With plentiful mountain run-off from an unseasonably snowy winter, the streams, rivers, and waterfalls of the Rockies will be rushing in full force. Head out this season to view these best waterfall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Chasm Falls
Difficulty: easy
Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
As one of the best waterfall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Chasm Falls is a waterfall that drops 25 feet crashing through a narrow granite gorge. As one of the most accessible waterfalls in the park, the hike begins at the Endo Valley Picnic Area, right off Fall River Road. Park in the picnic area parking lot and the hike to falls from here is 1.4 miles. In the summer, hikers will have the option of driving to Chasm Falls Trailhead via Trail Ridge Road. But before committing to this drive be sure the road is open for the season.
Fern Falls
Difficulty: moderate
Distance: 5.2 miles round trip
Beginning at the Fern Lake Trailhead, Fern Falls is located near the Moraine Park area. The trail follows the Big Thompson River to The Pool. An area of turbulent waters, The Pool is the confluence of the Big Thompson River and Fern Creek where people like to fish and picnic. Just under a mile from The Pool hikers will reach the stunning 60-foot waterfall plunging down Fern Creek. A unique feature to this hike is its historic markers like the Old Forest Inn, adding Fern Lake Trail to the list of National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
Ouzel Falls
Difficulty: moderate
Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
Located at the Wild Basin Trailhead in the southeastern corner of the park, the hike to Ouzel Falls offers hikers other waterfall viewing opportunities along the way. Encounter the Copeland Falls and the Calypso Cascades along the 2.7-mile hike to Ouzel Falls. The impressive 40-foot cascading waterfall crashes into Ouzel Creek is best observed by staying on the trail along the newly built footbridge. Or extend your hike another 2.5 miles to Ouzel Lake for even more breathtaking scenery.
Alberta Falls
Difficulty: moderate
Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
Beginning from Glacier Gorge Trailhead, along Bear Lake Road, hikers will wind through less than a mile of pine and aspen to find themselves at Alberta Falls. A scenic 30-foot waterfall plummets down a small gorge on Glacier Creek. If you are feeling good, you can connect the 2.5-mile trail to Glacier Falls for a longer hike. Because of the popularity of Bear Lake Road, it is advised to take the park shuttle to reach the trailhead during the peak summer season.
Ribbon Falls
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 9.6 miles round trip
A demanding 4.8-mile hike up to Ribbon Falls rewards hikers with views of a slide waterfall that spills over from Black Lake. Extend the hike 0.2 miles to catch a glimpse of Black Lake with another waterfall, Black Lake Falls. Located at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead along Bear Lake Road, this trailhead can get crowded so an alternative would be to take the park shuttle.
Timberline Falls
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 8.1 miles round trip
This more difficult trail rewards hikers with the stunning 100-foot Timberline Falls, while along the way passing Alberta Falls and the beautiful Loch Vale Lake. Additionally, hikers will encounter the Lake of Glass and Sky Pond. If you love waterfalls and lakes this is the hike for you! This hike also begins at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, located on Bear Lake Road.
Stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
There is a lot to explore, just like these waterfall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. So, make it easy to see as much of the park as you can with a stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn. Our accommodations offer comfort with modern rustic décor – all at an affordable price for your Estes Park vacation. Our proximity to the town of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park also makes us a great choice for exploring Colorado and the Rocky Mountains!
