Tonahutu Creek Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by Lauren Lopes on Unsplash

Tonahutu Creek Trail

~3 days · 17.9 mi · moderate · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance17.9 mi
Days out3
Elevation gain2,425 ft
Gain / mile135 ft
High point12,274 ft

What the Tonahutu Creek Trail is known for

The Tonahutu Creek Trail climbs from Grand Lake through Big Meadows and past Granite Falls to the Continental Divide at Flattop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Published length is about 13 miles one way, and designated backcountry campsites let you spread the climb over 2-3 days.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Tonahutu Creek Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 28,524 ft to 40,223 ft over 17.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 4.2 mi · 24%
  • Downhill 11.9 mi · 68%
  • Flat 1.3 mi · 7%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Tonahutu Creek Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Tonahutu Creek Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 17.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Tonahutu Creek Trail?

The Tonahutu Creek Trail climbs roughly 2,425 ft total — about 135 ft per mile, topping out near 12,274 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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