Palisade Falls is the more-visited waterfall in Hyalite Canyon, but Grotto Falls is the one with the pool. The trail is short, shaded, and easy to walk, and when you arrive you can actually get in the water instead of just photographing it from a platform.
The falls are wide rather than tall, spreading across a rocky face and collecting in a pool that stays clear in summer. The rocks in the pool are coated in a fine silt that is slippery even in shallow water, so water shoes with grip are worth bringing. If the main viewing area is busy, there is a second bench further back from the falls that most visitors walk right past. The Hyalite Creek Trail continues from the falls with more waterfalls along the way, eventually reaching Hyalite Lake if your group has the legs for more.
The Grotto Falls Trailhead parking lot is small. Arrive early on weekends and summer days or you may end up parking further down the road and walking in.
There's a vault toilet at the trailhead.
Grotto Falls sees steady traffic through the summer, but nothing like Palisade Falls. Arrive earlier in the day if you want the pool more to yourself. If the main viewing area is busy, there's a second bench tucked slightly further back from the falls that most people walk right past.
The drive up Hyalite Canyon Road is paved and in good condition. Once you cross the dam it turns to gravel, narrow and bumpy in spots, but passable with a regular car.
Be Advised: Hyalite Canyon Road is closed annually between April 1st and May 15th. You will not be able to reach this hike by car during this time.
You'll be out of service the entire way.
Plenty of shade and water access the entire way. You'll run into other dogs on this trail, so if yours doesn't do well around strangers he/she might find it a bit much.
21.5 Miles from Bozeman, MT. 43 Minutes
From Bozeman, drive south on 19th Street for about 5 miles. Follow the curve to the right and drive for another mile or so, following the signs to take a left onto Hyalite Canyon Road.
Follow Hyalite Canyon Road up to the reservoir. Take it across the dam and keep right onto the gravel. Continue on the road along the east side of the reservoir, staying right until you reach the Grotto Falls Trailhead.
Be Advised: Hyalite Canyon Road is closed annually between April 1st and May 15th. You will not be able to reach this hike by car during this time.
The trail runs alongside Hyalite Creek the whole way and ends at the creek below the falls. Water is everywhere, but the hike is short enough that you won't need to purify any. Bring a bottle and you're fine.
24 oz consumed per person
The trail is wide, well-worn, and easy to follow from start to finish. Unlike Palisade Falls, this is a natural-surface gravel trail, not paved. After rain or during spring thaw, the gravel can get soft, which makes pushing a standard wheelchair or small-wheeled stroller significantly harder than on a dry day. Expect snow on the trail into mid-May and icy conditions in late fall. The falls are accessible in winter, but the trail gets packed down and slippery.
The trail is heavily shaded, so bring a light layer in the cooler months. In summer, wear something you don't mind getting wet if you're planning on getting in the pool. Waterproof boots are worth it in spring and early fall when the trail can be muddy. If you're planning to wade, wear water shoes with actual grip. The rocks in the pool are coated in a fine silt that is surprisingly slippery, even in shallow water.
Footwear: Tennis Shoes OK
This is a short hike and food is not necessary. A snack and something to eat at the falls is plenty. If you're planning to continue on to Hyalite Lake, pack a full lunch.
Mosquitoes are possible near the water, especially later in the day. Toss some bug spray in the bag just in case.
Dense spruce and fir the whole way with good shade. The area right at the falls opens up a bit.
This is a day hike with no good backcountry camping near the falls. If you want to turn this into an overnight trip, Hyalite Lake is a great backpacking destination and is accessible by continuing on the Hyalite Creek Trail. For car camping, Chisholm Campground and Hood Creek Campground are near the reservoir.
Hyalite Creek Trail
The Grotto Falls Trail connects directly to the Hyalite Creek Trail, which continues south past more waterfalls, including Silken Skein Falls, and all the way to Hyalite Lake. It's one of the most rewarding longer hikes in the canyon if your group has the legs for it.
Loop Option
A connector trail near the falls links back up to the Hyalite Creek Trail above, allowing for a short loop back to the trailhead.
Beartooth Publishing's Bozeman Area Map covers this whole hike.
Grotto Falls is best from late May through October, after Hyalite Canyon Road reopens on May 15. July and August are peak swimming season. The falls are accessible in winter but the trail gets icy and packed down.
July through August: pool is clear and inviting, trail is dry, great for families and dogs.
June and September: fewer people, creek is running well in June, September brings cooler temperatures and quieter mornings.
Before May 15: Hyalite Canyon Road is closed April 1 through May 15. Winter access is possible but the trail becomes slippery.
Yes. The pool at the base of the falls is shallow and clear in summer, which is what makes Grotto Falls more appealing than Palisade Falls for families with kids. Wear water shoes with grip — the rocks in the pool are coated in fine silt and are slippery even in ankle-deep water.
Yes. Grotto Falls is a confirmed accessible trail in Gallatin National Forest. The natural-surface gravel trail is navigable for most wheelchairs when dry. After rain or during spring thaw the surface can become soft and significantly harder to push a wheelchair through.
The road closes annually April 1 and reopens May 15. You cannot drive to Grotto Falls during this window.
Palisade Falls is paved and wheelchair accessible, shorter, and has the bigger drop (80 feet versus Grotto's wide cascade). Grotto Falls has a pool you can actually wade in, which is the main reason to choose it over Palisade on a warm day.
Yes, there is a vault toilet at the trailhead.
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