Yellowstone 2018: Wraith Falls

Wraith Falls near Mammoth Hot Springs is a great, short trail that leads to a fantastic 79 foot tall waterfall. The trail does have some elevation gain, but most of it is on some steps so it’s pretty easy.

Quick Details:

Length: The guide says about a half mile. My pedometer app put it closer to .8
Difficulty: DR3. Super easy.
Elevation Gain: About 100 feet.
Restroom: No. Closest would be back in Mammoth.
Dogs? No, Dogs are not allowed on backcountry trails or boardwalks.
Fee Area: Yellowstone requires a $25 7 day pass.

To Get Here:

Head about 4 miles east of Mammoth towards Tower Junction. You will pass Undine Falls on the left, and Lava Creek Picnic area on the right, then you will see the pull out for Wraith Falls (about 1/4 mile after the picnic area). It is signed so it’s not hard to miss.

The Trail:

Trailhead sign.

There was a thin layer of snow on the ground but the trail was easy enough to follow. It helps that we were not the first to use this trail today.

Looking back to the first little bridge.

Across the hillside we go.

Pretty forest.

So far this trail is super easy.

Pretty frosted forest.

A couple steps.

The 2nd bridge. This one is actually over Lupine Creek which is the creek the waterfall is on.

Lupine Creek. I didn’t know it at the time, but the waterfall is hidden behind those trees.

The trail continues into the trees.

Trees across the way.

The staircase. I would say approximately half the elevation gain is in this last section here.

But there are steps and even a safety rail.

Before long you will see the top of the falls.

Wow! This is a neat waterfall. Quite a bit taller than I expected.

More of the canyon.

View across the way.

Back to the waterfall.

I guess the people who named it thought the shape of it resembled a ghost, hence the name.

It is a beautiful waterfall but we had more stuff to do today so we decided to head on back.

Looking down the staircase.

Another view across the way.

Back to the bridge.

Down the hill.

Itty bitty side stream from the lower bridge. You could probably step across it, but hey, I appreciate a bridge.

Back to the road.

I really, really enjoyed that short little trail. Not a whole lot of work, and a great waterfall to enjoy. If you enjoy waterfalls be sure to check out nearby Undine Falls.  We also had this trail to ourselves on this chilly morning, going with 10 out of 10 squirrels.

As for difficulty, It was really easy going gradual climb for most of the way, and the last climb had stairs with a guardrail. Going with a DR3.

Dogs are not allowed on back country trails in the park. Remember not to leave your friend in a hot car or tied to anything. Better to skip it than to lose your beloved friend.