Wraith Falls

Overview

Wraith Falls is a graceful, 79-foot cascade on Lupine Creek—more slide than plunge—with a ghostly, veil-like look that suits its name. It’s an easy, family-friendly outing that makes a great leg-stretcher on the Mammoth–Tower corridor without the elbow-to-elbow crowds of the park’s marquee sights.

The Trail

Expect a mellow 0.9–1.0 mile round-trip on packed dirt with short boardwalk sections. The path meanders through sagebrush meadows, marsh, and mixed conifer forest, crosses a small bridge over Lupine Creek, then climbs a final, steeper 200–245 feet on steps and loose gravel to a fenced viewpoint.

What You’ll See

Spring and early summer bring lively water and seasonal wildflowers (lupine among them) along the meadows. The falls themselves are delicate and photogenic in higher flow; in late summer they can shrink to a trickle. Wildlife sightings do happen—think deer or even coyote—so keep your distance and your camera ready.

Best Time to Visit

• Season: May–June is prime for water volume; late summer/early fall runs lower. In winter the corridor is often plowed, making this a short, quiet walk, though the falls are largely frozen or obscured.
• Crowds: It’s popular but not swamped. Mornings are the calmest and make parking easier.
• Photography: The falls face west; afternoon light is typically best. Early morning can also work before the sun crests the hills.

Logistics

The signed pullout and small lot sit between Mammoth Hot Springs and Tower-Roosevelt, about half a mile east of Lava Creek Picnic Area. There are no restrooms at the trailhead—plan to use facilities at nearby picnic areas or developed areas before you arrive. Pets are not allowed on the trail.

Safety and Etiquette

Grizzly country rules apply: hike in groups, make noise, carry bear spray, and give wildlife plenty of space (100 yards for bears/wolves, 25 yards for others). Stay on the trail and boardwalks, and expect the final gravel section to be a bit slick. Drones aren’t permitted anywhere in the park.