Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Ouzel Falls
Ouzel Falls is on the upper Gros Ventre River in the Gros Ventre Wilderness of Bridger-Teton National Forest, north of Bondurant. It is reached on the Gros Ventre River Trail (#4081), which the Forest Service describes as heading up the river through pine forest for many miles to Ouzel Falls, with a larger Upper Falls beyond. This is a remote wilderness trip with light use.
The Setting
Ouzel Falls sits at 8,458 feet within Teton National Forest, in the high alpine of Wyoming.
Trail & Hike Details
USFS Trail
OUZEL FALLS CONNECTOR #4098A
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
1.34 miTrail Description
From the Kinky Creek Trailhead, follow the trail to the Dry Fork and Clear Creek junction, take the Gros Ventre River Trail (#4081, the rightmost branch), cross the Gros Ventre River and follow it upstream to the falls. The Ouzel Falls Connector (#4098A, about 1.3 miles) links the falls to the Dry Fork (Brewster Lake) Trail (#4098). The Forest Service rates the trail intermediate but does not publish the distance to the falls.
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 Ouzel Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on Bridger-Teton National Forest and wilderness trails but must be kept under control at all times, and leashed in campgrounds and other developed sites.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ouzel Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Ouzel Falls is during late spring through early fall when the trail is clear of snow and the waterfall is flowing at its fullest.
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
The Gros Ventre River crossing can be dangerous during snowmelt. This is grizzly bear country; carry bear spray and store food properly.
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.
Is Ouzel Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Ouzel Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 47°F to 30°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- no gauge
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.
The ground through the falls loses about 119 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 8,458 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 59 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 52 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 8,458 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 119 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From Pinedale, take WY 352 north toward Green River Lakes, continue past the Forest Service guard station and Whiskey Grove Campground, then turn onto Union Pass Road and follow the main dirt road through the meadows to the gravel road that leads to the Kinky Creek Trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The Kinky Creek Trailhead has a gate across the road and a large parking area.
Elevation
8,458 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.413831° N, -110.213236° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Carry a detailed map, as the Forest Service does not publish mileage to the falls. Call the Bridger-Teton trail supervisor or the ranger district for current trail conditions before you go.
This trail sits at 8,458 ft — the air is noticeably thinner
High AltitudeSome 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.
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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.
Where to Stay
Crooked Creek Guest Ranch
Studio Cabin with Mtn Views by the Green River!
Cozy Cora Studio Cabin w/ Wind River Mtn Views
Abode at Grand Teton Vista
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Whiskey Grove Campground
14.8 miles away · 10 sites
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Nearby Attractions
Upper Falls farther up the Gros Ventre River Trail, Brewster Lake on the Dry Fork Trail, and Union Pass.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, marmots, and birds. Visitors should be cautious of bears and carry bear spray if hiking in the region.
Cities near Ouzel Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Ouzel Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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