Is swimming allowed at Gibbon Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Gibbon Falls.

Live Conditions · 90 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Gibbon Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Gibbon Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Gibbon Falls.

Wyoming • 84 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Yellowstone National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

James Marvin Phelps CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

timestranger CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Tim Lumley CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Simon Foot CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Joe Shlabotnik CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Drive Up

Trail Length

0.1 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

50 ft

About Gibbon Falls

Gibbon Falls is a picturesque waterfall located along the Gibbon River in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It features a cascading drop of approximately 84 feet and is easily accessible from the Grand Loop Road, making it a popular stop for visitors.

The Setting

Gibbon Falls sits at 7,083 feet within Yellowstone National Park, fed by the Gibbon River, in the high mountains of Wyoming. The falls drop 84 feet.

Height: 84 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Fairy Falls (200 ft) lies 10.2 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Firehole Falls (40 ft, 4.9 mi).

Fairy Falls Firehole Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

No hiking required. Gibbon Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

The trail to Gibbon Falls is a short, paved path leading from the parking area to a viewing platform. It is suitable for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 84 feet.

Accessibility

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Gibbon Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Gibbon Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Gibbon Falls is during spring, summer, or fall when the roads are open and the weather is pleasant. Spring offers higher water flow 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 the National Park Service website for current conditions.

Safety Information

Stay on designated paths and viewing platforms. Do not climb on rocks near the falls, as they can be slippery. Be aware of wildlife in the area and follow park safety guidelines.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

90 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

94 108 189 247

Based on 24 years of record

4.71 ft

Water depth at gauge

70°F

Cool

Refreshing for swimming

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 a refreshing 70 degrees F, good for a quick swim.

About This Gauge

Gibbon River at Madison Jct, YNP

USGS 06037100

4.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 125 sq mi

Altitude: 6,800 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Gibbon River at Madison Jct, YNP (7 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

90 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

103 cfs

7/10

Tomorrow

Strong

109 cfs

7/10

Sat

Strong

104 cfs

7/10

Sun

Strong

109 cfs

7/10

Mon

Strong

108 cfs

7/10

Tue

Moderate

93 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

83 cfs

9/10

Best window: Tue — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid July, peaking in May.

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 West Yellowstone hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Gibbon Falls is located along the Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone National Park, between Madison Junction and Norris Geyser Basin. It is well-marked with signs and has a designated parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a dedicated parking area near the falls, which can accommodate cars and small RVs. Parking may be limited during peak tourist seasons.

Elevation

7,083 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.654379° N, -110.770766° W

Land Management

Yellowstone National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery. Be cautious near the edge of the viewing platform.

This trail sits at 7,083 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 28% 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.

For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. 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.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

OR Sombriolet Sun Hat

UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.

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

Old Faithful Inn

13.8 miles away · 0 sites

The Old Faithful Inn, built in 1903 and a member of Historic Hotels of America® since 2012 was designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation® for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels across America. Old Faithful Inn, a rustic-style lodge with a log and wood shingle exterior, is adjacent to the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser. The origina

Book on Recreation.gov