Introduction:
What? :
Osprey Falls are tucked deep inside a dramatic canyon, this hike is one of the park's best-kept secrets for those willing to put in the hiking effort.
It's a challenging hiking experience getting down into the deep canyon (more exactly climbing up) to see up close the powerful waterfalls plunge 150 feet (46 m) over the edge of an ancient lava flow into the deep canyon.
Unlike many other locations in Yellowstone that are packed with crowds of other people here this is a more true sense of backcountry adventure.
Where? :
Osprey Falls is located in the northern section of Yellowstone National Park, near the Mammoth Hot Springs area.
The trailhead is located 5 miles south of Mammoth on the Grand Loop Road. Look for the gravel parking lot just south of the Golden Gate, situated across the road from the Glen Creek trailhead.
This small parking lot can fill up quickly during the peak summer season.
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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 Mamuth. 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:
There are no restrooms or other amenities directly at the trailhead or along the trail.
Due note 7:
Bicycles are allowed only on Old Bunsen Peak Road.
My thoughts:
I really like this hike although I did not see any animals along the hike. It was good to escape from the crowd, hiking far into the canyon and seeing the impressive waterfall up close.
It was indeed challenging to climb up from the canyon but it was worth it.
The Hike:
The round-trip hike to Osprey Falls is approximately 9.4 miles (Out-and-Back Hike) with elevation gain of 1,400 ft and takes between 4 to 6 hours to complete.
It's classified as a strenuous hike, primarily due to the steep descent and subsequent climb back out of the canyon.
The journey is a hike of two distinct sections: Old Bunsen Peak Road and Osprey Falls Canyon Trail.
Old Bunsen Peak Road:
The first 3.3 miles of the hike follow the old service road, which is relatively flat or has only minor grades.
This section offers peaceful walking through sagebrush flats and patches of forest and occasional views up to Bunsen Peak.
From this trail section you can have a nice view of the upper Grander River canyon.
After hiking this section of the trail you reach a trail junction where there are clear signs pointing right to the trail leading into the canyon bottom.
Osprey Falls Canyon Trail:
At the junction, the trail becomes single treck. It follows the canyon rim edge for some time and from there it plunges into the magnificent Sheepeater Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in Yellowstone.
This final section involves descending approximately 700 feet via a series of steep, narrow, and often rocky switchbacks.
This challenging descent leads you to the base of the canyon, from there a short walk upstream leads you to Osprey Falls.
Here the Gardner River plunges a powerful 150 feet over the edge of an ancient lava flow.
You are standing at a small hill viewing the water falling into the canyon.
After enjoying your stay here you need to retract your steps and start with the very steep climb out of the canyon.
Once you reach the top level of the rim the main challenge of the hike is over. Rejoin Old Bunsen Peak Road and hike back to the parking lot and trailhead.
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