Mesa Nature Trail

Upper Mesa Falls Parking, ID
5.0
2 Reviews
Mesa Nature Trail
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Details

Distance
2.44 miles
Elevation Gain
236 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Wildflowers
Waterfall
Dog Friendly
River
Forest
Bathrooms
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About this place

Added by Sara Sheehy

The little-known Mesa Nature Trail leads hikers to the very edge of Lower Mesa Falls. Bask in waves of mist as the water plunges 65 feet to the river below.

The Mesa Nature Trail begins on the dirt road to the Upper Mesa Falls overflow parking lot. The first mile of the trail is wide and smooth. Pause a half mile in to admire the Henry's Fork from the top of a lava field.

The trail terminates at a flat bluff overlooking the top of Upper Mesa Falls. To get closer, follow the narrow trail that heads north from the bluff. 

The trail, steep and covered with loose dirt, quickly descends to the edge of the river. Follow the river south through a boulder field of lava rock until it reaches a small flat rock at the edge of the waterfall.

Use extreme caution to admire the steep plunge of water down the falls.

To admire Upper Mesa Falls without the scramble, drive south on the Mesa Scenic Byway to the Upper Mesa Falls viewing deck.

Notes:

Cash entry fee for park entry

Mesa Falls Map

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    Leave No Trace

    Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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    Elizabeth Trego
    8/1/2019
    Hike to rim of falls
    The walk to the trailhead to get next to the falls is about a mile each way. It is an easy walk through ...
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    charly thompson
    7/18/2018
    love the falls!
    super easy! basically a walk but the view is amazing!
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