Are there fees or permits required for Spalding Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Spalding Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Spalding Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Spalding Falls.

Live Conditions · 3,770 ft³/s · About average

Spalding Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Spalding Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Spalding Falls.

Wyoming • Grand Teton National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Grand Teton National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

Sjroot97 CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

stilldavid CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Spalding Falls

Spalding Falls is a roughly 100-foot cascade tucked into Garnet Canyon in Grand Teton National Park. The cascade is highly intermittent—fed by snowmelt and runoff from the Middle Teton Glacier—so it’s at its most impressive in late spring and early summer. Managed by the National Park Service, the falls sit amid the rugged, high-country scenery that defines the Tetons and tend to draw fewer visitors than lower-elevation attractions. The falls are reached via the Garnet Canyon Trail and sit approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) further by trail than Cleft Falls, making for a rewarding side trip for hikers exploring the canyon. There are no designated campgrounds within 10 km of the falls; the nearest official campground is Teton Canyon, roughly 10.3 km away, so plan your outing as a day hike or arrange backcountry permits where required.

The Setting

Spalding Falls sits at 10,013 feet within Grand Teton National Park, fed by the Snake River, in the high alpine of Wyoming.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Access to Spalding Falls is via the Garnet Canyon Trail: an out-and-back route of approximately 2.0 miles with about 300 feet of elevation gain. The hike is rated moderate in difficulty. Detailed trail surface, grade, and technical class data are not provided in the available park information, and conditions can vary seasonally with snowmelt, so be prepared for changing trail conditions during spring runoff.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area is typically quiet, making it a great spot for relaxation and photography. Wildlife sightings are possible, so remain alert and respectful of the environment.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Spalding Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Spalding Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Spalding Falls is during late spring through early fall when the trail conditions are most favorable, and the waterfall flow is at its peak.

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

Water temperature is currently 49°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. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife in the area. Check trail conditions before your visit, as weather can impact accessibility.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Roaring

3,770 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.4k 2.4k 5.2k 7.5k

Based on 30 years of record

10.64 ft

Water depth at gauge

49°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 49 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 8.2 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

9.2 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

8.2

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

155 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

6.6 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 1,674 sq mi

Altitude: 6,450 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Spalding Falls is located within the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming. Access typically involves driving to a nearby trailhead and hiking to the falls. Specific directions may vary depending on the chosen trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at nearby trailheads, but availability may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

10013 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.728542° N, -110.796880° W

Land Management

Grand Teton National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the return trip. Check weather conditions before heading out, as trails may become slippery after rain.

This trail sits at 10,013 ft — roughly 30% less oxygen than sea level

Extreme Altitude

At this elevation, altitude sickness is a real concern. Monitor how you feel, take frequent rest breaks, and descend if symptoms worsen. Visitors arriving from lower elevations should allow time to acclimatize.

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.

Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Monitor blood oxygen in real time — SpO2 commonly drops to 85–90% above 10,000 ft.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.0 miles and 300 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.

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.

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

TETON CANYON

6.4 miles away · 27 sites

Reservable

Overview Teton Canyon Campground is located in beautiful Teton Canyon at an elevation of approximately 6,500 feet. Driggs, Idaho is just 11 miles away. Hiking, backpacking and horseback riding are popular activities in this scenic region.Recreation The towering Teton Range and Jedediah Smith Wilderness are adjacent to the canyon. Excellent hiking, backpacking and horseback riding opportunities abound, with trails leaving from the campground. A horse staging area is located at the trailhead parkin

Book on Recreation.gov