Alpine Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Alpine Falls
Alpine Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana. It is known for its serene surroundings and cascading waters, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
The Setting
Alpine Falls sits at 8,802 feet within Gallatin National Forest, in the high alpine of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Hyalite Creek (#427), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
HYALITE CREEK #427
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
0.10 miTrail Description
The trail to Alpine Falls is a short and relatively easy hike, suitable for most visitors. It follows a well-maintained path through forested areas and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and East Rosebud Creek. The waterfall is located a short distance from the main trail and can be accessed via a side path.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Alpine Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Alpine Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Alpine Falls is during late spring through early fall when the trail is clear of snow and the waterfall is flowing at its fullest.
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 Gallatin National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be aware of changing weather conditions, as storms can develop quickly in the mountains. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
35 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 80 years of record
2.39 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Hyalite C at Hyalite R S nr Bozeman MT (21 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
35 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
35 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
37 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
40 cfs
3/10Tue
Low
37 cfs
6/10Wed
Barely Flowing
33 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
33 cfs
5/10Best window: Tue — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to early August, 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 Emigrant hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
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 measures about 200 feet of descent through Alpine Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 8,831 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 44 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 175 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 8,831 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 200 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Alpine Falls is accessible via the East Rosebud Trailhead, located near Roscoe, Montana. The trailhead can be reached by driving along East Rosebud Road, which is a mix of paved and gravel surfaces. The waterfall is situated along the East Rosebud Trail, also known as the 'Beaten Path' trail.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the East Rosebud Trailhead. The lot may fill up during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
8,802 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.392710° N, -110.952999° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven sections. Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as mosquitoes can be present. Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and holidays.
This trail sits at 8,802 ft — the air is noticeably thinner
High AltitudeSome 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.
Where to Stay
Game Day Hub! half Mi to MSU and Bobcat Stadium
Field & Stream Lodge Bozeman
Under Canvas North Yellowstone - Paradise Valley
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Livingston Yellowstone
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
CHISHOLM CAMPGROUND
5.7 miles away · 10 sites
Overview Chisholm Campground is located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir in the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, 18 miles south of Bozeman, Montana. The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking and climbing.Recreation Hyalite Reservoir offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing and fishing opportunities. Anglers fish for Yellowstone cutthroat, Arctic grayling and brook trout. Hyalite
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Nearby Attractions
The East Rosebud Trail continues beyond Alpine Falls and offers access to stunning alpine lakes and mountain views. Nearby attractions include East Rosebud Lake and the Beartooth Highway.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and birds. Be cautious of bears and carry bear spray when hiking in the region.
Cities near Alpine Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Alpine Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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