Grotto Falls is located in Hyalite Canyon about 20 miles south of Bozeman, and it's the better waterfall hike in the canyon if you actually want to get in the water. The trail runs alongside Hyalite Creek through dense spruce and fir forest on a wide, gently graded path, ending at a wide cascade that drops into a clear, shallow pool. Bring the kids and plan to stay awhile.
Grotto Falls is also one of the confirmed accessible trails in Gallatin National Forest. For more, check out our guide to accessible hiking in the Gallatin. If your group has energy after the falls, the Hyalite Creek Trail continues from here with more waterfalls along the way, eventually reaching Hyalite Lake.
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 to Grotto Falls is wide, well-graded, and easy to follow the entire way. There's minimal elevation change, the footing is solid, and the trail is confirmed wheelchair accessible. Great hike for all ages and abilities.
Averaging about 2 mph, you'll reach the falls in about 40 minutes. Add 30 minutes or so at the pool and you're back at the car in under two hours.
The trail descends slightly on the way to the falls, starting at about 7,148 feet and dropping to around 6,893 feet at the base. You gain that back on the return, but the grade is gentle enough that most people don't notice.
The falls are wide and satisfying, but the pool is what makes this worth the walk. Clear, shallow water and a rocky shoreline with plenty of room to spread out. On a hot day in July, this is the hike to do.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Beartooth Publishing's Bozeman Area Map covers this whole hike.
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 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
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.
You'll be out of service the entire way.
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.
Plug 2.5 miles and 285 feet of elevation gain into our free hiking time calculator for a personalized estimate.