Is swimming allowed at Granite Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Granite Falls.

Live Conditions · 110 ft³/s · About average

Granite Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Granite Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Granite Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Granite Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $30.00. A permit is also required. A timed entry reservation is required to access Rocky Mountain National Park during peak season (May through October). Additionally, a park entrance fee or valid pass is required.

Colorado • Rocky Mountain National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Rocky Mountain National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

inkknife_2000 (14 million views) CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Sasha Vasko CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Granite Falls

Granite Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. It is known for its cascading waters surrounded by lush forest and rugged mountain scenery. The falls are a popular destination for hikers seeking a serene and scenic experience.

The Setting

Granite Falls sits at 9,810 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, fed by the Colorado River, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Granite Falls begins at the Green Mountain Trailhead and follows a well-maintained path through dense forests and meadows. Hikers will pass Big Meadows, a scenic open area, before continuing along the Tonahutu Creek Trail to reach the falls. The trail is moderately challenging due to its length and elevation gain.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through beautiful alpine scenery, with opportunities to see wildlife such as elk and deer. The waterfall itself is a stunning reward at the end of the trail, with cascading waters surrounded by rocky outcrops and greenery.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Granite Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $30.00
Permit required
A timed entry reservation is required to access Rocky Mountain National Park during peak season (May through October). Additionally, a park entrance fee or valid pass is required.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Granite Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Granite Falls is during late spring through early fall when the trail is free of snow and the waterfall is flowing at its peak. Summer offers the most accessible conditions, but fall provides stunning foliage.

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

Water temperature is currently 43°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious of changing weather conditions, wildlife encounters, and slippery rocks near the waterfall. Carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be limited.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

110 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

63 84 196 241

Based on 72 years of record

5.21 ft

Water depth at gauge

43°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 43 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect slightly cloudy visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.5 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

9.6 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

7.5

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

6.0 FNU

Water Clarity

Slightly cloudy

Minor sediment present

56 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

COLORADO RIVER BELOW BAKER GULCH NR GRAND LAKE, CO

USGS 09010500

4.5 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 64 sq mi

Altitude: 8,756 ft

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Granite Falls is accessed via the Green Mountain Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trailhead is located off Trail Ridge Road, which is accessible from the Grand Lake entrance of the park.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Green Mountain Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

9810 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.318596° N, -105.771954° W

Land Management

Rocky Mountain National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough time to complete the trail. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers, as weather in the mountains can change quickly. Be prepared for potential wildlife encounters and follow Leave No Trace principles.

This trail sits at 9,810 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some 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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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

CUTTHROAT BAY GROUP

10.3 miles away · 2 sites

Reservable

Overview Cutthroat Bay Group Campground is located on Lake Granby, six miles southeast of Grand Lake in north central Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its great boating, fishing and hiking opportunities.Recreation Lake Granby is part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area. It offers boating, sailing, swimming and fishing. Anglers cast for kokanee salmon and rainbow, brown, mackinaw and cutthroat trout. A boat ramp and dock are located nearby. National Fishing Week is held annually the first

Book on Recreation.gov