Mesa Falls
Mesa Falls
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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5.0
435 reviews
Excellent
366
Very good
64
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Cindy C
Hailey, ID178 contributions
Feb 2020
We cross-country skied the groomed Forest Service trail that most parallels the scenic highway through woods along rim. Very gorgeous views of the canyon. Either snow or groomer was a bit odd--the deep tracks were kind of dangerous, hard to turn in or jump out of on hills. Also did not like sharing road down to falls with snowmobiles. Would be nice if FS built switchback trail for skiers to descend through the woods rather than icy snowmobile track road. Impressed with walkways and stairs forest built to these massive falls but they are very dangerous in winter.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MEPHX
Phoenix, AZ163 contributions
Jun 2021
Upper Mesa Falls is a pleasant stop near Ashton, Idaho. There is a $5 fee for parking/visiting; you need to have exact cash or write a check. There is a booth at the entrance to the parking lot with envelopes for the money and a slot to put the envelope in after tearing off the receipt to put on your dashboard. The Visitors Center was closed when we were there in early June but the pathways and boardwalks are open. The viewpoints along the Upper Falls are wonderful, and there is a wheelchair-accessible path as well. You can walk to the Lower Falls from Upper Falls, or drive a bit south to another parking lot. The view at Upper Falls is right next to the falls and worth the stop; the view at Lower Falls is from quite a distance up on a cliff and not really worth the stop or the walk.
Written 8 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wyomingkings
Riverton, WY175 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We’ve visited many times in the past and always enjoy the amazing experience. The falls are breathtaking and the platforms located right at the brink allow the viewers to experience the roaring power of the water. We always plan a stop here when staying at our time share in Island Park.
Our only negative is the way the payment process is structured. You have to park your car, get an envelope, fill it out, put your money inside and then return it to the dropbox. And, you need exact change and a pen to fill things out with. We watched an elderly couple struggle to make the payment today while several cars were waiting in line. We felt so bad for them. Up the admission fee a few bucks (it is only $5 now) and hire an attendant to take the admission fees. And better yet, let the 80+ travelers in for free.
Our only negative is the way the payment process is structured. You have to park your car, get an envelope, fill it out, put your money inside and then return it to the dropbox. And, you need exact change and a pen to fill things out with. We watched an elderly couple struggle to make the payment today while several cars were waiting in line. We felt so bad for them. Up the admission fee a few bucks (it is only $5 now) and hire an attendant to take the admission fees. And better yet, let the 80+ travelers in for free.
Written 12 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vic S
Parker, TX261 contributions
Jul 2021
It was about a one and a half hour drive from Idaho Falls. After a short walk down the path and stairs, the falls were quite a sight. Despite being at a low water level/flow, the rushing water made quite a roar and the mist made for a great rainbow. It is a well kept, easy to access area with a nice building filled with interesting examples of and explanations of the area and its wildlife. The lower falls are down stream and farther down in valley. Not sure if you can even hike down to it. But worth a stop to see. Just be aware that the sign for its location is across the highway from the entrance. On the entrance side is a sign identifying the entrance as a camping entry. Unnecessarily confusing. Nevertheless, the trip to both of the falls was certainly worth the time and effort.
Written 16 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen C
Renton, WA1,096 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
There is a $5 entrance fee if you don't have a federal lands pass. There are vault toilets with running water not too far away. The walk to the Upper Falls is about 0.4 miles return with lot of stairs that take you close to the falls. The Lower Falls can be accessed by a 2-mile return nature trail hike or go back to the main road and drive a short distance. The sign is past the exit. The walk to the Lower Falls is a very short one from the parking lot. There's also a vault toilet there.
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John P
South Deerfield, MA884 contributions
Jun 2023
The Lifetime Senior National Park pass got us free admission for an easy hike down to Mesa Falls (State Park) where rainbows are abundant. The longer hike to Lower Falls allowed Jaclyn to get up close and personal with a deer.
The gift shop/museum takes a few minutes, and the restrooms are always appreciated (especially when the offer running water).
The gift shop/museum takes a few minutes, and the restrooms are always appreciated (especially when the offer running water).
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flydug
Amelia, OH120 contributions
Aug 2020
The Mesa Falls were breath taking. If these were inside Yellowstone, they would be the highlight of the park. Instead, this hidden gem in preserved from the crowds and only visited by those who do their research. The trail to the lower falls was great. We saw bald eagles and perigean falcons. I could have stayed here all day.
Written 5 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela E
Orlando, FL354 contributions
May 2022 • Family
What a beautiful falls to see with a bit of late season snow. We had to walk down the road to the falls, as the road was closed. I am so glad we stopped. It was beautiful and the viewing platform enabled visitors to get a nice view from all angles.
Written 16 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynn A
Layton, UT149 contributions
Oct 2020
Mesa Falls is a must do and easy side trip when going to or from Island Park, Idaho in either direction. One extra hour is all that is needed for a great visit. Compared to 20 years ago, the place is much more crowded, but there are actually safety barriers and picnic tables now, compared to the old days. I'm talking mostly about the upper falls. A 400 yard walk is required up and down stairs, though. There is a separate, lower falls view point, where only a 100-yard walk is required too.
Written 26 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason Benedict
3 contributions
Sept 2020
The Upper Falls is an amazing place to visit! Great family stop to see a waterfall up close! If close by it is a must stop. $5 charge, you put your money in an envelope. there is also a nice trail to walk down on the southeast edge of the parking lot.
Written 20 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long would it take to see both the falls? Planning on stopping on our way up to Island Park
Written 29 June 2020
They are next to each other and you can only view the lower falls from the road so it is quick. The upper falls you can park and take catwalk down to the falls and view as long as you want and they also have a gift shop and information center there. So time is up to you but figures an hour there. The road past the falls to Island Park is also a nice drive.
Written 30 June 2020
Is there a fee to get in to Mesa Falls and is it handicap accessible?
Written 19 August 2019
Sometimes there is no fee and sometimes there is a $5 fee per car, but that is waived if you have an Idaho State Parks Passport sticker. Some of the paths and platforms are handicap/universally accessible. The Ashton, Idaho Visitor Center has lots of information about all the attractions in the area.
Written 11 November 2019
Hello everyone, do we have to wait till the visitor center to open in order to go to the falls or can we just simply pay for parking and go directly to the falls? Thanks so much in advance 😘
Written 23 January 2018
We just drove there and parked. I had a senior pass.
Written 25 January 2018
How long a walk is it from Visitor Center to Upper Falls? Are there lots of steps involved?
Written 24 July 2017
The visitor Centre is only a short walk from the falls, which can be accessed down a wooden stepped walkway. It only takes a couple of minutes. However, there is a charge for parking your car here. If you see my review of the falls the picture was taken from the wooden walkway. The drop from the centre to the falls is only about 50 feet. If you want to get to the lower falls, this is a much longer walk from the separate car park, down a long slope sup pounded by trees. You can see the falls in the distance though.
Written 24 July 2017
I'm not sure where you are driving from; but, Mesa Falls is on your way to Island Park, Idaho. You would need to backtrack a couple of hours to reach Jackson Hole. There is a turn off not far from Rexburg, Idaho that will take you to the Jackson Hole area. If you continued passed Mesa Falls, past Island Park and into West Yellowstone Montana, you would need to travel all the way through Yellowstone Park and out the South Entrance to reach Jackson Hole.
Written 24 March 2017
HawkeyIsLife
Chicago, Illinois
Can anyone tell me if it's possible to go during the winter? I'm going to be visiting Idaho next Feb.
Written 11 August 2015
The road closes to vehicle traffic once it gets snowed in. You can access Mesa Falls if you have snow machines or you cross-country ski to it.
Written 11 November 2019
Can anyone tell me about driving hwy 20 from Idaho Falls to West Yellowstone? Is it very mountainous or have a lot of curvy roads? Thanks
Written 11 July 2015
Hi,
Alan H. has given you a good picture of the Highway 20. We have pulled our 35ft. fifth wheel that way on several occasions. Highway 47 that takes you to the Falls is also a good road.
Enjoy Idaho!
Written 12 July 2015
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