Natural Attraction

Redrock Falls

Natural Attraction★ 4.8
Redrock Falls cascades along a rocky gorge in Glacier National Park, with pine trees and snow-capped peaks.

Redrock Falls pours a wide curtain of cascades over a red, iron-oxide cliff, spraying the rock with icy mist. Along the trail, multiple viewing spots let you feel the spray and admire the alpine setting. This waterfall is a product of water erosion, driven by Redrock Creek carving through layered bedrock for centuries.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates
48.79765, -113.67869
Accessibility
Trail is easy; some slippery sections near falls; minimal elevation gain; watch for mud after rain

Conditions & safety

Permits Required
0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions
Fishercap Lake, Redrock Lake, Mt. Grinnell, Swiftcurrent Mountain, Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn
Nearby Facilities
Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn; Fishercap Lake area; restrooms at trailhead; water not guaranteed
Best Time To Visit
Late June through early October. Early morning or late afternoon light makes the red rock glow and reduces glare.
Tips Advice
  • Side angles near the lower falls offer varied rock textures for photography
  • Fall colors amplify the red rock; visit in autumn for aspen displays
  • Bear spray, traction footwear, and staying on established paths are essential; parking fills early
Insider Tips
  • Side angles near the lower falls offer varied rock textures for photography
  • Fall colors illuminate the red rock; visit in autumn for aspen displays
  • Bear spray, traction footwear, and staying on established paths are essential

More details

Park Area
Many Glacier (Glacier National Park)
Family Friendly Notes
Easy trail; keep children away from slick rocks; hold hands near falls
Recent Updates
Seasonal access reminders; parking advisories during peak season; occasional bear activity alerts
Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Elevation Feet
5145
Distance From Entrance
3.7 miles round-trip
Accessibility Level
Easy trail; family-friendly with slippery sections near the falls
How To Get There
From the Many Glacier area, drive to the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn lot and park there; follow Fishercap Lake/Redrock Falls signs along a 3.6–4.2 mile round-trip trail.
Parking Availability
Parking fills quickly, especially July and August; arrive by 7:00–8:00 AM or hike later in the day; additional parking along the road or at Iceberg Ptarmigan trailhead if main lot is full
Road Type
Paved to Many Glacier area; trail portions are dirt; some sections muddy
Seasonal Access
Many Glacier Road opens in late May or early June
Entry Fees
Included with park entrance fee
Main Features
Wide curtain of cascades on Redrock Creek; red bedrock stained by iron oxide; slick cliff face from constant spray; viewing spots along the trail and at the falls base
What Youll See
Redrock Falls cascade; red rock face; cold mist; Fishercap Lake and Redrock Lake along the trail; Mt. Grinnell visible from Redrock Lake
Unique Characteristics
Iron-oxide stained red bedrock on a billion-year-old Grinnell Formation; the falls form a broad curtain in an alpine setting
Safety Considerations
Rocks near the falls are slippery due to mist; water around 50°F; bears and moose common; carry bear spray; traction footwear; stay on established paths; the drop is hazardous; keep clear of the base
Best Viewpoints
Along the trail at multiple viewing points and at the base; lower falls vantage points for close-up rock textures
Photo Opportunities
Close-up of red rock with spray; wide-angle shots with alpine backdrop; early morning lighting preferred
Photography Spots
Lower falls vantage points; side trails near the lower falls
Stargazing Quality
Good
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow potential; long shadows over the alpine backdrop
Visitor Center Present
0
Restrooms Available
1
Restroom Type
Outhouse
Picnic Areas
0
Interpretive Signs
1
Cell Service
Unreliable
Water Available
0
Guided Tours Available
0
Trailheads Here
Swiftcurrent Pass Trailhead; Fishercap Lake Trailhead
Connecting Trails
Fishercap Lake Trail, Swiftcurrent Pass Trail; connections to Bullhead Lake
Nearby Services
Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn; nearby towns: Babb; dining options
Common Wildlife
Moose, bears (grizzly and black), small rodents
Best Wildlife Times
Early morning or late evening
Wildflower Peak
Late July to early August
Fall Colors Peak
Late September to early October
Geological Formation Type
Grinnell Formation; iron-oxide stained red bedrock; erosion-formed waterfall
Scientific Interest
Iron-oxide coloration on billion-year-old bedrock; visible record of long-term water erosion within the Grinnell Formation
Road Opening Dates
Many Glacier Road opens in late May or early June
Snow Lingering
Lingering snow in higher elevations into June; sometimes into mid-June
Winter Access
Limited; winter hiking possible with snow cover; snowshoe routes
Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon; fall for aspens
Best Season
Late June through early October
Weather Patterns
Afternoon thunderstorms common in summer; cool mornings; wind along ridges
Peak Fill Times
7:00–8:00 AM during peak July–August
Busiest Season
July and August
Waterfall Height
Varies
Waterfall Flow Rate
Seasonal; higher during spring snowmelt; lower in late summer
Lake Size
Not applicable — Redrock Falls is a 50-foot waterfall on Upper McDonald Creek, not a lake.
Fishing Species
Not documented; the site is a waterfall on Upper McDonald Creek, so there is no listed fish species for this feature.
Fishing Nearby
0
Swimming Allowed
0
Boating Allowed
0
Climbing Areas
0
Review Summary
Rated 4.8 stars from 43 reviews. Visitors appreciate the red rock contrast with the white water and the alpine surroundings; parking pressure and safety considerations are common notes; the hike remains popular and worth the effort.

Location

Redrock Falls cascading over red rocks in Glacier National Park, surrounded by evergreen forest.Redrock Falls tumbles over dark granite in Glacier National Park, a dramatic mountain cascade.Redrock Falls stands in Glacier National Park with evergreen forests, rugged peaks, and a bright blue sky above the grassy foreground.Redrock Falls in Glacier National Park cascades past evergreen forest with a rugged mountain backdrop, framed by colorful fall foliage.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Yes. Parking fills quickly in peak season, especially July and August; aim for 7:00–8:00 AM or hike later in the day.

Is the 3.6–4.2 mile hike to Redrock Falls worth it?

Yes. The combination of red iron-oxide rock, a wide curtain of cascades, and an alpine setting makes the trek worthwhile.

Will cell service work on the trail?

Cell coverage is unreliable in the Many Glacier area; download offline maps ahead of time.

Is this trail dog-friendly?

The data here does not specify dog access for Redrock Falls; verify park rules before bringing a pet.

Can I expect crowds in peak season?

Yes. July and August are the busiest; plan for early or late-day visits and be ready for parking congestion.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.