Shoal Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
600 ft
About Shoal Falls
Shoal Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming. It is known for its serene surroundings and cascading waters, making it a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Shoal Falls sits at 8,264 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 Upper Shoal Creek (#2119), a 4.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 600 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
UPPER SHOAL CREEK #2119
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
4.79 miTrail Description
The trail to Shoal Falls follows the Shoal Creek Trail, which winds through forested areas and open meadows. The path offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with the waterfall serving as a rewarding destination.
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 Shoal Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Shoal Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Shoal Falls is late spring through early fall, when the trail is most accessible and the waterfall flow is 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
Be aware of changing weather conditions and carry bear spray, as the area is known for bear activity. Stay on marked trails and avoid hiking alone.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 16.9 miles away
281 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 20 years of record
4.99 ft
Water depth at gauge
53°F
ColdBracing — 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 53 degrees F, limit your time in the water.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge HOBACK RIVER NEAR JACKSON, WY (27 km away).
Today
Strong
281 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Strong
276 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
281 cfs
10/10Wed
Roaring
323 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
299 cfs
9/10Fri
Strong
281 cfs
10/10Sat
Roaring
310 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).
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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 351 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 8,249 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 118 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 226 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 8,249 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 351 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Shoal Falls is located near the Shoal Creek Trail in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Access typically requires a hike along the Shoal Creek Trail, which can be reached via the Granite Creek Road off Highway 191.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Shoal Creek Trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
8,264 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.340771° N, -110.348239° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water. Check trail conditions before heading out, as weather and seasonal changes can impact accessibility. Start early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the hike.
This trail sits at 8,264 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.
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 4.0 miles and 600 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
Crooked Creek Guest Ranch
Studio Cabin with Mtn Views by the Green River!
Cozy Cora Studio Cabin w/ Wind River Mtn Views
Rustic Bondurant Cabin Fish, Hike, and Bike!
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
HOBACK GUARD STATION
9.4 miles away · 2 sites
Overview Water & Power are NOT GUARANTEED, Hoback Guard Station was built in 1935 by the CCC to be used as a working Ranger Station, and is considered eligible to the National Register of Historic Places. About 34 miles from Jackson, Wyoming, This guard station beckons guests who want a scenic backcountry experience with the convenience of electricity and running water and great mountain scenery. Water is NOT available until Mid June or July and will be turned off Mid Sept due to freezing temps a
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Nearby Attractions
Granite Hot Springs, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the nearby town of Jackson, Wyoming.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and occasionally bears. Be prepared for wildlife encounters and follow safety guidelines.
Cities near Shoal Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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