Bull Lake Falls
Wyoming • 200 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
15.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
2 ft
About Bull Lake Falls
Bull Lake Falls sits on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, on land designated TRIB and owned by DESG with management handled by tribal authorities (TRIB). The cascade drops roughly 200 feet, plunging into Bull Lake Creek and rewarding visitors who make the long approach with a dramatic, secluded waterfall experience. Because the falls are located on reservation land rather than in a National Forest, there is no USFS trail number associated with the route. Access to Bull Lake Falls is remote and requires commitment: the most direct approach is a 15.0-mile out-and-back route that is rated hard. Although official records list an elevation gain of only 2 feet, the distance, backcountry conditions, and route-finding across tribal land contribute to the hike’s difficulty—this is a destination best suited to experienced hikers prepared for long distances, limited facilities, and self-supported travel.
The Setting
Bull Lake Falls sits at 5,863 feet within Wind River Reservation, fed by the Bull Lake Creek, in the high mountains of Wyoming. At 200 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Wyoming.
Height: 200 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard 15.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 2 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Route type: out-and-back; Distance: 15.0 miles; Elevation gain: 2 ft; Difficulty: hard. This approach is lengthy and remote, so expect a true backcountry outing with little to no maintained trail infrastructure and no USFS trail designation or surface/grade/class data available from Forest Service records. The low recorded elevation gain belies the effort required: trail length, navigation challenges, and remoteness are the primary factors that make this hike strenuous. Hikers should carry map and compass/GPS, route-finding skills, and full backcountry supplies when attempting this route.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 200 feet. 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 Bull Lake Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bull Lake Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring through early fall is the best time to visit, as the trails are typically free of snow and the waterfall is at its most impressive due to snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow.
Safety Information
The trail is remote and rugged, so hikers should be prepared for backcountry conditions. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife. Weather can change rapidly, so pack accordingly. Cell phone service is unreliable in the area.
Current Water Conditions
240 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 71 years of record
2.97 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
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Bull Lake Falls is located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, near the Wind River Range. Access typically involves a long hike starting from trailheads such as the Glacier Trail or other nearby routes. The falls are remote and require careful planning to reach.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at trailheads such as the Glacier Trailhead. Ensure your vehicle is parked in designated areas to avoid fines or towing.
Elevation
5863 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.176745° N, -109.202043° W
Land Management
Managed by TRIB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early to allow plenty of time for the hike. Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as the trails can be difficult to navigate. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, and carry sufficient food, water, and emergency supplies.
This trail sits at 5,863 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 23% 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 challenging 15.0 miles trail gains 2 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
Serenity Meets Style: Original Tipi Glamping in Fort Washakie, WY
Rustic Elegance: Tipi Glamping by Wind River Mountains in Fort Washakie
Experience Pet-Friendly Perfection: Classic Tipi Glamping Near Wind River Mountains, WY
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 Hot Springs
Hot springs near Crowheart, Wyoming
Washakie Mineral Hot Springs
Washakie Mineral Hot Springs flows at 111°F on the Wind River Reservation in Fremont County, delivering moderately hot water 68...
Jakeys Fork Spring
Jakeys Fork Spring emerges at 68 degrees Fahrenheit at 7,176 feet elevation in Sublette County near Pinedale, located 540 feet ...
Little Warm Spring
Little Warm Spring discharges at 77 degrees Fahrenheit just 42 meters from Three Spear Ranch Access Road at 7,403 feet elevatio...
Steele Hot Springs
Steele Hot Springs flows at 102 degrees Fahrenheit near Pinedale in Sublette County at 7,065 feet elevation, accessible via a 1...
Kendall Warm Spring
Kendall Warm Spring emerges at 86 degrees with pH 7.8 and high sulfate content (650 mg/L) at 7,820 feet in Bridger National For...
Geyser (Warm Spring Creek Springs)
This thermal feature produces 84-degree Fahrenheit water on Bureau of Land Management lands at 7,260 feet elevation, emerging i...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Crowheart, Wyoming on SoakingSprings.
Explore Wyoming springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Wind River Range, Glacier Trail, and the Dinwoody Glacier.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, marmots, and bears. Be cautious and carry bear spray.
Cities near Bull Lake Falls
Writing about Bull Lake Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.