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.

Nearby gauge (Snake River) · 273 ft³/s · About average

Wilderness Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wilderness Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Wilderness Falls. Pets aren't allowed on any trail, pathway or in the backcountry in Grand Teton National Park; they must stay within 30 feet of roads.

Wyoming • Grand Teton National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Wilderness Falls, see below

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, in the high alpine of Wyoming.

Trail & Hike Details

3.0 mi distance 500 ft climbed

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
Pets aren't allowed on any trail, pathway or in the backcountry in Grand Teton National Park; they must stay within 30 feet of roads.

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 46°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 about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Snake River, 9.5 miles away, not on Wilderness Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

273 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

13 30 440 627

Based on 123 years of record

2.29 ft

Water depth at gauge

46°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 46 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 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 807 sq mi

Altitude: 6,728 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SNAKE RIVER NEAR MORAN, WY (15 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

273 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

273 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

274 cfs

5/10

Tue

Low

299 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

312 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

310 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

309 cfs

4/10

Sat

Low

310 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early June to early September, 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.

Is Wilderness Falls Frozen?

Updated about 17 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately 5 more freezing days forecast

Wilderness Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 37°F to 28°F. 5 freezing days are forecast, so ice may start to form.

Days below freezing: 3 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 5 of the next 7
Flow: 277 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Wyoming.

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.

1-meter lidar shows Wilderness Falls dropping about 511 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 9,351 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 187 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 444 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Wilderness Falls near Alta, Wyoming, showing about 511 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 9,351 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 511 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

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

9,344 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.

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 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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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