Cascade Falls Trail via North Inlet

This is a 7-mile out-and-back from North Inlet Trailhead to Cascade Falls, returning along the same corridor. The National Park Service lists 3.5 miles each way; allow about four hours. The grade stays mostly gentle, but the trail starts at about 8,500 feet, so this is a half-day hike rather than a quick waterfall stop. Go for the walk through the North Inlet valley as much as the falls at the end.

The first 1.2 miles follow a broad old gravel road through open lower terrain. North Inlet Creek comes near the route about 0.8 mile in. The road passes close to a private cabin and inholdings, so stay on the marked corridor. At Summerland Park, the broad road gives way to a narrower footpath.

The path alternates between forest and open meadow, with small creek crossings on bridges and Twinberry backcountry sites along the way. Some of the open stretches were burned in the 2020 East Troublesome Fire; meadows and younger regrowth now break up the forest. Moose and early-summer flowers are reported around the open areas, though sightings vary.

At the split near the destination, follow the hiker branch down to the falls rather than continuing north on the longer North Inlet route. Cascade Falls drops in several tiers through a narrow granite chute. Short scrambles reach viewpoints above and below; wet rocks beside rushing water are the route's main hazard. The lower view frames the chute and surrounding boulders, while the upper view gets closer to the cascades.

Start at North Inlet Trailhead in Grand Lake. There are two parking areas; the larger one is beyond a one-way bridge if the first lot is full. A privy is reported at the trailhead. Dogs are prohibited on all Rocky Mountain National Park trails. Timed entry can apply during the park's seasonal reservation period, so check the current entry rules before driving in.