Twilight Falls waterfall
Nearby gauge (Wind River) · 77 ft³/s · About average

Twilight Falls

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain
Shoshone National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Trail Length

7.7 miles

About Twilight Falls

Twilight Falls tumbles through a quiet canyon in Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest, offering a peaceful reward after a short, steady climb. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the falls sit along Twilight Creek and are reached via the signed TWILIGHT CREEK TRAIL (USFS Trail #821). The setting is classic Rocky Mountain backcountry — spruce and aspen fringes, rocky outcrops, and the steady sound of falling water — making it an ideal half-day escape for hikers looking for scenery without a long commitment. Because the route is on National Forest land, trail etiquette and Leave No Trace principles apply; the trail is maintained by the USFS and marked on local maps as the official approach to the falls. Pack water, a layered jacket for changing weather, and a camera: the cascade and surrounding forest make for great photos in morning or late-afternoon light.

The Setting

Twilight Falls sits at 8,953 feet within Shoshone National Forest, in the high alpine of Wyoming.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Twilight Creek Trail (#821), a 7.7-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

TWILIGHT CREEK TRAIL #821

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

7.99 mi

Trail Description

According to USFS trail data, the tread is native material, the route is class 2 (non-technical hiking with possible use of hands for balance), and typical grade ranges from 12–20%. The Forest Service’s GIS records also include this trail in its dataset (7.99 GIS miles entry). Expect a singletrack dirt surface, occasional root and rock exposure, and standard National Forest signage and trail maintenance levels.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a serene and scenic waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area may be remote and less developed, offering a peaceful experience away from crowds.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Twilight Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Twilight Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have a stronger flow due to snowmelt and rainfall.

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 Shoshone National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The area may be remote, with limited cell service. Visitors should inform someone of their plans, carry a first aid kit, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Wildlife encounters are possible, so proper precautions should be taken.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Wind River, 14.8 miles away, not on Twilight Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

77 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Based on 72 years of record

2.41 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

USGS 06218500
14.8 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 230 sq mi
Altitude: 7,189 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge WIND RIVER NEAR DUBOIS, WY (24 km away).

Moderate confidence
Moderate right now
77 cfs
↓ Falling
63675955636767TodayTomorrowSunMonTueWedThu

Today

Moderate

83 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

87 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

79 cfs

9/10

Mon

Moderate

77 cfs

9/10

Tue

Moderate

82 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

84 cfs

6/10

Thu

Moderate

81 cfs

6/10

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

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 Dubois 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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 329 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 8,907 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 237 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 190 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Twilight Falls near Dubois, Wyoming, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Twilight Falls near Dubois, Wyoming, showing about 329 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing south
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation
8,907 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 329 feet
Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces
South
Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location and directions to Twilight Falls are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local resources or experienced guides for accurate directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability near Twilight Falls is unclear. Visitors may need to park at a nearby trailhead or designated area and hike to the waterfall.

Elevation

8,953 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.781979° N, -109.664317° W

Land Management

Shoshone National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as the location may be difficult to find. Wear sturdy footwear and prepare for varying trail conditions. Check weather conditions before visiting.

Where to Stay

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Nearby Campground

Pinnacles Campground

16.7 miles away · 0 sites

This campground hosts 21 campsites with dramatic views near Brooks Lake. Angling and flyfishing opportunities are nearby, with a boat ramp at Brooks Lake. Fantastic geologic formations at Pinnacle Butte can be seen on the drive in to the campground. Maximum spur 32 feet.Picnic tables, fire rings, bear boxes, and garbage collection are available.This site is not accessible to those with mobility impairments.

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions are not well-documented. Visitors may explore other natural landmarks or trails in the surrounding area.

Wildlife

The area may be home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and potentially bears. Visitors should practice proper wildlife safety.

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