Osprey Falls
| Trail Features: | Waterfalls, Wildlife, Scenic Views |  |
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| Trail Location: | Mammoth | ||||
| Roundtrip Length: | 9.1 Miles | ||||
| Trailhead Elevation: | 7278 Feet | ||||
| Total Elevation Gain: | 926 Feet | ||||
| Avg. Elev Gain / Mile: | 204 Feet | ||||
| Highest Elevation: | 7397 Feet | ||||
| Trail Difficulty Rating: | 10.95 (strenuous) | ||||
| Parking Lot Latitude | 44.93216 | ||||
| Parking Lot Longitude | -110.72783 | ||||
Trail Description:
The hike to Osprey Falls begins from the Bunsen Peak Trailhead, located roughly 5 miles south of Mammoth on Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone National Park. Look for a gravel parking lot on the east side of the road, just south of Golden Gate.
In order to beat the crowds we arrived at the trailhead at the break of dawn. As a result, we were treated to the sound of wolves howling from three different directions as we prepared for our hike. At the same time we could hear at least one bull elk bugling near the base of Bunsen Peak.
Hikers should note that the park website warns that grizzly bears are known to frequent this area. Thus, it’s a good idea to hike in groups of at least three, make lots of noise, and carry bear spray on this hike.
To reach the falls hikers will proceed along an old dirt road known as Bunsen Peak Road. The trail, or road, heads towards the right (southeast) from the parking area to skirt around the southern slopes of Bunsen Peak. Much of this stretch travels through flat, open terrain that offers panoramic views of the surrounding meadows and mountains. The road also serves as a mountain biking route.
From a geological standpoint, Bunsen Peak is an ancient volcanic cone. Fittingly, the 8564-foot mountain is named for Robert Bunsen, a German chemist who studied volcanic activity in Iceland during the mid-1800s, and became famous as the inventor of the Bunsen Burner. The first documented ascent of the peak was made by Ferdinand V. Hayden and Captain John W. Barlow during the first Hayden Geologic Survey in 1871.
At roughly 2 miles from the trailhead hikers will travel past an overlook that provides great views of the Gardner River as it heads towards Sheepeater Cliffs.
At roughly 3.25 hikers will reach the Osprey Falls Trail junction. Interestingly, the park has installed a large sign here that reads: “Caution: Trail Is Steep And Narrow, Travel At Your Own Risk”. This is probably something they should’ve posted at the trailhead to provide hikers with this warning ahead of time. The trail is indeed fairly steep and narrow, so if you have a fear of heights you may want to find another hike, especially if the ground is wet. I would definitely recommend bringing trekking poles to help with footing and balance as you proceed down the canyon. If you take your time you shouldn’t have any problems.
Almost immediately after turning onto the Osprey Falls Trail you’ll begin to hear the roar of the Gardner River at the bottom of the deep canyon. Over the course of the first half-mile the trail travels along the rim of Sheepeater Canyon, before turning east to begin its sharp descent towards the bottom of the canyon. As we descended we spotted a family of mountain goats scaling the cliffs on the opposite wall. Historically, it’s believed that mountain goats aren’t native to Yellowstone, and that a population migrated into the park in the 1990s.
The name “Sheepeater” comes from the English name given to a band of Shoshone Indians who purportedly lived in Yellowstone prior to its establishment as a national park. Nearby Sheepeater Cliff received its name from Park Superintendent Philestus Norris when he visited this area in 1879.
From the rim the trail drops more than 600 feet along a series of switchbacks to reach the floor of the canyon. Take your time as you descend to admire the stunning beauty of this rugged canyon (see photo above). At just over 4.5 miles hikers will reach Osprey Falls, an absolutely spectacular cascade that drops roughly 150 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the park. This highly impressive waterfall and canyon struck me as a smaller version of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - without the crowds.
Additional Resources:
* Yellowstone National Park website
* Trail Map (trails are not included on the official park map)
* Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks