Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is full of waterfalls and this hike takes you to one of the most accessible waterfalls in the park. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular, short destination hikes in the park, and for good reason. If you only have time for one short hike on the East Side of RMNP, this is a great choice. To get to Alberta Falls, park at the Bear Lake Trailhead (see google directions below), then follow the signs south for Glacier Gorge and Alberta Falls. The waterfall is .8 miles down the trail from the parking area, make this a 1.6 mile out-and-back hike. Start early and hike the full 2.8 miles of trail in to stunning Mills lake inside Glacier Gorge.
Note: Rocky Mountain National Park now requires timed entry permits from May 27th through October 10th. See the RMNP permits page for more information.
Trail Snapshot: Alberta Falls
Hike Distance | 1.6 miles Round Trip |
---|---|
Difficulty | Medium |
Duration | Approx 1 hr |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Seasons | Spring thru Fall |
Dogs | Prohibited in the Park |
Hike Trail Map | Click Here for a Trail Map |
Denver Drive Time | 2 hrs |
Driving Directions to Alberta Falls, Colorado | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Estes Park, Colorado |
Beauty | Sub-Alpine Lake, Mountain Views, Wildlife: Abert’s Squirrel, Elk, Bear |
Activities | Picnicking, Hiking Trails, Snowshoeing |
Fee | Park Pass Required |
Tips & Resources for Hiking to Alberta Falls
- Visitors and Vacationers: Alberta Falls is a great place to take visiting family and friends because it’s not too difficult, and you have a lot of options if you want to explore the park
- Bring a Lunch: Getting this far into the park, even just driving, is quite a trip from the outside world. We suggest packing a lunch so that you can stay longer. And food just tastes better outside anyway.
- Trail Map for Bear Lake Corridor: Trail Map
- Rocky Mountain National Park Maps: Maps Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Poppy’s Pizza
Looking for more waterfalls near Denver? Explore our more than 50 Colorado Waterfall Hikes, our favorite Waterfall Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, or 7 Waterfalls within One Hour of Denver.
Weather
Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions
Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. The owner and editor of Dayhikes Near Denver, Aaron writes every trail profile as a local guide who has hiked hundreds of miles of trails along the Front Range and deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Does anyone know if this hike can be done in winter? Late Feb? Are ground conditions ok? Ever any water flowing?
Carrie, much depends on the weather. Having been up to the falls during different seasons, it has always been flowing. However, your best bet is to check the trail conditions at RMNP via this link: http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_conditions.htm
or contact the visitor line at 970-586-1206
Aaron,
Thank you for your reply to Carrie. The link for trail conditions was exactly what I needed. I appreciate the information.
Laura
Do u have to pay?!
Yes. There is an access fee for Rocky Mountain National Park.
Does anyone know if dogs are allowed?
Dogs are not allowed on the trails in the park.
is this doable with small kids? 4&2 yo?