Osprey Falls, Waterfall in Yellowstone National Park, United States
Osprey Falls is a waterfall in Yellowstone National Park where the Gardner River drops dramatically over volcanic rock into a narrow canyon below. The cascade sits within steep canyon walls that create an enclosed setting away from most park roads.
Surveyors named the falls in 1885 after spotting many osprey birds in the area during their mapping work. The birds that inspired the name were common hunters along the Gardner River at that time.
Native American tribes maintained strong connections to the lands surrounding Gardner River, incorporating the waterfall into their traditional territories.
The trail to reach the falls is demanding and takes most of the day to walk completely. Visitors should expect uneven ground, elevation changes, and limited services along the way.
The water flows through layers of old lava formations visible in the canyon walls, showing evidence of Yellowstone's volcanic past. These geological layers tell the story of the region's ancient geological activity.
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