We’ll say it time and time again – there’s truly no place on Earth like the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. If you think that Yellowstone is all tourists and crowded trails, you just have to get a little more creative in your exploring! Take Dunanda Falls, for example. This remote Yellowstone backcountry hot spring is one place where you can truly get away from it all in a magical setting.
Heading into Yellowstone’s backcountry can be a daunting experience, but if you truly want to get to know the greater ecosystem, there’s no better way to do it. For a truly rewarding adventure, hike from the Lone Star Geyser Basin or Bechler Ranger Station to Dunanda Falls.
AllTrails / Mariah Steeson
The most common route departs from the Bechler Ranger Station and takes you 17 miles out and back through some of the most remote wilderness in Wyoming. There is minimal elevation gain along the trail, and you’ll mostly be hiking through forest and meadow.
AllTrails / Candice Lloyd This area does often close for bear management, so be aware, and be sure to secure permits before heading out.
Dunanda Falls is one of many Yellowstone backcountry cascades. Here, Boundary Creek tumbles 150 feet in a stunning waterfall that belongs on every hiker’s bucket list.
AllTrails / Kevin Gurr
When you finally arrive at the falls, you’ll be in awe at what awaits! At the base of Dunanda Falls, naturally heated hot spring pools invite you in for a relaxing soak. The pools average around 110 degrees Fahrenheit - which is perfect for a steamy soak.
AllTrails / Marissa Anaya
It’s quite a trek to get back here, so you’ll want to go with a group and review basic backcountry safety before venturing out into the wilderness.
AllTrails / Marissa Anaya You can check the status of backcountry conditions online here. As always, carry bear spray, make noise, and hang or store your smelly things properly.
If you’re not one for backcountry hiking, there are outfitters offering pack trips to Dunanda Falls. This is by far the easiest way to get back to this beautiful hot spring.
AllTrails / Michael Lambert
In fact, Wildland Trekking offers llama hikes out through this beautiful backcountry! The llamas will carry most of your gear and you’ll end up enjoying a relaxing trip through the wilderness along with experienced guides.
Google / Lloyd Colegrove To learn more about Wildland Trekking’s multi-day hot spring waterfall trip, visit their website here.
You’ll get to experience the beauty of the backcountry without having to strike out on your own! This is the perfect trip for anyone who is hesitant to head into the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem alone, or for inexperienced backcountry campers.
Wildland Trekking
While the Wildland trek takes you through some of the most pristine wilderness in Wyoming, the gem of the trip is certainly the time spent at Dunanda Falls.
AllTrails / Ashley Jenson
Can’t you just picture yourself here? The mists of the falls splashing down into the naturally heated water makes for a misty cascade, and when the light is right, you’ll find yourself looking at a beautiful rainbow.
Wildland Trekking
If you’re looking for a truly memorable adventure in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, where you’ll avoid the crowds and get to soak in a natural hot spring, it’s hard to top a visit to this beautiful waterfall.
Wildland Trekking
Plan a primitive, peaceful getaway in some of the most remote wilderness you can find. We promise - it’s worth all the effort to get there!
Wildland Trekking
For more information on Dunanda Falls, visit its AllTrails page, here.
AllTrails / Mariah Steeson
AllTrails / Candice Lloyd
This area does often close for bear management, so be aware, and be sure to secure permits before heading out.
AllTrails / Kevin Gurr
AllTrails / Marissa Anaya
You can check the status of backcountry conditions online here. As always, carry bear spray, make noise, and hang or store your smelly things properly.
AllTrails / Michael Lambert
Google / Lloyd Colegrove
To learn more about Wildland Trekking’s multi-day hot spring waterfall trip, visit their website here.
Wildland Trekking
AllTrails / Ashley Jenson
Backcountry information can be found here, and bear safety tips for the park are posted here.
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Address: Dunanda Falls, Wyoming 82190, USA