Are there fees or permits required for Cleft Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Cleft Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Cleft Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Cleft Falls.

Live Conditions · 2,860 ft³/s · About average

Cleft Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Cleft Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Cleft Falls.

Wyoming • Grand Teton National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Grand Teton National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

U.S. Geological Survey Public Domain · USGS

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Cleft Falls

Cleft Falls is a striking 50-foot cascade tucked into Garnet Canyon within Grand Teton National Park, managed by the National Park Service. The falls are highly intermittent—swelling with runoff during spring snowmelt and fed directly by melt from the Middle Teton Glacier—so visit timing greatly affects how dramatic the drop appears. The waterfall’s alpine setting and glacial source give it a rugged, high-mountain character that changes through the seasons. You reach Cleft Falls via the Garnet Canyon Trail, and the cascade sits roughly 2 miles (3.2 km) by trail east of Spalding Falls; further downstream lies Bannock Falls. Because the falls are ephemeral, late spring and early summer are often the best times to see them at peak flow. The site is within Grand Teton National Park, so trailhead information, conditions, and regulations are managed by the NPS.

The Setting

Cleft Falls sits at 8,638 feet within Grand Teton National Park, fed by the Snake River, in the high alpine of Wyoming.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The approach to Cleft Falls follows the Garnet Canyon Trail in Grand Teton National Park. The route to the falls is an out-and-back hike of about 2.0 miles with approximately 300 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. Hikers should plan for typical backcountry mountain conditions on a park-maintained trail and check current trail conditions and closures with the National Park Service before setting out.

What to Expect

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 Cleft Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Cleft Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is in late spring or early summer when the waterfall flow is strongest 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. Check with Grand Teton National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 47°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious of loose rocks and uneven footing on the trail. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain can make the trail slippery. Carry bear spray as a precaution.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Roaring

2,860 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.6k 2.1k 5.1k 6.2k

Based on 30 years of record

10.20 ft

Water depth at gauge

47°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 47 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 8.2 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

9.1 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

8.2

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

170 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

5.8 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 1,674 sq mi

Altitude: 6,450 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Cleft Falls is located in the Tongue River Canyon near Dayton, Wyoming. Visitors can access the area via Highway 14, turning onto Tongue Canyon Road. The trailhead is located at the end of the road.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area at the Tongue River Canyon trailhead. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

8638 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.724029° N, -110.778070° W

Land Management

Grand Teton National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be rocky. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds.

This trail sits at 8,638 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

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.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.0 miles and 300 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.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

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

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

7.4 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