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 · 1,150 ft³/s · About average

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 Mar 2026

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

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 46°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 Roaring

1,150 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

908 1.2k 2.4k 2.8k

Based on 17 years of record

6.18 ft

Water depth at gauge

46°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 46 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 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 563 sq mi

Altitude: 5,987 ft

Weather Forecast

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

8278 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