Best Waterfalls in Wyoming: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Lisa Sammons
Author
From the very tallest cascades to the tiniest trickles, few natural wonders are quite as enchanting as a waterfall. These roaring landmarks are so breathtaking, and one of the best parts about life in the Cowboy State is how many amazing waterfalls in Wyoming there are! If you’re looking to explore the most epic Wyoming waterfalls, we’ve got you covered with a few of our very favorites – check them out:
Tallest Waterfalls In Wyoming
Size matters, and height is the most easily-observable aspects of a waterfall. Our mountainous landscape means there’s tons of tall waterfalls in Wyoming where you can enjoy the sight of water flowing from high in the sky. Here are some of the state’s most impressive, and most visited, falls:
1. Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River
The waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park are like no other, and none can compare to the Lower Falls. Nestled right into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the falls' setting is amazing, and its 308-foot height is equally impressive. The contrast between the blue, green, and white of the powerful cascade and the yellow and brown rocks around it is a mesmerizing sight you won't soon forget.
2. Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River
Another equally impressive Yellowstone River waterfall is the mighty Upper Falls. At 109 feet in height, it's not as tall as the more famous Lower Falls, but it's stunning and worthy of a visit. It's just upstream from the Lower Falls and quite easy to access.
3. Union Falls
Union Falls is the second-tallest waterfall in Yellowstone National Park. At 250 feet in height, it's quite the sight! However, because it requires a 15-mile out-and-back hike to reach, it's not quite as frequently visited as many of the more popular falls at the park. The overlook gives you a wonderful view of the entire falls and you can even feel the cool spray from them.
Best Waterfall Hikes In Wyoming
I love hiking, but it can be exhausting. Nothing works quite as well as a pick-me-up like seeing a beautiful natural wonder along the trail… like maybe a waterfall? Some of the state’s very best hikes include waterfalls, and if you find yourself Googling “waterfalls near me,” here are a few to check out. If you’re a regular hiker in Wyoming, consider a free trial of AllTrails+. The site has downloadable trail maps, turn-by-turn directions, and other must-have features to make hiking a breeze.
4. Popo Agie Falls
This is one of our favorite summer hikes in Wyoming thanks to all the swimming holes that lie along the trail. It's only a 3.3-mile round trip, so it won't take you all day to explore the area. The trailhead is about 1.5 miles from Bruce's Parking Area in the Shoshone Natural Forest.
5. Porcupine Falls
The trail to reach the beautiful Porcupine Falls is only around 0.8 miles, but don't be fooled by the short length. It's quite steep and involves quite a few stairs. However, the views are magnificent and definitely worth the effort. Once you reach the falls, they're a great spot for a picnic.
6. Fairy Falls
The trail to Fairy Falls is about 8.8 miles, but don't let the length intimidate you. It's an easy, well-marked loop that's quite the pleasant hike. At 197 feet in height, Fairy Falls is one of the tallest cascades in Yelllowstone. Keep walking a little further and you'll get a great view of the beautiful Grand Prismatic Spring.
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7. Mystic Falls
The hike to reach Mystic Falls starts at the Artemisia Trail Head and runs for about 3.5 miles in a loop formation. The views of Yellowstone you'll see along the way are quite stunning. The 70-foot-tall Mystic Falls is part of the Little Firehole River, and the cascade's unique staircase formation is striking.
8. Bucking Mule Falls
We've already covered the beautiful Porcupine Falls, but the same trail will lead you to the magnificent Bucking Mule Falls. This part of the trail gives you a great view of Devils Canyon, and while you can't get super-close to Bucking Mule Falls, you'll be able to see the gorgeous cascade in its entirety.
9. Hidden Falls
Grand Teton isn't quite as famous for its waterfalls as Yellowstone is, but that doesn't mean you won't find some of the prettiest waterfalls in the USA here! One of our favorites is the amazing Hidden Falls. This stunning waterfall plunges down more than 100 feet. Continue along the trail and you'll reach the gorgeous Inspiration Point.
Accessible Waterfalls In Wyoming (No Hiking Required)
We realize the grueling and lengthy trek required to reach some of the state’s most wonderful waterfalls is not always possible for all readers. Many people have mobility issues, and others have young kids that just aren’t physically capable of rocky scrambles and all-day excursions. Luckily, there are plenty of easy-access waterfalls in Wyoming that require little (or no) hiking. Check these out:
10. Tower Fall
It's easy to see why Tower Fall is so popular. The waterfall is along Tower Creek on its way to the Yellowstone River, and it's got a convenient platform overlook that provides an amazing view. Note that there aren't any trails that can take you to the base, so the overlook provides by far the best vantage point in the park.
11. Gibbon Falls
Gibbon Falls is yet another of the many Yellowstone falls, and it's among the most easily-viewed beautiful waterfalls in the park. The towering 84-foot waterfall is formed by the Gibbon River and can be viewed either from one of the park's hiking trails or from an overlook along the highway near Madison and Norris Junctions. It's a great cascade, and definitely worth a visit.
Best Waterfalls Near Cheyenne, Wyoming
Cheyenne is the state’s most populated city, and it’s home to some truly amazing attractions. But did you also know there are some great waterfalls near Cheyenne, WY? Check this one out:
12. Duck Creek Falls
Duck Creek Falls is a hidden gem not too far from Cheyenne that is a double fall. The first dip is about 60 feet, and then the second is right around eight feet. It's tucked away deep in the Laramie Peak Wildlife Habitat Management Area, and requires a backcountry hike to reach. It's a perfect spot for an afternoon picnic!
Wow! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to head out on a road trip! What’s your favorite waterfall in Wyoming? Share yours in the comments!
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