Tonahutu Creek Trail
~3 days · 17.9 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
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.
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.
How hard is the Tonahutu Creek Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Tonahutu Creek Trail scores 13/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
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 from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — 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.