LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Bucking Mule Falls
Wyoming • 600 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Bucking Mule Falls
Bucking Mule Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, within the Bighorn National Forest. The waterfall cascades into a deep canyon, offering breathtaking views and a serene natural setting. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Bucking Mule Falls sits at 7,582 feet within Bighorn National Forest, fed by the Bighorn River, in the high mountains of Wyoming. At 600 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Wyoming.
Height: 600 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Bucking Mule Falls (#053), a 4.6-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 500 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
BUCKING MULE FALLS #053
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
4.34 miTrail Description
The trail to Bucking Mule Falls is well-maintained and offers a mix of forested sections and open views of the canyon. Hikers will encounter moderate elevation changes and can enjoy scenic overlooks along the way. The trail ends at a viewpoint overlooking the falls, providing a spectacular vantage point.
What to Expect
The falls plunge a dramatic 600 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bucking Mule Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bucking Mule Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Bucking Mule Falls is during late spring or early summer when water flow is at its peak, and the weather is mild. Fall is also a great time to visit for cooler temperatures and vibrant 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 Bighorn National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Hikers should be cautious near the canyon edges and stay on designated trails. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so be prepared for sudden storms. Carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be limited.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 15.8 miles away
1,050 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 97 years of record
2.11 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BIGHORN RIVER AT KANE, WY (25 km away).
Today
Moderate
1060 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
1028 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
1022 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
1047 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
1047 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
1060 cfs
9/10Tue
Strong
1110 cfs
8/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to mid July, 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 Fort Smith 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 402 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. The full 600 feet the falls are listed at is spread over a longer run than this window: along the whole mile-long profile the ground drops about 509 feet. Elevation at the pin is about 7,595 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 189 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 110 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 7,595 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 402 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Bucking Mule Falls can be accessed via the Bucking Mule Falls Trailhead, located near the Porcupine Ranger Station in the Bighorn National Forest. The trailhead is accessible by car, but the roads may be rough in certain areas, especially during inclement weather.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Bucking Mule Falls Trailhead. The parking area is typically sufficient for visitors, but it may fill up during peak seasons.
Elevation
7,582 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.897442° N, -107.924977° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the return trip. Bring plenty of water, as there are no facilities along the trail. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail can become slippery after rain.
This trail sits at 7,582 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 30% 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.
With 4.6 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
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.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
Where to Stay
7 Mi to Bighorn Nat’l Forest: Dog-Friendly Home
Cozy Cabin Perfect for a Romantic Escape with BBQ in Dayton, Wyoming
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.
Nearby Campground
PORCUPINE CAMPGROUND (WY)
5.6 miles away · 16 sites
Overview Porcupine Campground is located along the Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14A), 33 miles east of Lovell, Wyoming. The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark is nearby. Visitors enjoy the area for its scenic natural beauty, recreational opportunities and excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Fishing is popular on nearby streams and lakes. The administering organization is Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds; e-mail: gccampgrounds13@gmail.comRecreation From the
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Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in the Bighorn National Forest include Porcupine Falls, Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, and Shell Falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, black bears, and numerous bird species. Visitors should exercise caution and follow wildlife safety guidelines.
Cities near Bucking Mule Falls
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