Is swimming allowed at Ribbon Cascade?

No, swimming is not allowed at Ribbon Cascade.

Live Conditions · 2,980 ft³/s · About average

Ribbon Cascade

Q: Are dogs allowed at Ribbon Cascade?

No, dogs are not allowed at Ribbon Cascade.

Wyoming • Grand Teton National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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

Jenny Lake Cabin, Grand Teton NP 9-11 (20118182315).jpg CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Drive Up

About Ribbon Cascade

Ribbon Cascade is a narrow, ribbon-like waterfall tucked into Grand Teton National Park and managed by the National Park Service. The fall descends a steep rock face and makes for a striking photo subject framed by the park’s forested slopes; its compact form and setting reward visitors who are looking for a quieter, scenic stop away from the busiest park viewpoints. A short moderate hike leads to the best viewpoints: the access route is an out-and-back roughly 2.4 miles in length with about 350 feet of elevation gain, making it a doable half-day outing for most hikers prepared for modest uphill walking. The nearest developed camping is Signal Mountain Campground, approximately 12.96 km away, and the cascade is an appealing detour for campers and day-hikers exploring Grand Teton’s eastern reaches.

The Setting

Ribbon Cascade sits at 7,569 feet within Grand Teton National Park, fed by the Snake River, in the high mountains of Wyoming.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Hidden Falls (100 ft) lies 0.7 miles to the southwest.

Hidden Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

No hiking required. Ribbon Cascade is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

Trail to Ribbon Cascade: a 2.4-mile out-and-back route with approximately 350 feet of cumulative elevation gain, rated moderate. The route is managed within Grand Teton National Park by the National Park Service; there is no USFS trail number associated with this park-maintained approach. Hikers can expect a relatively short, moderate hike to reach viewpoints of the narrow waterfall—plan for typical backcountry footing and bring layers, water, and bear-aware precautions when traveling in Grand Teton National Park.

What to Expect

Expect a serene and scenic view of a narrow waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff. The surrounding area is forested, providing a peaceful atmosphere. Wildlife sightings are possible in the area.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ribbon Cascade?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Ribbon Cascade?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Ribbon Cascade, as the water flow is typically stronger 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

Be cautious when pulling off the road to view the waterfall, as traffic can be heavy. Always stay aware of wildlife in the area and maintain a safe distance. Weather conditions in Yellowstone can change rapidly, so be prepared for sudden changes.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

2,980 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2.0k 2.7k 3.8k 4.5k

Based on 31 years of record

10.17 ft

Water depth at gauge

55°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 55 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 8.5 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

9.3 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

8.5

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

178 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

8.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1,674 sq mi

Altitude: 6,450 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SNAKE RIVER AT MOOSE, WY (14 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

2980 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

3397 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

3742 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

3265 cfs

6/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

3011 cfs

5/10

Wed

Low

3432 cfs

3/10

Thu

Low

3200 cfs

6/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

2939 cfs

5/10

Best window: Mon — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to early August, 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 Alta 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 238 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 7,566 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 371 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 149 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Ribbon Cascade near Alta, Wyoming, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Ribbon Cascade near Alta, Wyoming, showing about 238 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 7,566 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 238 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Ribbon Cascade is located along the Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone National Park, between Norris Geyser Basin and Madison Junction. It is visible from the road, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is no designated parking area for Ribbon Cascade, but visitors can pull off to the side of the road at safe locations to view the waterfall.

Elevation

7,569 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.774655° N, -110.748268° W

Land Management

Grand Teton National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds along the Grand Loop Road. Be cautious when pulling off the road to view the waterfall, as traffic can be heavy during peak seasons.

This trail sits at 7,569 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 30% 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.

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

Signal Mountain Campground

8.1 miles away · 81 sites

Reservable

Overview The Signal Mountain Campground is centrally located inside Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) and provides a convenient basecamp for accessing all the park has to offer. This 80-site campground is located adjacent to Signal Mountain Lodge which provides many amenities you might need for your National Park adventures. The campground sits on the southeast shore of Jackson Lake, and offers easy access to the lake waters and short walks to unparalleled views of the Teton Range. The area is fre

Book on Recreation.gov