12 Breathtaking Waterfalls You’ll Find in Wyoming

From the very tallest cascades to the tiniest trickles, few natural wonders are quite as enchanting as a waterfall. These breathtaking Wyoming waterfalls are one of the prettiest things about life in the Cowboy State. If you're looking to explore the most epic waterways our beautiful state has to offer, we've got you covered with a few of our very favorites—check them out.

Ready to explore more waterfalls beyond the state border? From jaw-dropping cascades to swimmable emerald ponds, there are countless magnificent waterfalls found across the United States to explore.

Tallest Waterfalls in Wyoming

Height is the most easily observable aspect of a waterfall. Wyoming's mountainous landscape means there are tons of tall waterfalls throughout the state. Here are some of the state's most impressive and most visited falls, including those in the top national and state parks.

1. Lower Falls - Yellowstone National Park

• Location: Yellowstone National Park
• Popularity: Can be very crowded during peak season.
• Need to Know: A fee is required to enter the park, but it's free with an America the Beautiful Pass. Several great lookout points within the park from which you can get an excellent view of the falls. This trail may close during winter months. Visit the Yellowstone National Park website for seasonal updates.

The waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park are like no other, and none can compare to the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. Nestled right into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the falls' setting is amazing, and their 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. This waterfall looks just as incredible in real life as it does in photos.

2. Upper Falls - Yellowstone National Park

• Location: Yellowstone National Park
• Popularity: Can be very crowded during peak season.
• Need to Know: Fee required to enter the park; free with an America the Beautiful Pass. The trail to reach the Upper Falls is a mere 0.3 miles in length. This trail may close during winter months. Visit the Yellowstone National Park website for seasonal updates.

Another equally impressive Yellowstone River waterfall is the mighty Upper Falls within Yellowstone National Park. 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. Purchase a day pass or an America the Beautiful Pass and get ready to experience nature at its finest.

3. Union Falls - Yellowstone National Park

• Location: Yellowstone National Park
• Popularity: Less crowded than other popular areas.
• Need to Know: A fee is required to enter the park, but it is free with an America the Beautiful Pass. A backcountry permit is also required for overnight camping. This trail may close during winter months. Visit the Yellowstone National Park website for seasonal updates.

Union Falls is the second-tallest waterfall in Yellowstone National Park. At 250 feet in height, it's quite the sight. But because it requires a moderately challenging 17-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 offers 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—here are a few to check out. Get your trailhead maps and hiking gear out and get ready to explore!

4. Popo Agie Falls - Shoshone National Forest

• Location: Shoshone National Forest
• Popularity: Can be busy during peak times.
• Need to Know: Bring a bathing suit for swimming and sliding on the rock slide located just beyond the falls.

Popo Agie Falls is one of our favorite summer hiking destinations 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 National Forest. Find yourself immersed in all sorts of natural wonders when you explore this hike and waterfall.

5. Porcupine Falls - Bighorn National Forest

• Location: Bighorn National Forest
• Popularity: Can be busy during peak times.
• Need to Know: The hike to the falls is short, but it can be strenuous if you're a beginner.

The trail to reach the beautiful Porcupine Falls in the Bighorn National Forest 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. But the views are magnificent and definitely worth the effort. Once you reach the falls, they're a great spot for a picnic. A visit to this picturesque National Forest is definitely worth a road trip.

6. Mystic Falls - Yellowstone National Park

• Location: Yellowstone National Park
• Popularity: Can be very crowded during peak season.
• Need to Know: A fee is required to enter the park, but it is free with an America the Beautiful Pass. Allow time to explore Biscuit Geyser Basin, near the trailhead. This trail may close during winter months. Visit the Yellowstone National Park website for seasonal updates.

The 2.2-mile, out-and-back hike to reach Mystic Falls starts at the Biscuit Basin parking area. 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. While this hike may feel a little more strenuous at times (it's considered a moderately difficult trek), the view at the end is well worth it.

7. Fairy Falls - Yellowstone National Park

• Location: Yellowstone National Park
• Popularity: Can be very crowded during peak season.
• Need to Know: A fee is required to enter the park, but it's free with an America the Beautiful Pass. The Imperial Geyser is located along the same trail. This trail may close during winter months. Visit the Yellowstone National Park website for seasonal updates.

The trail to Fairy Falls is about 8.8 miles, round trip, but don't let the length intimidate you. It's an easy, well-marked loop that's quite a pleasant hike. At 197 feet in height, Fairy Falls is one of the tallest cascades in Yellowstone. Keep walking a little further, and you'll get a great view of the beautiful Grand Prismatic Spring, too. This hike is perfect for adventure seekers and avid hikers—and offers a spectacular payoff.

8. Hidden Falls - Grand Teton National Park

• Location: Grand Teton National Park
• Popularity: Can be very crowded during peak season.
• Need to Know: A fee is required to enter the park, but it's free with an America the Beautiful Pass. Stop and enjoy the views of Jenny Lake on the hike to the falls. FYI: The park road is closed during the winter, which may limit access to the trailhead.

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 U.S. here. One of our favorites is the amazing Hidden Falls, an impressive waterfall that plunges more than 100 feet down. As you hike to the falls, continue along the trail to reach the gorgeous Inspiration Point. In total, the trail is about 4.9 miles, and is considered a moderately challenging loop.

9. Bucking Mule Falls - Bighorn National Forest

• Location: Bighorn National Forest
• Popularity: The trail and falls are rarely busy.
• Need to Know: This waterfall shares the trail with Porcupine Falls, making it convenient to visit both.

We've already covered the beautiful Porcupine Falls, but the same trail will lead you to the magnificent Bucking Mule Falls, too. Just continue approximately two miles beyond Porcupine Falls. The total length of the hike is 4.9 miles, out and back. This part of the trail gives you a great view of Devils Canyon, and while you can't get super close to the fall itself, you'll be able to see the gorgeous cascade in its entirety. Be sure to bring plenty of water.

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 who 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 Falls - Yellowstone National Park

• Location: Yellowstone National Park
• Popularity: Can be very crowded during peak season.
• Need to Know: A fee is required to enter the park, but entrance is free with an America the Beautiful Pass. Stop at the overlook on your way into the Lamar Valley. This trail may close during winter months. Visit the Yellowstone National Park website for seasonal updates.

It's easy to see why Tower Falls in Yellowstone is so popular. The waterfall is along Tower Creek and rushes toward its meeting with the Yellowstone River, where a convenient platform overlook is located to provide passersby with an amazing view. There is a nearby trail that leads down to the Yellowstone River and offers additional views of Tower Falls, but keep in mind it's usually closed during the winter season. It reopens every year in the spring.

11. Gibbon Falls - Yellowstone National Park

• Location: Yellowstone National Park
• Popularity: Can be very crowded during peak season.
• Need to Know: A fee is required to enter the park, but entrance is free with an America the Beautiful Pass. This trail may close during winter months. Visit the Yellowstone National Park website for seasonal updates.

Gibbon Falls is yet another of the many waterfalls in Yellowstone, 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 road near Madison and Norris Junctions. It's a great cascade and definitely worth a visit—summer and spring are the ideal times to go, as most roads are closed during winter in the park.

Best Waterfalls Near Cheyenne, Wyoming

Cheyenne is the Cowboy State's most populous city, and it's home to some truly amazing attractions. But did you also know there are some great waterfalls near Cheyenne, Wyoming? Check this one out.

12. Hidden Falls - Curt Gowdy State Park

• Location: Curt Gowdy State Park
• Popularity: The park can be busy at peak times.
• Need to Know: A day-use vehicle fee of $12 is required to enter the park.

Hidden Falls is a not-so-secret gem that's within easy reach of Cheyenne. It's tucked away into a slot canyon at Curt Gowdy State Park and requires a bit of a hike—3.8 miles out and back—to reach. It's the perfect destination for a morning hike or a small weekend hike with family and friends. If you're looking for a day to immerse yourself in nature, this waterfall is the perfect destination.

Which of these Wyoming waterfalls have you seen firsthand? If there are some on this list you've yet to visit, why not plan an upcoming trip? Only In Your State's customized itinerary planner can help you find the best dining, lodging, and sightseeing attractions near the falls, guaranteeing you the perfect getaway.