Is swimming allowed at Broken Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Broken Falls.

Live Conditions · 2,980 ft³/s · About average

Broken Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Broken Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Broken Falls.

Wyoming • Grand Teton National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Grand Teton National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

@CarShowShooter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

www78 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Broken Falls

Broken Falls is a dramatic alpine cascade tucked into the eastern flank of Teewinot Mountain in the Teton Range, inside Grand Teton National Park. The falls tumble a total of about 300 feet (91 m) over seven separate drops before the creek settles into Moose Pond near Jenny Lake, creating a photogenic sequence of falls and pools framed by subalpine forest and craggy peaks. Managed by the National Park Service, this spot feels more intimate than some of the park’s busier overlooks, drawing hikers who want a rewarding waterfall without the largest crowds. The approach to Broken Falls is best for visitors who enjoy a short hike with a bit of climb: the trail delivers mountain views, opportunities to spot local wildflowers in season, and close-up perspectives of the cascading water as it threads down toward Moose Pond. Because the falls are within Grand Teton National Park, standard park rules and seasonal access conditions apply—plan accordingly for weather and trail conditions before you go.

The Setting

Broken Falls sits at 7,992 feet within Grand Teton National Park, fed by the Snake River, in the high mountains of Wyoming.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Hidden Falls (100 ft) lies 1.5 miles to the north.

Hidden Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Broken Falls is an out-and-back route of roughly 2.4 miles round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. Expect a short but sustained climb and some steeper sections as the trail gains the flank of Teewinot Mountain; the route follows forested slopes and opens to views of the falls and Moose Pond near Jenny Lake. This moderately rated hike is suitable for hikers comfortable with uphill walking; carry water, wear good footwear, and check current park trail notices from Grand Teton National Park (NPS) before setting out.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic experience at Broken Falls. The waterfall is smaller compared to others in the park but offers a tranquil setting with fewer crowds. The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the sounds of the flowing river.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Broken Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Broken Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Broken Falls is during the spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt. Fall also offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for hiking.

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

Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging the environment and for personal safety. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

2,980 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2.0k 2.7k 3.8k 4.5k

Based on 31 years of record

10.17 ft

Water depth at gauge

55°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 55 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 8.5 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

9.3 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

8.5

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

178 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

SNAKE RIVER AT MOOSE, WY

USGS 13013650

6.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1,674 sq mi

Altitude: 6,450 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SNAKE RIVER AT MOOSE, WY (11 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

2980 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

2980 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Low

3340 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

3174 cfs

6/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

3011 cfs

5/10

Wed

Low

3432 cfs

3/10

Thu

Low

3200 cfs

6/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

2939 cfs

5/10

Best window: Mon — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).

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.

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 297 feet of descent through Broken Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 8,012 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 289 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 152 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Broken Falls near Teton Village, Wyoming, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Broken Falls near Teton Village, Wyoming, showing about 297 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 8,012 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 297 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Broken Falls is located within Yellowstone National Park. To access it, visitors typically start from the Gibbon Falls parking area and follow a short trail upstream along the Gibbon River. The trailhead is accessible via the Grand Loop Road.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Gibbon Falls parking area, which is a designated lot along the Grand Loop Road. Spaces may fill up during peak hours.

Elevation

7,992 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.744655° N, -110.754935° W

Land Management

Grand Teton National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be uneven in some areas. Bring water and a camera to capture the scenic views.

This trail sits at 7,992 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 32% 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.

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

TETON CANYON

8.2 miles away · 27 sites

Reservable

Overview Teton Canyon Campground is located in beautiful Teton Canyon at an elevation of approximately 6,500 feet. Driggs, Idaho is just 11 miles away. Hiking, backpacking and horseback riding are popular activities in this scenic region.Recreation The towering Teton Range and Jedediah Smith Wilderness are adjacent to the canyon. Excellent hiking, backpacking and horseback riding opportunities abound, with trails leaving from the campground. A horse staging area is located at the trailhead parkin

Book on Recreation.gov