LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Bull Lake Falls
Wyoming • 200 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
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
164 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 71 years of record
2.69 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BULL LAKE CREEK ABOVE BULL LAKE, WY (0 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
164 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
156 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
155 cfs
5/10Mon
Low
174 cfs
3/10Tue
Low
156 cfs
6/10Wed
Barely Flowing
146 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
145 cfs
5/10Best window: Tue — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid May to mid 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 Crowheart 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 101 feet of descent through Bull Lake Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The full 200 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 269 feet. The brink sits at about 5,877 feet above sea level.
The ground is already steep on the way in, falling about 145 feet in the 500 feet above the pin, and levels out below the falls. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,877 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 101 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
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
5,863 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.
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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
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