Granite Falls

For those of us in Colorado who yearn for the raw, untamed beauty of the wilderness, Rocky Mountain National Park stands as a jewel in our state's crown. Within its vast expanse lie numerous backcountry campsites, each offering a unique immersion into nature far beyond the reach of paved roads and amenities. Granite Falls Campsite, located near Grand Lake, Colorado, is one such remote haven. It’s a destination for experienced backpackers, promising stunning natural features and profound solitude, as attested by those who have made the trek.

One reviewer vividly described the experience: "I parked at the Green Mountain trailhead and backpacked to the Granite Falls site. Most of the hike had forest that was burned out. The falls were lovely though and we enjoyed getting out feet wet there. The campsite itself was very open and exposed. The creek along the hike was very nice and calming. We spotted some moose in the meadow due to some help from other hikers." Another added, "This review is for the Upper Granite Falls campsite. We backpacked in on Friday, July 31 from the Green Mountain trailhead. It took 3 hours 40 minutes to hike up, that was with a couple short breaks totaling about 20 minutes... The falls were gorgeous, and we continued past them .2 miles up to reach our site. There are two sites here, we were the first ones in, so we had our pick. The one next to the wet meadow is the nicest, it has a great tent pad and two benches, which were very nice for packing/unpacking and relaxing, and nicely spaced trees for our hammock. The other site is ok, but is in a thicker forest with no bench and no view." These accounts paint a picture of a challenging yet highly rewarding wilderness experience, complete with stunning natural beauty and incredible wildlife encounters.

Granite Falls Campsite is nestled deep within the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park, located near Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA. It is situated along the Green Mountain Trail, specifically near the breathtaking Granite Falls. This is a designated wilderness campsite, meaning it is not accessible by vehicle and requires a significant hike to reach.

Access to Granite Falls Campsite primarily begins from the Green Mountain Trailhead, which is on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. To reach this trailhead, visitors typically drive to the Grand Lake area and then proceed into the park via U.S. Highway 34 (Trail Ridge Road, which is generally open seasonally). The Green Mountain Trailhead is a popular starting point for various hikes, including the route to Granite Falls.

The hike to Granite Falls Campsite is a substantial undertaking, typically around 5.2 miles one-way from the Green Mountain Trailhead, with an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet. The trail follows a creek for much of the way, offering calming sounds and potential for wildlife viewing. While sections may pass through areas affected by past wildfires, the beauty of the falls and the opportunity for deep wilderness immersion remain.

It is absolutely critical for prospective campers to understand that overnight stays at Granite Falls Campsite require a wilderness backcountry permit from Rocky Mountain National Park. These permits are highly sought after and must be reserved well in advance through the National Park Service's reservation system, particularly for trips during peak seasons (typically late May through mid-October). Additionally, during these peak periods, Rocky Mountain National Park often implements a timed entry permit system for vehicle access, which may be separate from your wilderness permit but still necessary for trailhead access. Campers must be prepared for variable mountain weather, bring all necessary supplies, and practice Leave No Trace principles rigorously.

As a designated backcountry campsite within Rocky Mountain National Park, Granite Falls offers essential, minimalist services designed to preserve the pristine wilderness environment:

• Designated Tent Pads: The campsite features hardened tent pads to minimize impact on the delicate ecosystem. Reviewers noted one site having a "great tent pad" with ample space.
• Benches: One of the sites at Upper Granite Falls is specifically mentioned to have "two benches," which are "very nice for packing/unpacking and relaxing," a rare and appreciated amenity in backcountry settings.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: While specific bear boxes might vary by site, all campers are strictly required to use a commercial hard-sided, carry-in/carry-out bear-resistant food storage canister from April 1 through October 31. This is vital for protecting both human visitors and the park's wildlife.
• Primitive Outhouse/Privy: Basic sanitation facilities, such as a composting or vault toilet, are typically provided at designated backcountry sites to ensure responsible waste management.
• Water Source: Proximity to the creek (likely Tonahutu Creek, which forms Granite Falls) provides a natural water source. However, all water from natural sources must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
• No Campfires: Open campfires are strictly prohibited at backcountry sites within Rocky Mountain National Park to prevent wildfires and protect the natural environment. Campers must use portable stoves for cooking.
• Leave No Trace Ethics: All campers are expected to strictly adhere to the 7 Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash and waste, and minimizing impact on the natural surroundings.

Granite Falls Campsite offers several key features and highlights that make it a truly memorable destination for seasoned backpackers:

• Spectacular Granite Falls: The primary highlight is the majestic Granite Falls itself. Reviewers describe the falls as "lovely" and "gorgeous," with opportunities to "get out feet wet there" and "cook at the top of the falls each morning and evening." The falls are a significant natural landmark and a rewarding destination.
• Proximity to Calming Creek: The "creek along the hike was very nice and calming," providing a serene backdrop and easy access to a water source throughout the journey and at the campsite.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is renowned for its wildlife, especially moose. Reviewers explicitly mention "spotted some moose in the meadow" and "saw two moose approaching us on the trail," highlighting the incredible opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat.
• Seclusion and Privacy: As a backcountry site, Granite Falls offers immense solitude. While one site is described as "very open and exposed," another is "in a thicker forest," providing options for varying levels of seclusion.
• Access to Challenging Day Hikes: The campsite serves as an excellent base for more ambitious day hikes, such as the "very steep and difficult trail" to the "gorgeous" Haynatch Lakes, offering further exploration and rewarding views.
• Hammock-Friendly Trees: For hammock enthusiasts, one site has "nicely spaced trees for our hammock," adding to the comfort and enjoyment of the wilderness experience.
• Stunning Views: Even through burn areas, the trek offers "views of open wet meadows" and ultimately leads to the grand spectacle of the falls, with "much of the falls as it spills over, splashes down and races down the valley" now visible due to fire impacts.

For Granite Falls Campsite, located deep within the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park, contact information for the campsite itself is not provided, as it is a wilderness permit-only site. All inquiries and permits are handled by the National Park Service.

Address: Granite Falls Campsite, Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA (This address indicates the general area of the park entrance and trailheads from which the campsite is accessed.)

Phone: For all information regarding Rocky Mountain National Park's backcountry permits, trail conditions, and general park regulations, contact the park's official channels:Rocky Mountain National Park Main Information: (970) 586-1206Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness Office (for backcountry permits and inquiries): (970) 586-1242

Wilderness Permits: Reservations for backcountry campsites like Granite Falls are mandatory and must be obtained through Recreation.gov. Due to high demand, especially during peak season, it is crucial to plan and reserve your permit well in advance.

Always consult the Rocky Mountain National Park official website and Recreation.gov for the most up-to-date information on permit availability, park conditions, potential trail closures, fire restrictions, and any changes to the timed entry system before planning your backpacking trip.

Granite Falls Campsite is an exceptionally suitable destination for Colorado locals who are passionate about wilderness backpacking and deeply appreciate the untamed beauty of our state's national parks. For residents across Colorado, the journey to the Grand Lake side of Rocky Mountain National Park offers a stunning drive and often a less congested entry point compared to the park's eastern side.

This campsite perfectly caters to those seeking solitude and a genuine challenge. The reward of reaching the "gorgeous" Granite Falls, cooling off in the creek, and setting up camp amidst such a powerful natural landscape is incredibly fulfilling. The frequent opportunities for moose sightings add an element of awe and wonder, connecting campers intimately with the park's magnificent wildlife. For Coloradans committed to Leave No Trace principles and keen to push their hiking boundaries with rewarding day trips to places like Haynatch Lakes, Granite Falls Campsite offers an unparalleled experience. It's a place to disconnect, reflect, and truly immerse oneself in the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, creating memories that resonate long after the hike out.

Granite Falls

Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA