Fairy Falls Trail & Grand Prismatic Overlook
Fairy Falls Trail
A classic viewpoint over the colorful panorama of Grand Prismatic Spring. Continue on to Fairy Falls, about 60 meters high.
The Fairy Falls Trail starts from the Fairy Falls parking area south of Midway Geyser Basin and follows an old road beside the Firehole River for about 1 kilometer. It then climbs a side trail to the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook. From there you can see the full blue, yellow and orange concentric rings of Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone's most popular photo spot. The round trip is about 2 to 3 kilometers. Fit hikers can continue to Fairy Falls, about 60 meters high, a round trip of about 8 kilometers through lodgepole pine forest regrowing since the 1988 fire. The parking lot often fills on summer mornings, so arrive early. Carry bear spray and hike with others.
Opening hours
All day (seasonal; follows park road opening times)
Nearby sights
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Fountain Paint Pot
- Upper Geyser Basin & Morning Glory Pool
- Old Faithful
- Old Faithful Inn
- Firehole Canyon Drive & Firehole Falls
- Lone Star Geyser
- Gibbon Falls