A dramatic 150-foot waterfall in remote Sheepeater Canyon, reached via a strenuous 8-mile backcountry hike in grizzly country.
Yellowstone National Park entrance fee, $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass)
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
NPS lists the trail as a summer and fall hike.
Osprey Falls is a dramatic 150-foot waterfall that plunges into Sheepeater Canyon on the Gardner River in Yellowstone National Park’s remote northern section. Reaching this waterfall requires commitment: an 8-mile round-trip hike via Old Bunsen Peak Road followed by a strenuous 700-foot descent into the canyon.
The strenuous rating reflects the significant elevation change and remote location, not technical difficulty. Hikers must descend 700 feet on the way to the falls and regain that elevation on the return, making this suitable only for experienced backpackers in good physical condition. The remoteness is the primary appeal—this is genuine backcountry terrain far from the park’s main attractions.
This trail is located in grizzly bear country, and NPS designates it as summer and fall hiking only. Before visiting, check NPS bear activity reports and prepare with proper bear precautions (bear spray, noise-making, storing food securely). Dogs are not permitted on any park trails. Yellowstone’s $35 per vehicle, 7-day entrance fee applies. This waterfall is best suited to visitors on multi-day backpacking expeditions rather than day hikes from park lodging.
Summer and fall. This is grizzly bear habitat; avoid shoulder seasons and verify bear activity reports before visiting.
Dogs are not permitted. Those uncomfortable with a 700-foot elevation loss/gain or grizzly bear precautions should choose an easier destination.
Remote location in the northern Yellowstone backcountry; typically paired with multi-day backpacking trips.
Yellowstone National Park entrance fee, $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass)
Via a 8-mile round-trip trail rated strenuous by the managing agency.
No — the managing agency's page states dogs are not permitted here (or on the specific trail/area needed to reach the falls).
We track 11 waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park.
There are 7 other waterfalls we track in Park. All Yellowstone National Park waterfalls →
nps.gov
NPS Osprey Falls Trail page (checked 2026-09-04): Osprey Falls plunges 150 ft into Sheepeater Canyon on the Gardner River; 8-mi round trip via Old Bunsen Peak Road then a 700-ft descent, rated strenuous. NPS states pets are not allowed and the trail is a summer/fall route (grizzly country). No closure alert found as of check date.
Checked September 2026.