Grace Falls
Colorado • Rocky Mountain National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
8.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Grace Falls
Grace Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. It cascades down a steep cliff face and is fed by snowmelt, making it most impressive during late spring and early summer. The waterfall is surrounded by alpine scenery, offering breathtaking views.
The Setting
Grace Falls sits at 10,269 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, fed by the Colorado River, in the high alpine of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Grace Falls begins at the Wild Basin Trailhead and follows a well-maintained path through dense forests, crossing several streams and passing other waterfalls like Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades. The final stretch to Grace Falls involves some off-trail navigation and may require careful footing.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a moderately challenging hike with beautiful scenery, including forests, streams, and alpine meadows. Grace Falls itself is a dramatic sight, especially during the spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Grace Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $30.00
Permit required
A timed entry permit is required to access Rocky Mountain National Park during peak season (May through October).
🏊 Is There Swimming at Grace Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring to early summer is the best time to visit Grace Falls, as snowmelt ensures a strong flow. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Be prepared for sudden weather changes, including thunderstorms. Carry a map or GPS device, as parts of the trail may be poorly marked. Watch for slippery rocks near the waterfall.
Current Water Conditions
12 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 73 years of record
4.04 ft
Water depth at gauge
51°F
WarmVery comfortable
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a bracing 51 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.8 and mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen
ExcellentSupports aquatic life
pH
NormalWithin healthy range (6.5-8.5)
Water Clarity
Crystal clearExcellent visibility
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
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 COLORADO RIVER BELOW BAKER GULCH NR GRAND LAKE, CO (14 km away).
Today
Low
14 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
13 cfs
6/10Sun
Low
14 cfs
3/10Mon
Moderate
16 cfs
4/10Tue
Moderate
16 cfs
4/10Wed
Low
14 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
13 cfs
4/10Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late July, 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 Grand Lake 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 113 feet of drop through Grace Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 10,281 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 129 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 95 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls 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
- 10,281 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 113 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- 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 northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Grace Falls is located in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. To access the trailhead, visitors typically start at the Wild Basin Trailhead, which is accessible via a paved road off Highway 7 near Allenspark, Colorado.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Wild Basin Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
10,269 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.323069° N, -105.688661° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early to avoid crowds and ensure parking. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water, as the trail can be long and uneven in places. Check weather conditions before heading out, as storms can develop quickly in the mountains.
This trail sits at 10,269 ft — roughly 30% less oxygen than sea level
Extreme AltitudeAt this elevation, altitude sickness is a real concern. Monitor how you feel, take frequent rest breaks, and descend if symptoms worsen. Visitors arriving from lower elevations should allow time to acclimatize.
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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.
Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
Monitor blood oxygen in real time — SpO2 commonly drops to 85–90% above 10,000 ft.
Where to Stay
Riversong Inn Retreat
Boulder Brook on Fall River
Murphy's River Lodge
Murphy's Resort
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.
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13.2 miles away · 0 sites
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Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in the Wild Basin area include Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, and Ouzel Falls. The nearby town of Estes Park offers dining and lodging options.
Wildlife
Wildlife in the area includes elk, deer, black bears, and various bird species. Always maintain a safe distance from animals.
Cities near Grace Falls
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