Are there fees or permits required for Bomber Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Bomber Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Bomber Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Bomber Falls.

Live Conditions · 887 ft³/s · About average

Bomber Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bomber Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Bomber Falls.

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Shoshone National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

20.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

3 ft

About Bomber Falls

Bomber Falls tumbles through rugged alpine terrain in Wyoming’s Wind River Range and takes its name from nearby World War II bomber wreckage, lending the hike a quiet historical poignancy. Nestled within the Shoshone National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the falls sit in a remote basin that rewards experienced hikers and backpackers with sweeping mountain scenery, talus slopes, and high‑alpine meadows. Access is via USFS‑maintained routes and requires solid route‑finding and backcountry skills. The most commonly used approach includes the Bomber Basin Trail (USFS Trail BOMBER BASIN, #801.2), but visitors should be prepared for a long, remote outing and pack accordingly — cell service is limited and services are not nearby.

The Setting

Bomber Falls sits at 9,012 feet within Shoshone National Forest, fed by the Wind River, in the high alpine of Wyoming.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The hard hike follows Bomber Basin (#801.2), a 20.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 3 feet of elevation gain with grades of 5-8%. The trail is minimally developed (Class 1).

USFS Trail

BOMBER BASIN #801.2

Trail Class

Minimally Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

5-8%

USFS Segment

1.41 mi

Trail Description

The official USFS approach uses the Bomber Basin Trail (Trail #801.2). That tread is classified as Class 1 on USFS maps, follows native material surface, and typically runs at a moderate grade of about 5–8% for a mapped GIS distance of 1.41 miles. Many parties reach Bomber Falls as part of a much longer route: the overall outing is commonly described as a 20.0‑mile out‑and‑back that is rated “hard.” Recorded elevation gain for the mapped route is minimal (3 feet), but the length, remoteness, and alpine terrain make the hike strenuous in practice. The final approach to the falls may involve short sections of off‑trail travel and route‑finding, so bring a map/GPS and be prepared for rugged, unmaintained terrain.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bomber Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Bomber Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is late summer or early fall when the snow has melted, and the trail is more accessible. Spring may still have snow, and winter access is extremely difficult.

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 Shoshone National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be prepared for remote wilderness conditions. Carry bear spray, a first aid kit, and navigation tools. Weather can change rapidly, and hypothermia is a risk even in summer. Inform someone of your plans before heading out.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 25 minutes ago Strong

887 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

306 406 1.3k 1.9k

Based on 33 years of record

3.92 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.

WIND RIVER ABOVE RED CREEK, NEAR DUBOIS, WY

USGS 06220800

8.2 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 1,081 sq mi

Altitude: 6,400 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Bomber Falls is located in the Wind River Range, typically accessed via the Glacier Trail. The trailhead is near Dubois, Wyoming, and requires a drive on unpaved roads to reach. The falls are situated deep in the wilderness, requiring a multi-day hike to access.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Glacier Trail trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak hiking season.

Elevation

9012 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.381003° N, -109.598805° W

Land Management

Shoshone National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to allow plenty of time for the hike. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the area is known for sudden storms. Bring sufficient food, water, and camping gear if planning an overnight trip.

This trail sits at 9,012 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

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.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This challenging 20.0 miles trail gains 3 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Green River Lake Lodge

13.9 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview The Green River Lakes Lodge is located 50 miles north of Pinedale, Wyoming. The lodge is available as a rental for day use events such as weddings, family reunions, or meetings for up to 50 guests, or as an overnight rental for smaller groups of up to 12 guests. Recreation During the summer months, hiking and horseback riding into the Bridger Wilderness and Wind River Range are popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the area. The lake is open to small watercraft only, making it an exc

Book on Recreation.gov