Grotto Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
2.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
300 ft
About Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Hyalite Canyon area near Bozeman, Montana. It is part of the Gallatin National Forest and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The waterfall cascades beautifully into a rocky grotto, offering a serene and scenic spot for visitors.
The Setting
Grotto Falls sits at 7,146 feet within Gallatin National Forest, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Grotto Falls (#432), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over imported compacted material. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain. The trail is fully developed (Class 5).
USFS Trail
GROTTO FALLS #432
Trail Class
Fully Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
0.03 miTrail Description
The trail to Grotto Falls is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it suitable for most visitors, including families with children. The path winds through a lush forest with occasional views of the surrounding mountains. The waterfall is located at the end of the trail, where visitors can enjoy the cool mist and serene atmosphere.
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 Grotto Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Grotto Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the trail is free of snow and the waterfall is flowing at its fullest. Summer offers the most accessible conditions, while fall provides beautiful 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 Gallatin National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery near the falls and muddy after rain. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife in the area.
Current Water Conditions
34 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 75 years of record
2.38 ft
Water depth at gauge
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.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Grotto Falls is accessed via the Hyalite Canyon Road, which is typically open from late spring to fall, depending on snow conditions. From Bozeman, take South 19th Avenue to Hyalite Canyon Road and follow signs to the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Grotto Falls Trailhead, which is part of the Hyalite Creek Trail system. The parking area can fill up during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
7146 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.435765° N, -110.963832° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during summer weekends. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy in spring or after rain. Bring water and snacks, and consider bug spray during warmer months.
This trail sits at 7,146 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 29% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
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.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This easy 2.4 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
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
2.7 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
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Emigrant, Montana
Bridger Canyon Warm Spring
Bridger Canyon Warm Spring emerges at 70°F on US Fish and Wildlife Service land within the Bozeman Fish Technology Center in Ga...
Chico Hot Springs
Chico Hot Springs produces 113°F water at 5,336 feet in Park County's Paradise Valley, 30 miles north of Yellowstone National P...
Bozeman Hot Springs
Bozeman Hot Springs delivers 131°F water confirmed by USGS at 54.4°C, with highly alkaline chemistry (pH 9.5) and total dissolv...
Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring
LaDuke Hot Spring, also called Corwin Hot Spring, discharges at 154°F on the Gallatin National Forest in Gallatin County, Monta...
Carter Bridge Warm Springs
Carter Bridge Warm Springs surfaces at 82°F in Park County, Montana, at 4,542 feet elevation. Reaching the spring requires a sh...
Bear Creek Springs
Bear Creek Springs discharges at 72°F -- only 31 degrees above ambient -- within Gallatin National Forest at 5,423 feet elevati...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Emigrant, Montana on SoakingSprings.
Explore Montana springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in the Hyalite Canyon area, such as Palisade Falls and Hyalite Falls. Hyalite Reservoir is also nearby for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally bears. Visitors should carry bear spray and follow wildlife safety guidelines.
Cities near Grotto Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Grotto Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.