Are there fees or permits required for Wilderness Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Wilderness Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Wilderness Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,340 ft³/s · About average

Wilderness Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wilderness Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Wilderness Falls.

Wyoming • Grand Teton National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Grand Teton National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

nixter CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

glennlewisphotography CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

High Trails CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Wilderness Falls

Wilderness Falls is a quiet, scenic cascade nestled within Grand Teton National Park, managed by the National Park Service. Framed by forest and occasional open viewpoints, the falls offer a peaceful wilderness experience that rewards hikers looking for a short but satisfying nature escape inside the park. The approach to the falls is an inviting day hike rather than a technical climb: the out-and-back route covers 3.0 miles with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate, so it’s best for hikers with some experience and steady footwear for rocky sections. Colter Bay Campground is about 9.55 km away for those who want to turn the visit into an overnight outing under the park’s skies.

The Setting

Wilderness Falls sits at 9,344 feet within Grand Teton National Park, fed by the Snake River, in the high alpine of Wyoming.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 3.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Out-and-back, 3.0 miles round trip with ~500 feet elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. The trail travels through forest with occasional open views and includes rocky sections and moderate inclines, making it well suited to hikers comfortable on uneven footing. Located inside Grand Teton National Park (managed by the National Park Service); nearest campground: Colter Bay Campground, approximately 9.55 km away.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil hike through nature, culminating in a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Wildlife sightings are possible, and the area is known for its peaceful atmosphere.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Wilderness Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wilderness Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Late spring through early fall is the best time to visit, as the trail is more accessible and the waterfall flow is typically stronger during these seasons.

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 47°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. Always let someone know your hiking plans.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 10 minutes ago Roaring

1,340 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

34 68 2.5k 4.2k

Based on 122 years of record

4.21 ft

Water depth at gauge

47°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 47 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

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

SNAKE RIVER NEAR MORAN, WY

USGS 13011000

9.5 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 807 sq mi

Altitude: 6,728 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Wilderness Falls is located within a remote area of Wyoming. Access typically requires driving to a trailhead, followed by a hike. Exact directions may vary depending on the starting point, so consulting a map or GPS is recommended.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

9344 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.916220° N, -110.758701° W

Land Management

Grand Teton National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

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

This trail sits at 9,344 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some 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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 3.0 miles and 500 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

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Nearby Campground

Colter Bay Campground

5.9 miles away · 360 sites

Reservable

Overview The vast Colter Bay Campground at Colter Bay Village is set amidst towering lodgepole pines just a short, picturesque stroll away from Jackson Lake. The campground offers camping for tents and dry camping for RVs. (For full hookup RV sites, check out the Colter Bay RV Park.) Campsites include 338 individual campsites, 12 large group sites, 10 hiker-bicycler sites, and 13 electric-only ADA-accessible sites. Generator Loops are H, J, K M, & O. The campground is open from mid-May to late-Se

Book on Recreation.gov