Are there fees or permits required for Cliff Creek Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Cliff Creek Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Cliff Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Cliff Creek Falls.

Live Conditions · 213 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Cliff Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Cliff Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Cliff Creek Falls.

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Teton National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Keithius CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

rdwatson78 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

@CarShowShooter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

James St. John CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Larry Myhre CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Cliff Creek Falls

Cliff Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming. It is known for its dramatic drop and scenic surroundings, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

Cliff Creek Falls sits at 8,278 feet within Teton National Forest, fed by the Hoback River, in the high alpine of Wyoming.

Trail & Hike Details

2.5 mi distance 500 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Cliff Creek (#2137), a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 500 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

CLIFF CREEK #2137

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

0.24 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Cliff Creek Falls is a moderately challenging hike that follows a well-defined path through forested terrain. It features some elevation gain and may include muddy or rocky sections, especially after rain or snowmelt.

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 Cliff Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Cliff Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Cliff Creek Falls is late spring through early fall when the trail is most accessible and the waterfall flow is typically at its peak 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 Teton National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 49°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and stay on marked trails. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife in the area. Check trail conditions before visiting, especially after heavy rain or snow.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

213 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

213 254 332 378

Based on 20 years of record

4.86 ft

Water depth at gauge

49°F

Very cold

Expect 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 49 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

HOBACK RIVER NEAR JACKSON, WY

USGS 13019500

14.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 563 sq mi

Altitude: 5,987 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge HOBACK RIVER NEAR JACKSON, WY (23 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

213 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

213 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

206 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

204 cfs

5/10

Mon

Low

230 cfs

3/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

223 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

216 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

211 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late 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 Bondurant 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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 400 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 8,250 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 174 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 217 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Cliff Creek Falls near Bondurant, Wyoming, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Cliff Creek Falls near Bondurant, Wyoming, showing about 400 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 8,250 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 400 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Cliff Creek Falls is accessible via Cliff Creek Road, which is off Highway 191 near Bondurant, Wyoming. The trailhead is located a short drive from the highway, but road conditions may vary depending on the season.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but space may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

8,278 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.111314° N, -110.581776° W

Land Management

Teton National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven or slippery in places. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, and consider bug spray during the summer. Check weather and trail conditions before heading out.

This trail sits at 8,278 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 2.5 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.

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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

MCCAIN CABIN

6.8 miles away · 2 sites

Reservable

Overview McCain Guard Station is a rustic cabin that is popular year-round. In summer, hikers and horseback riders frequent the cabin, and snowmobile enthusiasts make use of the cabin throughout the winter. Several trails are nearby, and the open meadows offer gentle sledding for younger riders. Winter access in by snowmobile only on a groomed trail.Constructed in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the cabin welcomes guests to experience the rustic getaway with impressive scenery. Re

Book on Recreation.gov