Bannock Falls
Wyoming • Grand Teton National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Bannock Falls
Bannock Falls is a striking cascade at the mouth of Garnet Canyon in Grand Teton National Park, managed by the National Park Service. The falls plunge more than 200 feet (about 61 m) and are fed intermittently by snowmelt and runoff from the Middle Teton Glacier, so their flow is most impressive in late spring and early summer. The cascade sits near the Garnet Canyon Trail and can also be viewed from the nearby Bradley Lake Trail, making it an easy and rewarding stop on a longer Teton day hike. Because Bannock Falls is tucked into the park’s backcountry approach to Garnet Canyon, it tends to be quieter than many front-country viewpoints—great for photographers and hikers looking for a scenic pause. Note that the falls are intermittent; late-season visits may find reduced flow once snowmelt subsides. As always in Grand Teton National Park, follow Leave No Trace practices and be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather.
The Setting
Bannock Falls sits at 7,782 feet within Grand Teton National Park, in the high mountains of Wyoming.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The common approach to Bannock Falls follows the Garnet Canyon Trail from the Lupine Meadows area. Guide listings record the hike as an easy 1.5-mile out-and-back with approximately 200 feet of elevation gain; the falls themselves lie roughly 2 miles by trail south of the Lupine Meadows trailhead and are also visible from the Bradley Lake Trail. The route is a straightforward park trail—suitable for most hikers—so expect typical backcountry trail conditions in Grand Teton National Park and plan for variable snowmelt runoff depending on season.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through a forested area, culminating in a view of Bannock Falls. The waterfall is surrounded by natural beauty, including trees, rocks, and flowing water. Wildlife sightings are possible, and the area is generally quiet and uncrowded.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bannock Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on any trail, pathway or in the backcountry in Grand Teton National Park; they must stay within 30 feet of roads.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bannock Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Bannock Falls is during spring and early summer when water flow is typically at its peak due to snowmelt. Fall is also a great time to visit for cooler temperatures and colorful foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Grand Teton National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution on the trail, especially after rain or snow, as the path may become slippery. Be aware of wildlife and carry bear spray. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Snake River, 5.2 miles away, not on Bannock Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
923 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 31 years of record
8.92 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SNAKE RIVER AT MOOSE, WY (8 km away).
Today
Moderate
923 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
926 cfs
9/10Thu
Strong
972 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
953 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
935 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
944 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
935 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to early August, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Teton Village hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Bannock Falls Frozen?
Updated about 11 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Bannock Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 35°F to 30°F.
- Days below freezing
- 1 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 923 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Wyoming.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar measures about 280 feet of descent through Bannock Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 7,768 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 212 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 225 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 7,768 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 280 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Bannock Falls is located within the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming. Access typically involves driving to a nearby trailhead, followed by a short hike. Exact directions may vary depending on the starting point, so consulting a map or GPS is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
7,782 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.720071° N, -110.767316° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven sections. Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may be slippery after rain or snow.
This trail sits at 7,782 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 31% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This easy 1.5 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Elk Country Inn
Jackson Hole Hideout
Antler Inn
Faraway Jackson Hole
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in the Bridger-Teton National Forest include hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of bears and carry bear spray if hiking in the region.
Cities near Bannock Falls
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