This Scenic Wyoming Waterfall Hike Is Even Better in the Winter

It's hard to explain exactly why waterfalls are so enchanting. The spray? The lush, green surroundings? The sparkling pools at the base? Whatever the reason, there’s nothing quite like stumbling upon a beautiful waterfall during a hike, especially when it’s one you never knew existed. While many visitors to Wyoming make a beeline to the Yellowstone region to see the park's many hotspots and the iconic Lower Yellowstone Falls (officially the largest cascade in the state, although—fun fact—that status is not entirely accurate!), residents in the eastern half of the state have front-row seats to countless other less-trafficked, but equally special, natural wonders of their own.

In a state full of larger-than-life sights, Casper shows off a different side of the Cowboy State's wide-open landscapes. The Mile High City sits on the eastern edge of the Rockies at the foot of Casper Mountain, surrounded by the wider Laramie Range, and boasts panoramic views that stretch across Wyoming’s sweeping plains. Garden Creek Falls, located in Rotary Park just a few miles from downtown Casper, is a beloved local oasis, requiring little more than a quick drive and an easy, family-friendly hike to reach. For those who aren't from the area, this "urban-ish" waterfall is quite the hidden gem.

But, whether you're a long-time Casper resident or new to town, when was the last time you visited Garden Creek Falls once the green hues of summer have faded? Add it to your list because this easy waterfall hike might just be even prettier in the off-season!

Home to some of the oldest rocks in the world, Casper Mountain is already a unique geological wonder, but late fall and early winter often transform it into a magical, snow-dusted wonderland. You'll find this gorgeous recreation area just 15 minutes from Hogadon Basin Ski Area, and the higher elevation makes it a dream for scenic, cool-weather hiking.

The main trail to Garden Creek Falls is a loop about 1.3 miles long, with a slight elevation change of only 475 feet. It begins at a small parking area along Garden Creek Road, less than 10 miles from downtown, and follows the creek through the narrow Garden Creek Canyon. This easy trail is a great option for novices or those with littles in tow. But for a longer, more scenic route to and around the falls, the 4-mile Bridle-Split Rock Loop, connected to the Garden Creek Falls Loop, is even better!

While more challenging than the direct trail, the Bridle Trail is full of fun rock formations and even more gorgeous views. In winter, the bare branches intermingle with the evergreens, and glittering frost often blankets the trails and surrounding slopes. Footbridges and steps make the snow-dusted trails manageable even with icy surfaces, but there are still some steep, difficult, and narrow spots to navigate, especially with slippery or packed-down snow. Whether you choose to do the loop clockwise or counterclockwise, it's up to you whether you want to get all the climbing done right away or take it more gradually. Either way, you'll probably find yourself huffing and puffing at least a little.

The views are breathtaking the whole way, both looking off into the distance and admiring the sights up close. You'll find stretches of trail with plentiful moss, and some awesome rock formations backlit by the soft winter sunlight. There are multiple inner loops to explore, which means hikers can choose the length of their adventure, including the quick detour to the falls, which is clearly marked.

Unexpectedly beautiful, Garden Creek Falls drops over a rock ledge into a shallow pool that flows into the creek. In fall and winter, it's a postcard-perfect scene. Icicles cling to rock overhangs along the trail to the falls, even as water continues to flow beneath the ice and remnants of autumn still stubbornly cling to the branches. Uniquely, both Garden Creek and Garden Creek Falls are formed exclusively by rain, snowmelt, springs, and shallow groundwater, rather than flowing from a larger river or lake. Water flow varies, but typically, the stream continues year-round.

Sitting among the evergreens, admiring the 120-foot cascade, it’s easy to forget that you’re just a few miles from the heart of the city. Fall is undeniably gorgeous here, but winter is extra special as long stretches of cold weather cause ice to build up in thick layers around the falls, creating a natural, frozen frame around the moving water. A small viewing area provides a safe stopping point, and there are a few benches along the trail to stop and admire the mountain's surroundings.

Depending on which direction you take the loop, at some point along the way, you'll also come to the Split Rock section of the trail. This epic natural rock tunnel is a quick trip directly through a portion of the mountain, and it's a favorite spot to snap a quick selfie! You'll also find yourself hiking through scenic sections of evergreen forest, which is especially magical when the branches are laden with puffy dollops of snow.

Even in awkward parts of the year, when there's no snow, or after the last remnants of fall colors have faded, there's still something special about hiking the Bridle Trail in the off-season. Unobstructed vistas show off the region's dry prairie grasses set against spectacularly colorful skies, which is one of my personal favorite landscape combinations.

Most hikers can finish the Bridle Trail-Garden Creek Falls combo in three hours or so, but if you want to extend your winter adventure, there are plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the views for even longer as you climb the 1,200 feet up the mountain.

All along the trail, Casper Mountain's unique geology is clearly visible along the canyon walls, where older rock formations show the effects of erosion over thousands of years. The mountain is technically an anticline, which is a fancy way of saying its geological layers are folded over one another, putting the oldest layers at the core rather than at the base. Winter makes it even easier to see these ancient layers. It's an incredibly special spot if you're into geology!

Getting to the park takes just minutes. Garden Creek Road runs from downtown Casper into the foothills, and parking is available right at the trailhead. Such easy access means this short waterfall hike is perfect for a quick after-work hike or easy weekend outing, but many locals opt for turning this hike into a fun day trip or picnicking opportunity. The park is also day-use only, but its location close to town allows hikers to easily visit even during winter's shortened daylight hours. However, note that seasonal restrooms are closed during the winter.

And please... keep your pups leashed for both their safety and yours.

If all you know of Wyoming is its geysers, you're missing out. Wyoming has dozens of waterfalls to explore that look especially gorgeous in winter, although many require extra gear. So if spikes and ice picks aren't your thing, a quick hike to Garden Creek Falls via the Bridle Trail is the perfect cold-weather adventure, especially when Wyoming's winter weather makes those longer, more intense hikes less enticing. But don't head home to hibernate quite yet! Hogodon Basin Ski Area is the perfect add-on if you want to check off some runs and embrace Wyoming's winter weather to the fullest.

Still working out those chilly season plans? Use Only In Your State's AI Travel Planner to make the most of the season, or check out some of our favorite winter activities, getaways, and festivals in Wyoming.