 miles from trailhead) you will reach the waterfall base.
Fairy Falls, a graceful, slender waterfall, plunges nearly 200 feet over the edge of the basaltic plateau, providing a wonderful payoff for your walk.
After enjoying the view and the rest you need to hike back the same trail.
Overall this is 5.5 miles with 500 ft of elevation gain and it took me less then 2 hours to complete.
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