Guide to the Roadside Waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park

When you think of Yellowstone National Park, you probably think of bears, bison and Old Faithful, but did you know that Yellowstone National Park is actually home to hundreds of waterfalls? Though the majority of the waterfalls do require a hike, there are plenty of epic and beautiful waterfalls within the park that don’t require any hiking at all! In fact, you can see them right from your car. Let’s explore all of the Yellowstone National Park waterfalls viewable without a hike!

South Entrance to West Thumb

Lewis Falls

If you’re entering Yellowstone National Park from the South entrance, Lewis Falls will be the first “attraction” you’ll come upon and you should definitely stop. Lewis Falls is a 30 foot waterfall. You can get a decent photo from the viewpoint platform but if you want to get closer, you’ll have to follow the short trail through the woods.

West Thumb to Old Faithful

Keplar Cascades

Kepler Cascades is a 150 foot three-tiered waterfall, located about 2 miles south of the Old Faithful area. This waterfall was named after former Wyoming governor John Hoyt’s 12 year old son, Kepler Hoyt, in 1881, when they were visiting the park.

Norris to Canyon

Virginia Cascades

This, in my opinion, is the least impressive of all the roadside waterfalls. I don’t even have a picture of it! This is because as it stands now, there is nowhere to actually view the waterfall from Virginia Cascades drive. Currently a viewing platform is being constructed, and perhaps once that’s finished, you’ll be able to get a good look at this waterfall, but for now, don’t waste your time on this one-way drive.

Canyon

Upper Falls – Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

While not as popular as the iconic Lower Falls, the 109 foot Upper Falls is still worth a visit when in Yellowstone National Park. You can view the Upper Falls waterfall from the Uncle Tom’s parking area along the South Rim drive or you can visit the Brink of the Upper Falls viewpoint from the North Rim drive. Personally, I like the Brink of the Upper Falls as you get an up close view to really understand the power of these waterfalls.

Lower Falls – Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Lower Falls is the most iconic waterfall in Yellowstone National Park and is not to be missed! The viewpoint for the Lower Falls is at Artists Point on the South Rim Drive in the Canyon area of Yellowstone. You can also get a great view of Lower Falls by taking the Uncle Tom’s Trail hike, that’s also found on the South Rim Drive. Read more about the Uncle Tom’s Trail hike here.

Protip: If you go in the morning on a sunny day, you’re likely to see a rainbow in the waterfall!

Old Faithful to Madison Junction

Firehole Falls

Firehole Falls is located off of the Firehole Canyon one-way drive. This 80-foot waterfall is located about 0.2 miles into the one-way drive, with a big pullout area for parking. The beautiful waterfall flows down former lava flows into the Firehole River.

Madison Junction to Norris

Gibbon Falls

The 80 ft Gibbon Falls is another extremely popular waterfall within the park and has a large parking lot to accommodate plenty of vehicles. Though there is plenty of space here for viewing the waterfall, this can be a very crowded viewpoint, as most people tend to linger at the spot where they can first see the waterfall. If you continue along the walkway, you can spread out from everyone and enjoy the waterfall in peace!

Read more here: Gibbon Falls waterfall

Norris to Mammoth

Rustic Falls

Rustic Falls is a pretty fan-style waterfall that spreads over rocks as the water cascades down into the canyon. Located 4.7 miles south of the Mammoth area, there is no sign for Rustic Falls, and there is just a tiny pullout to view it. In fact, if you’re driving northbound, you won’t even see Rustic Falls unless a passenger in your car turns his head around and happens to see it. From the pullout, you’ll only be able to get obstructed views of the waterfall. I’ve seen tourists climb over the guardrails to get closer to the waterfall, and YIKES. I don’t even know what to say except – are you nuts?? DO NOT DO THIS. It’s extremely steep and rocky – the pictures are not worth it!

If you are driving southbound, it will be difficult getting in/out of this pullout as it is on a curve. I do not have any pictures of this waterfall.

Mammoth to Tower/Roosevelt

Undine Falls

Traveling on the road from Mammoth to Tower, you’ll find the pullout for Undine Falls on the north side of the road, only a few miles from the Mammoth area. This is a beautiful tiered waterfall that’ll make for a great photo op and only take a few minutes of your time.

Read more information on Undine Falls from my post here. If you’re up for a quick hike to stretch your legs, Wraith Falls is just down the road from here.

Read more: 8 Not-So-Obvious Mistakes Visitors Make in Yellowstone National Park

Tower/Roosevelt to Canyon

Tower Fall

Located only 2 miles south of the Roosevelt General Store, Tower Fall is a 132 ft down the waterfall tumbles down the canyon. Technically, this does require a 1/2 mile walk down switchbacks to see the falls, so it’s not exactly off the road, but I wouldn’t count a 1/2 mile walk down a paved path a “hike”-hike!

There you have it! These are the easy-to-visit roadside waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park. Have you visited all of these waterfalls? Which is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!