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Shoal Falls Trail
Difficulty: Moderate Trail Use: Light
Length: ~5 miles from Swift Cr Trailhead to base of waterfall
Elevation: 6797 ft at Swift Cr Trailhead, 7880 ft at base of waterfall
Open to: Hikers, Equestrian
Trail Highlights:
- The trail begins at the kiosk and winds up through open sagebrush meadow with spectacular views of Corner Peak and the Open Door. The trail enters the forest where there is an unsigned junction. Take a right here and the trail will wind through thick pine forest and start to climb up the ridge.
- The trail tops out on the ridge and then makes its way through a mixture of pine and aspen forest, with large open meadows. The trail skits around the back side of Corner Peak, eventually getting into some very large open meadows with spectacular wildflowers in the spring and summer months.
- The trail eventually comes to a large overlook of Shoal Falls and the upper drainage. From here, it drops down through the flowers, eventually reaching and crossing the creek. Past the creek you will reach another junction. Take a left here to head over to the waterfall and a small camping area. Go straight to continue up towards Shoal Lake. Take a right to head down Shoal Cr towards Bondurant.
- There is no trail that goes right to the bottom of the Falls. It basically goes over to a small camping spot and peters out. From here you can bushwack over to the base.
Options:
- There aren’t really any loop options on this trail. You can connect to the Shoal Cr Trail which will take you down towards Bondurant. You can also continue on and follow the trail up to Shoal Lake.
- A great two night trip is to park at the Swift Cr Trailhead, hike over and camp the first night at Shoal Falls, hike up and spend the second night at Shoal Lake, and then pop up and over and head down the Swift Cr Trail back to the Trailhead.
Important Information
- This trail is on the Big Piney Ranger District but is often cleared by the Jackson Ranger District. Expect to find downed trees, and places where it is difficult to follow. Bring a map and know your route.
- Always check the kiosk at the Trailhead for important information pertinent to the trail.
- This trail is located on the USGS quad map for Granite Falls and Doubletop Peak. The beginning section of this trail from the Swift Cr Trailhead is not correct on the Forest maps.
- This trail enters the Gros Ventre Wilderness at the falls. See below for more information on restrictions.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Call Tim Farris, Trail Supervisor @ 307-739-5414 for current trail conditions. |
|---|---|
| Restrictions: | Trail enters the Gros Ventre Wilderness at the waterfall. For more information on restrictions click here. |
General Information
Directions:
From Jackson, head south on US 189 towards Hoback Junction. Take a left and head towards Pinedale. Follow this until you see a large sign on your left for Granite Cr Hot Springs and Campground. Follow this dirt road for several miles, staying on the main road towards the hot springs. Go past the first junction on the road, and take the next junction on your right, across from the Highline Trail sign, where there is a sign for the Girl Scout camp. Follow this down, cross the bridge, and bear to the left towards the large circular parking area where there is a hitching post and an information kiosk. Park here and the trail starts at the kiosk. Do not follow the trail that continues up Granite Cr. Take the trail that heads towards the mountains and there should be a small sign saying Shoal Falls. Follow this trail up until you reach the forest, where you’ll find a small unsigned junction. Take a right here to go to Shoal Falls.