Cave Falls
Wyoming • 20 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Cave Falls
Cave Falls is a picturesque waterfall located on the Falls River in the southwestern corner of Yellowstone National Park, near the Wyoming-Idaho border. It is known for its wide cascade and serene surroundings, making it a popular spot for visitors seeking a quieter experience compared to other Yellowstone attractions.
The Setting
Cave Falls sits at 6,283 feet within Yellowstone National Park, in the high mountains of Wyoming. The falls drop 20 feet.
Height: 20 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Cave Falls is very short and easy, leading directly from the parking area to the waterfall. It is suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 20 feet.
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 Cave Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on the trail to Cave Falls, but leashed pets may stay within 100 feet of the Cave Falls parking area.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cave Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Cave Falls, as the water flow is strongest during this period.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 42°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Visitors should exercise caution near the water, as the rocks can be slippery. Be aware of wildlife in the area and carry bear spray if hiking in the surrounding region.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Snake River, 16.7 miles away, not on Cave Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
266 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
2.40 ft
Water depth at gauge
42°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 42 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
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 SNAKE RIVER AB JACKSON LAKE AT FLAGG RANCH WY (27 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
266 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
260 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
247 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
256 cfs
5/10Sat
Low
275 cfs
4/10Sun
Low
272 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
275 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Alta hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Cave Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Cave Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 52°F to 28°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 266 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Wyoming.
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 80 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 20 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 6,283 feet.
The ground changes about 73 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 46 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 6,283 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 80 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Cave Falls is accessible via Cave Falls Road, which is located near the town of Ashton, Idaho. The road is unpaved and may be rough in certain sections, especially after rain. Visitors should check road conditions before traveling.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls, which provides easy access to the viewing area.
Elevation
6,283 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.144647° N, -110.997162° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring bug spray during the summer months as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Check road conditions before visiting, especially after rain or during early spring when the road may be muddy.
This trail sits at 6,283 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 25% 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
Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch
Teton Peaks Resort
Heart Six Ranch
Colter Bay Village
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
Cave Falls Campground
1.4 miles away · 0 sites
This campgrond is situated on the banks of Fall River in Wyoming along the south border of Yellowstone National Park. Cave Falls Campground has 23 single site units and a terrific area for fishing. Each campsite has fire rings, grills and picnic tables. Located throughout the campground are vault toilets, water faucets, bear proof storage boxes, and a dumpster. The campground is located in grizzly bear habitat that requires special precautions be taken with food storage.
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Driggs, Wyoming
Boundary Creek Hot Springs
Boundary Creek Hot Springs flows at 181°F in one of Yellowstone's most remote backcountry locations, requiring a 3.8-mile hike ...
Jackson Lake Hot Springs
Jackson Lake Hot Springs emerges at 162 degrees Fahrenheit along Jackson Lake's northwestern shore in Grand Teton National Park...
Ashton Warm Spring
Ashton Warm Spring emerges at 79 degrees Fahrenheit in Fremont County, placing it below typical soaking temperature but above t...
Imperial Geyser, Spray Geyser
Imperial Geyser and Spray Geyser emerge at 192 degrees Fahrenheit at 7,327 feet elevation, located two miles from road access v...
Rabbit Creek Group
Rabbit Creek Group emerges at 198 degrees Fahrenheit—161 degrees above the 36-degree ambient—at 7,284 feet elevation in Yellows...
Fairy Springs
Fairy Springs flows at 201 degrees Fahrenheit within Yellowstone National Park's Lower Geyser Basin, distinguished by its extre...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Driggs, Wyoming on SoakingSprings.
Explore Wyoming springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Mesa Falls, Bechler Falls, and other attractions in the southwestern region of Yellowstone National Park.
Wildlife
The area around Cave Falls is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and birds. Visitors should remain cautious and avoid approaching any animals.
Cities near Cave Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Cave Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.