Shell Falls
- Elevation
- 6,269 ft
- Road
- Paved
- Dogs
- Allowed
Shell Falls is a waterfall on Shell Creek in Big Horn County, Wyoming. Height and flow season are not on file yet.
Closures and warnings
USFS closed trails, pathways, grounds, viewing platform, buildings, parking, and roads at the interpretive site. Entering the closed area is prohibited. As of September 28, 2026.
The falls
| Flow note | Interpretive site waterfall on Shell Creek in Bighorn National Forest; viewing facilities closed during reconstruction |
|---|
| Swimming allowed | No |
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Access
| Road | Paved |
|---|---|
| Road note | From Shell, WY, take US Highway 14 east about 11 miles to the interpretive site on the Bighorn Scenic Byway (site closed for construction). |
| Parking | Day-use parking at Shell Falls Interpretive Site when open; closed during reconstruction. |
| Hours | Interpretive site closed for construction; when open, seasons of use are weather dependent per USFS. |
| Elevation | 6,269 ft |
| Seasonal closure | Shell Falls Interpretive Site closed to public access for facility repairs; expected to remain closed through 2026 |
| Managed by | USDA Forest Service (Bighorn National Forest, Shell Falls Interpretive Site) |
Rules
| Dogs | Allowed |
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Common questions
Common questions
Is Shell Falls open?
USFS closed trails, pathways, grounds, viewing platform, buildings, parking, and roads at the interpretive site. Entering the closed area is prohibited. As of September 28, 2026. Seasonal closure: Shell Falls Interpretive Site closed to public access for facility repairs; expected to remain closed through 2026. Hours: Interpretive site closed for construction; when open, seasons of use are weather dependent per USFS.
Can you swim at Shell Falls?
No, swimming is not allowed at Shell Falls.
How do you get to Shell Falls?
The road in is paved. From Shell, WY, take US Highway 14 east about 11 miles to the interpretive site on the Bighorn Scenic Byway (site closed for construction). Parking: Day-use parking at Shell Falls Interpretive Site when open; closed during reconstruction.
When is Shell Falls flowing?
Interpretive site waterfall on Shell Creek in Bighorn National Forest; viewing facilities closed during reconstruction.
What are the rules at Shell Falls?
Dogs are allowed.
Nearby
Sources
4
- https://www.basinrepublican-rustler.com/content/shell-falls-interpretive-site-will-remain-closed-2026 (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / access.seasonalClosure / hazardNote, waterfall.flowNote / waterbodyName, swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed)
- https://cowboystatedaily.com/2025/06/09/popular-shell-falls-in-the-bighorns-is-closed-and-wont-reopen-for-two-years/ (accessed September 28, 2026; backs hazardNote, access.roadNote / roadSurface)
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/bighorn (accessed September 28, 2026; backs waterfall.ephemeral false)
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/bighorn/recreation/shell-falls-interpretive-site (accessed September 30, 2026; backs elevationFt 6269 / access.roadNote, access.parking / access.hours / access.seasonalClosure, rules.dogs)
More: Wyoming waterfalls