Is swimming allowed at Granite Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Granite Falls.

Nearby gauge (Colorado River) · 21 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Granite Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Granite Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Granite Falls. Pets aren't allowed on any trail, tundra or meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park; leashed pets may stay on roads, parking areas, campgrounds and picnic areas.

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 Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 6 other waterfalls also named Granite Falls, see below

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

10.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

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, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Trail & Hike Details

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
Pets aren't allowed on any trail, tundra or meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park; leashed pets may stay on roads, parking areas, campgrounds and picnic areas.

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

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

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Colorado River, 4.5 miles away, not on Granite Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

21 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

10 12 19 27

Based on 73 years of record

4.29 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

COLORADO RIVER BELOW BAKER GULCH NR GRAND LAKE, CO

USGS 09010500

4.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 64 sq mi

Altitude: 8,756 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COLORADO RIVER BELOW BAKER GULCH NR GRAND LAKE, CO (7 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

21 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

21 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

21 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

21 cfs

9/10

Sat

Roaring

21 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

22 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

20 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

21 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

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.

Is Granite Falls Frozen?

Updated about 4 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Granite Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 46°F to 25°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 12 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Colorado.

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.

The bare-earth surface loses about 133 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 9,800 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 53 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 74 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Granite Falls near Grand Lake, Colorado, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Granite Falls near Grand Lake, Colorado, showing about 133 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 9,800 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 133 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

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

9,810 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.

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

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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