The Upper and Lower Mesa Falls on the way to the Yellowstone National Park from Idaho is a must-see place for nature lovers.
Wrapped in wilderness and calm, the Mesa falls will instantly uplift your mood anytime.
On our long drive to West Yellowstone from Idaho, I loved the short trip to Mesa Falls deep in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and enjoyed a short hike from the Upper Mesa Falls to the Lower Mesa Falls.
🚨 2026 Travel Alert: If you are planning a late-summer trip this year, please note that the Upper Mesa Falls recreation area will close for the season early on August 10, 2026, for roadway renovations. During this time, the entire upper area will be closed, but you can still visit and enjoy the scenic trails around the Lower Mesa Falls just a mile down the road.
Upper Mesa Falls
On a hot summer day, after reaching the Upper Mesa Falls, I felt I have come to a shrine of nature. The droplets from the cascading curtain of water were so refreshing.
The smell from the water-drenched soil flooded me with a feeling of well-being. The sky-hugging pine trees were full of music, thanks to all the colorful birds that make them their home.
I wish I could live in such intimate proximity with nature forever. I remember sitting there on a bench and reading a few pages from The Journal of Henry David Thoreau, a timeless book I was carrying with me at the time.
I spent some time on the viewing platform of the Upper Mesa Falls before hiking to the Lower Mesa Falls.
Mesa Falls facts
- Upper Mesa Falls is 114 feet tall – as high as a 10 story building
- At its peak, over 2.5 billion gallons of water pour over the Mesa Falls each day
- The Mesa Falls is part of a watershed
- This watershed is part of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem – the largest intact ecosystem in North America
- Both the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls run over what is left of an ancient volcanic super-eruption
Upper Mesa Falls Video
Water in any form has a long-standing allure to an adult and child alike. My 4-year-old daughter loved the fact that she could hear the sound of the waterfall before even seeing it.
The sight of the waterfall filled her with unalloyed joy. I silently watched her being happy, a beautiful sight for any mother.
She was like the innumerable showering drops of the waterfall – refreshing and constantly in motion!
Later on, I gifted her a beautiful waterfall puzzle and whenever she solves it, I see her eyes sparkling with memories.
Mesa Falls Nature Trail
The Mesa Falls Nature Trail begins in the Upper Mesa Falls parking lot and ends just above the Lower Mesa Falls.
The Mesa Falls Nature Trail which can be found on the south end of the parking lot is the best way to see the Lower Mesa Falls.
It’s an easy and refreshing hike. I loved meandering through a quiet forest and finally arriving at the overlook of the Lower Mesa Falls – an equally picturesque and powerful waterfall.
Tip – Before beginning the hike, I took my all-time favorite, easily adjustable, strong, and lightweight hiking sticks from the car. I carry them whenever I go for a hike.
Mesa Falls Visitor Center
When we were there, the visitor center was closed. I wanted to buy a lovely souvenir, but there is always the next time.
I loved the building and the surrounding. It has restrooms and you can refill your water bottle too.
Mesa Falls Maps
Maps always come handy no doubt. Refer to the visitor center area map if you can’t find the Mesa Falls nature trail and the area map for the location.
How to reach Mesa Falls
On highway 20, on your way to Yellowstone, turn east onto Highway 47 in Ashton, Idaho. Drive for about 15 miles to reach the Mesa Falls.
After arriving at Upper Mesa Falls, you will find a self-service pay station and the price per vehicle is $ 5.00.
The viewing platform has a sign with instructions on how to get there. Once you are ready to leave for Yellowstone, you can drive 13 miles north on Highway 47 until you return to highway 20.
Continue 35 miles north on Highway 20 until you reach West Yellowstone.
Visitor Center Hours
The historic visitor center is typically open daily during the summer months from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. It is a wonderful spot to grab a souvenir, use the restrooms, and refill your family’s water bottles before getting back on the road.
Fees and Passes
After arriving at Upper Mesa Falls, you will find a self-service pay station. The price is $5.00 per vehicle. However, if you are traveling with an annual National Parks Pass—which is highly recommended if you are continuing on this route into Yellowstone—that pass covers your day-use fee!
Where to Stay Near Mesa Falls
When traveling as a family, finding a comfortable and restful place to stay after a day out in nature is so important. If you are looking for an overnight base camp before or after visiting the falls on your way to Yellowstone, here are a few wonderful options:
Island Park: Just a little further north on your drive toward West Yellowstone, places like the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Island Park Yellowstone provide beautiful river views, great amenities, and plenty of space for everyone to relax and recharge for the next day’s adventures.
Ashton, Idaho: For a quiet, convenient stop right near the falls, The Fishing Bear Lodge offers a clean and welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for families needing a simple, restful overnight stay.
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Travel Realizations
Whenever I see a waterfall, my first feeling or sensation is about the juxtaposition of power and beauty. The spectacular Mesa Falls didn’t disappoint.
The sheer force of the waterfall is exhilarating. I cherished my moments in the mist and roar of the beautiful and gigantic volume of water hurtling down the rock face.
I felt the same way when I saw the Lower Falls of Grand Canyon of Yellowstone on a fabulous trip exploring Yellowstone National Park the next day.
If you are planning a trip to Yellowstone, then I highly recommend this tour which you can book in advance.
The sheer force of the waterfall is exhilarating. I cherished my moments in the mist and roar of the beautiful and gigantic volume of water hurtling down the rockface #Travel #Naturelovers Share on XLeave a comment below if you have any questions, or DM me on Instagram @travelrealizations.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Mesa Falls in Idaho on the way to Yellowstone National Park. You may also enjoy these other travel guides in the USA.
- Salt Lake City to Yellowstone – A road trip guide!
- Glacier National Park – A travel guide!
- San Francisco to Death Valley – A Super Scenic California Road Trip!
- The Blue Ridge Parkway – A passage through paradise!
- Bryce Canyon National Park – a masterpiece of nature!
- Las Vegas to Grand Canyon – Journal of a journey!
- Testimony of Nature’s Patience – Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA
- Rendezvous with Redwood trees in the Redwood National Park, California – The tallest trees on earth!
- Death Valley National Park – A water-less wonder!
- My moments with General Sherman – The largest tree on earth!
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