If you're looking for the most underrated hike in Yellowstone National Park, take this active and adventurous trek to the best swimming hole in Wyoming. You'll wonder why you didn't plan this one sooner!
The long hike to Union Falls is one of the most popular in Wyoming, and this 15 mile out-and-back trail is surely bucket-list-worthy.
Right before you reach Union Falls, you'll find a fork in the trail. Head left and you'll find Ouzel Pool. Congratulations - you've just found the best swimming hole in Wyoming.
The geothermal water is heated to about 75 degrees, so it's a great spot to go for a dip! You'll likely have it all to yourself if you go in late summer or early fall.
Once you've cooled off in Ouzel Pool, finish up your hike by finding Union Falls. At 260 feet high, it's the second highest waterfall in Yellowstone National Park.
You'll want to carry bear spray with you and hike in groups, as this trail is a bit off the beaten path, and many black bears and grizzlies make their homes in these forests.
Looking for a quick weekend adventure that doesn't take a ton of planning? Wyoming is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and Shell Falls is one of its best-kept secrets! If you're cruising through the Bighorn National Forest, this waterfall is a must-see that promises to leave you in awe. Encompassing over 1.1 million acres, the Bighorn National Forest is a sprawling paradise of dense pine, spruce, fir, and aspen forests, alpine meadows, gorgeous lakes, and towering peaks that offer a truly magical escape into nature. With its easy access and breathtaking beauty, Shell Falls is a short and sweet hike (make that a stroll!), and a perfect pit stop for adventurers and casual travelers alike.
advertisement
Of course, getting there is half the fun! Situated along WY-14, part of the scenic Bighorn Scenic Byway, Shell Falls is super easy to get to. As you drive, you’ll be treated to steep cliffs, deep canyons, and expansive views that will make you want to pull over and take it all in. This byway connects Dayton to Lovell, cutting right through the heart of the Bighorn Mountains and showcasing Wyoming’s natural beauty.
You'll start out driving through the majestic Bighorn Mountains with their jaw-dropping views and fantastic overlooks, and then, boom—you’re at Shell Falls. It’s about 17 miles east of Greybull and 25 miles west of Burgess Junction. If you’re coming from bigger towns, Cody is around 90 miles away and Sheridan is about 120 miles. A perfect day trip if you ask us!
Once you're here, one of the best things about Shell Falls is that you don’t need to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy it. The trail to the falls is short, sweet, and totally doable for everyone.
From the parking area, it’s just a quick, easy stroll along a paved path to the main viewing platform - less than a quarter-mile walk and you’re there, taking in the sights and sounds of the waterfall.
As you get closer, the roar of Shell Falls will get your heart racing. The waterfall plunges an impressive 120 feet over rugged granite rocks into Shell Creek below. The misty spray is refreshing, and the sight is nothing short of spectacular.
The waterfall actually cascades in two distinct chunks: Upper and Lower Shell Falls, although you'll most often see the two referred to as one.
The viewing platform gives you the perfect vantage point to soak in the beauty and snap some social media-worthy photos. You'll also find a few other safe, official viewing spots along the walk.
Shell Falls is fed by Shell Creek, which starts high up in the Bighorn Mountains. The creek is fueled by alpine snowmelt and rain, ensuring a steady flow that makes the falls a year-round wonder, although it’s particularly powerful in the spring.
Shell Canyon itself is a beauty as well. In the arid climate of the Bighorn region, Shell Creek stands out as a green ribbon of life, receiving around double the precipitation of its surroundings.
The area around Shell Falls is a nature lover's dream as well. After all, the gorgeously underrated Bighorn National Forest is your backdrop. Wildlife? You bet. Keep an eye out for deer, elk, moose, and a variety of birds. The lush greenery, especially vibrant in spring and summer with blooming wildflowers, adds a burst of color to the rugged landscape.
While Shell Falls is the star of the show, there’s plenty more to explore nearby. Just a short drive away is the Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark, an ancient Native American site with sweeping views and a rich history.
If you’re up for more adventure, the Bighorn National Forest offers fantastic hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. For the truly adventurous, the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area boasts some of Wyoming’s most pristine and untouched landscapes.
Things to note before you head out: The Shell Falls Interpretive Site has restrooms, picnic areas, and a small visitor center with loads of info about the area. The falls are open for viewing year-round, but you might encounter road closures along the way.
We love this spot so please, leashed dogs only, and keep an eye on the kiddos. Wyoming's waterfalls are beautiful but dangerous!
The town of Greybull is a great start for your explorations. It’s a charming little town with dining options, places to stay, and even the Museum of Flight and Aerial Firefighting, where you can dive into the history of aviation in the region.
Shell Falls is easily overlooked, but it's definitely a slice of Wyoming’s natural beauty that you won’t want to miss. Its easy access, stunning surroundings, and sheer majesty make it a perfect stop for anyone traveling through Northern Wyoming. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, take a break, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and let the beauty of Shell Falls sweep you off your feet. Trust us, you won’t regret it!
The Cowboy State has no shortage of natural beauty. With several Rocky Mountain ranges - including the Bighorns, Wind Rivers, and Tetons - large expanses of unspoiled forest and two premier national parks, you will find plenty to soothe your adventurous soul in Wyoming. I, personally, am a big fan of waterfalls, and one of the most incredible cascades I've ever seen is Yellowstone Lower Falls, Wyoming, located within the river's namesake National Park. Not only is it the largest waterfall in Wyoming (by volume), it's the highest-volume waterfall in all of the Rocky Mountains. And every time I visit Yellowstone to see Lower Falls, I am blown away - it's simply breathtaking.
And that's just scratching the surface of the abundance of amazing species you can see here.
Yellowstone is also home to the largest concentration of geothermal features on Earth, including the Grand Prismatic Spring and, of course, the Old Faithful Geyser.
Several waterfalls are found along this stretch of the river, including the 1,200-foot Silver Cord Cascade (not pictured), where Surface Creek plunges over the south rim of the canyon into the Yellowstone River.
But, if you ask me, the most impressive waterfall – the most photographed, most painted, most visited – is Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.
At 308 feet, it's double the height of Niagara Falls, and it carries a higher volume of water over its raging precipice than any other waterfall in the Rocky Mountains.
When I visit, I often just stroll along the paved canyon-top trail and visit viewpoint after viewpoint until I'm pressured (typically by my kids) to move along.
This really is a magnificent waterfall that I could marvel at for hours, and it's clearly one of our country's incredible natural wonders. So, the next time you're searching for "waterfalls near me" in the Cowboy State, make the trip to Yellowstone Lower Falls, Wyoming. It will take your breath away. The trail along the north rim is pretty accessible, as is at least one viewpoint. During the summer and on weekends, parking can be tough, though.
The south rim tends to be less crowded, but there are fewer viewpoints. Even so, the hike out to Artists Point is definitely worth it! Cell service is nonexistent in much of the park, so if you plan to do any hiking, be sure to use AllTrails Plus to download trail maps before you go. That way, you'll be able to navigate on your phone even when you're out of range.
Do you think the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River is as magnificent as I do? Let me know in the comments!
