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Cascade Falls (North Inlet)

📍 Grand Lake, CO🥾 7 mi round trip · moderate🎟 National Park entrance fee required (timed-entry reservation may also apply, late May–mid-Oct)

Moderate 7-mile round-trip mountain waterfall hike in Rocky Mountain National Park with steady elevation gain.

DirectionsOfficial site

Getting there

moderate7 mi round tripNo dogs

National Park entrance fee required (timed-entry reservation may also apply, late May–mid-Oct)

Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.

Our take

Cascade Falls is reached via the North Inlet Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, a moderate 7-mile round-trip hike from the Grand Lake side of the park. The trail climbs steadily along North Inlet Creek with 300 feet of elevation gain.

An entrance fee and timed-entry reservation are required, especially during peak season (late May through mid-October). Dogs are not permitted on park trails. The trail is confirmed open for 2026; verify conditions before visiting.

Best visited May through October when park reservations are available and alpine conditions are stable.

Planning your visit

Best time to go

Visit May through October when park timed-entry reservations are available; alpine trails can be snow-covered outside these months.

How long to budget

3 to 4 hours

What to bring

  • National Park entrance pass ($35/vehicle, valid 7 days)
  • Timed-entry reservation (required late May–mid-Oct; reserve at recreation.gov or nps.gov/romo)
  • Extra water and snacks (7 miles is moderate distance)

Who it suits

Good for

  • Moderate hikers seeking solitude
  • Grand Lake area exploration
  • Day hikes with real elevation work

Skip it if

Dogs are not allowed on park trails; if traveling with a pet, this destination is not suitable.

Common questions

Is there a fee to visit Cascade Falls (North Inlet)?

National Park entrance fee required (timed-entry reservation may also apply, late May–mid-Oct)

How do I get to Cascade Falls (North Inlet)?

Via a 7-mile round-trip trail rated moderate by the managing agency.

Can I bring my dog to Cascade Falls (North Inlet)?

No — the managing agency's page states dogs are not permitted here (or on the specific trail/area needed to reach the falls).

Cascade Falls (North Inlet) in Rocky Mountain National Park

We track 7 waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Other waterfalls near Grand Lake

There is 1 other waterfall we track in Grand County. All Rocky Mountain National Park waterfalls →

Quick facts

HeightNot published
Trail7 mi round trip
Difficultymoderate
Fee / permitNational Park entrance fee required (timed-entry reservation may also apply, late May–mid-Oct)
Managing agencyNational Park Service — Rocky Mountain National Park
DogsNot allowed
SwimmingNot published
ADA accessNot published
CountyGrand County
RegionRocky Mountain National Park
Official pageView source ↗

Directions

Open in Google Maps ↗

Source

nps.gov

NPS official hiking-trail list: North Inlet Trailhead to Cascade Falls is 3.5 mi one-way, 300 ft gain. North Inlet Trail confirmed open in 2026 trail-conditions search. Checked Sept 2026.

Checked September 2026.