Lewis Falls Yellowstone
A tall waterfall in Yellowstone offering a beautiful vista, with a challenging hike back up. Nearby Dark Hollow Falls provides easier access to multip...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Waterfalls are at their peak flow.
Lewis Falls Yellowstone
Best Time
Waterfalls are at their peak flow.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tall waterfall in Yellowstone offering a beautiful vista, with a challenging hike back up. Nearby Dark Hollow Falls provides easier access to multiple cascades.
"Tall waterfall, but you only see the top, no access to the bottom. Beautiful Vista."
Steep Return Hike Alert
The hike back from Lewis Falls is steep and can be challenging. Pace yourself! :athletic_shoe:
Check Trail Status
Construction can lead to closures. Always check current conditions before heading out. :information_desk:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lewis Falls Vista
Lewis River
A tall waterfall with a beautiful, albeit limited, view from the top. The hike down is steep.
Dark Hollow Falls
Across from Lewis Falls
Features multiple smaller falls with more accessible paths for exploration and closer views.
Lewis Lake Picnic Area
Near Lewis Falls
A serene spot for a picnic with views of Lewis Lake, offering a peaceful break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Access
Best Views & Alternatives
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Steep Return Hike Alert
The hike back from Lewis Falls is steep and can be challenging. Pace yourself! :athletic_shoe:
Check Trail Status
Construction can lead to closures. Always check current conditions before heading out. :information_desk:
Consider Dark Hollow
For more waterfall variety and easier access, Dark Hollow Falls is a great alternative. :water_wave:
Picnic by the Lake
Enjoy a peaceful meal at Lewis Lake picnic area. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
Steep Return Hike Alert
The hike back from Lewis Falls is steep and can be challenging. Pace yourself! :athletic_shoe:
Check Trail Status
Construction can lead to closures. Always check current conditions before heading out. :information_desk:
Consider Dark Hollow
For more waterfall variety and easier access, Dark Hollow Falls is a great alternative. :water_wave:
Picnic by the Lake
Enjoy a peaceful meal at Lewis Lake picnic area. :sandwich:
Capture the Beauty
Yellowstone's natural beauty is stunning, especially the waterfalls. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the tall, beautiful vista of Lewis Falls, though many note the hike back up is steep and challenging. Some find the view limited to the top and suggest Dark Hollow Falls across the road as a more accessible and varied alternative with multiple smaller falls. The surrounding Lewis Lake area offers a peaceful picnic spot.
".9 mile hike down, difficult returning! Tall waterfall, but you only see the top, no access to the bottom. Beautiful Vista. Dark Hollow across the road has multiple smaller falls, and you can walk down many of them. The bottom of Lewis is private property, apparently. We like Dark Hollow much better"
Tim Evans
"Long, steep, rocky walk for a limited view of a relatively small waterfall. Worth doing once but I won't be doing it again."
James Vencill
"A nice hike from Big Meadows Lodge down a tree covered path to a lovely waterfall with a beautiful look at"
Rae Newman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lewis Falls is located in the southern part of Yellowstone National Park, accessible via the South Entrance road. It's often visited in conjunction with Lewis Lake and Moose Falls. The trailhead is typically marked from the parking area near the falls.
Yes, there is a designated parking area for Lewis Falls. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
You can drive to the parking area for Lewis Falls. The hike itself is a short distance from the lot.
The hike down to Lewis Falls is described as steep and rocky, with the return hike being particularly challenging. While the initial walk from the parking lot is relatively quick, it may not be suitable for everyone with mobility limitations.
Nearby attractions include Lewis Lake, Moose Falls, and the Lewis Canyon overlooks, offering a scenic drive and opportunities for short walks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lewis Falls is located within Yellowstone National Park, so a valid park entrance pass is required. Passes can be purchased at the park entrance stations.
Yellowstone National Park is generally open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, though specific facilities and roads may have seasonal closures or limited hours. The trail to Lewis Falls is typically accessible during daylight hours.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Yellowstone National Park. Fees vary depending on the type of pass (e.g., 7-day pass, annual pass). Check the official NPS website for current pricing.
While Yellowstone National Park is accessible year-round, road closures can occur during winter months. It's best to check the NPS website for current road status and accessibility before planning a winter visit.
Visitors should stay on marked trails and be aware of wildlife. Trail closures for construction or maintenance can occur, so checking for updates is advised.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Lewis Falls is described as a .9-mile trail down, which means a steep and rocky climb back up. Some visitors find the view limited to the top of the waterfall.
Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted at Lewis Falls due to the steep terrain and the nature of the waterfall. The bottom is also noted as private property.
The primary way to see Lewis Falls is via the marked trail from the parking lot. Enjoy the vista from the designated viewing area.
Yes, Dark Hollow Falls is located across the road and offers multiple smaller falls with more accessible paths. Moose Falls is also nearby.
Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are recommended due to the steep and rocky nature of the trail. Dress in layers as weather can change quickly in the mountains. :athletic_shoe:
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning often provides softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. Midday sun can be harsh, creating strong shadows.
A wide-angle lens can be useful to capture the scale of the waterfall and surrounding landscape. A tripod can help with stability, especially in lower light conditions. :camerawithflash:
Yes, the waterfall itself and the surrounding canyon offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Be mindful of the terrain when setting up shots.
Drone usage is restricted in all US National Parks, including Yellowstone. Check the official NPS website for current regulations regarding drone operation. :noentrysign:
Experiment with different vantage points from the trail. Capturing the water's movement with a slightly longer exposure can create a silky effect.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children stay on marked trails and are supervised closely due to the terrain and proximity to water. 🚶♀️ Hikers Seeking a Challenge
📸 Photographers
+1 Experiment with longer exposures to create a silky water effect. For a more diverse portfolio, don't miss Dark Hollow Falls across the road, offering multiple cascades that can be photographed from various angles. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lewis Falls Hike: What to Expect
For those with mobility concerns, this particular hike might present difficulties. While the initial walk from the parking lot is relatively short, the steepness of the trail, especially on the return, is a significant factor.
Despite the challenging return, many visitors find the experience rewarding, appreciating the natural beauty and the unique perspective of the falls.
+1 It's a reminder that some of Yellowstone's most stunning sights require a bit of effort to reach. Exploring Beyond Lewis Falls: Nearby Gems
Lewis Lake itself is another serene spot, perfect for a peaceful picnic or simply enjoying the expansive views. The Lewis Lake picnic area provides a tranquil setting to relax and take in the natural surroundings.
Nearby, you can also find Moose Falls and various Lewis Canyon overlooks, offering different perspectives of the park's dramatic landscapes. +1 These spots are often easily accessible from the main road, making them convenient additions to your itinerary.Combining a visit to Lewis Falls with these nearby attractions allows for a more comprehensive exploration of this scenic part of Yellowstone. Whether you're seeking challenging hikes or peaceful moments by the water, this region has something to offer.
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