Bridal Veil Falls Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park
Atwenty foot waterfall hidden away in the northern reaches of Rocky Mountain National Park, Bridal Veil Falls makes for a great destination hike. Keep your eyes out for Elk in the meadows along this hiking trail in Colorado's favorite National Park. Get the hike information you need with our hiking snapshot for Bridal Veil Falls, and get more details by exploring the details and tips below.
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: Bridal Veil Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park
| Hike Distance | 6.6 miles Round Trip |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Duration | Approx 4 hr Round Trip |
| Trail Type | Out and Back |
| Seasons | Year Round |
| Dogs | Not Allowed in Park |
| RMNP Map Link | Click Here |
| Denver Drive Time | 1 hr 45 min |
| Directions | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Estes Park, Colorado |
| Beauty | Waterfall, Meadows, Forest, Creek, Wildlife: Elk, Deer, Birds |
| Activities | Horseback Riding, Hiking Trails |
| Fee | Park Pass Required |
Bridal Veil Falls is a gem tucked away in the northern reaches of Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike is about 1hr 45 minutes from the Denver area and features expansive meadows, wildflowers, forest, and a little bit of a rock scramble. Bridal Veil Falls launches from a rock slab at a diagonal, making it a beautiful site. Most visitors to the National Park go to the center of the park, so you may find yourself alone on the trail on a weekday. I wouldn't expect that on the weekend though.
Like most areas in the park, the wildlife is abundant. We often joke, calling it the zoo. Elk and deer, as well as eagles and other raptors can be seen along Cow Creek trail. The trail to Bridal Veil Falls begins at the Cow Creek Trailhead. You'll pass through meadows and see the cascades along Cow Creek. Eventually, you'll hike up in the forest, getting a bit of a break from the sun. Before the waterfall, you'll encounter some rocks to hike and scramble over, making this a more moderate hike.
Thanks to Catherine Kunst for the photos on this profile. You can read Catherine's trip report at her site here. and to John Kalla for his photo of the falls at the top of this post.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Bridal Veil Falls:
- A Great View: Cross the stream then work your way up the area just left of the falls to the stream above. It's beautiful above the falls, just take care not to turn it into a rock climb. Remember that Water + Rock = Slippery.
- Parking is a Limited: It's just a small area along the road near the ranch. You'll need to parallel park. Also, get their early for a space.
- Not Much Shade: Bring the sunscreen. You'll be in the sun a lot along Cow Creek Trail.
- RMNP Park Map: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: After the Hike: Poppy's Pizza
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Alberta Falls Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park
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.
| 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.
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Bear Lake Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park
From Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park (just 2 hours from Denver), you can launch out on dozens of hiking adventures, trails that range from less than a mile to full day treks back into Glacier Gorge or Andrews Creek. If you are visiting Colorado and looking for a high variety of trails or just a good place to start your vacation, this is one of the best places in the state. For details on the trail, see the hiking trail profile below, and download the trail map to get an idea of the different hikes that begin at Bear Lake.
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: Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
| Hike Distance | 0.6 mile loop |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | Approx 30 min |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Starting Elevation | 9475′ |
| Elevation Gain | +20′ |
| Seasons | Year Round |
| Dogs | Dogs Prohibited in RMNP |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map |
| Denver Drive Time | 2 hours |
| Driving Directions to Bear Lake Trailhead | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Estes Park, Colorado |
| Beauty | Sub-Alpine Lake, Mountain Views, Wildlife: Abert's Squirrel, Elk, Bear |
| Activities | Picnicking, Snowshoeing, Hiking Trails |
| Conditions at Bear Lake Trailhead | Click Here |
| Fee | Park Pass Required |
Bear lake is the epicenter of Rocky Mountain National Park. This means that you can access a ton of trails from here, but it also means a lot of traffic. So, we always recommend getting there early, on weekdays, and to go during the off-season - if you can. The Bear Lake Trail is a short 0.6 mile loop around a beautiful lake with views of the Rocky Mountains. The hike is considered handicap accessible; however, the trail is not paved.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Bear Lake In Rocky Mountain National Park :
- For Disabled Visitors: Check out the Disabled Travelers' Companion Website for great info and pictures on more accessible trails in RMNP
- Check out: See our Handicap Accessible Hikes Page for more hikes as well
- Visiting Family & Friends: This 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 Rocky Mountain National Park: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- Photo Courtesy of Ben Grey.
- After the Hike: Poppy's Pizza
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Emerald Lake Hike Rocky Mountain National Park
Emerald Lake is one of the most accessible hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are visiting RMNP, and have limited time to visit, the trail to Emerald Lake is an excellent option. You'll pass both Dream Lake and Nymph lake before you end your hike at Emerald Lake and it's stunning views of Hallet Peak. For more information on this hike, explore the trail profile which includes trail map, driving directions, and helpful tips and resources to enjoy this Colorado hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.
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:Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
| Hike Distance | 3.6 Miles Round Trip |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Duration | Approx 2-3hr Round Trip |
| Trail Type | Out and Back |
| Elevation Gain | Approx. +605' |
| Seasons | All Year |
| Dogs | Not Allowed in RMNP |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Trail Map |
| Denver Drive Time | 1 hr 45 min |
| Directions | Click for Google Map |
| Town Nearest Hike | Estes Park, Colorado |
| Beauty | Lakes, Cascade Waterfalls, Wildlife: Abert's Squirrel, Birds, Bears, Elk |
| Activities | Hiking, Snowshoeing, Fishing |
| Fee | Park Pass Required |
A Colorado Hike with a lot of bang for the buck. What we mean is that there is a lot to see on this 1.8 miles stretch of trail. Starting at Bear Lake, you'll take in a total of four Colorado lakes, and pass a small waterfall near the top of the trail. If you are looking for a handicap accessible hike, the trail around Bear Lake Loop hike may be the most beautiful, handicap accessible trail in Colorado. In the winter, the hike up to Emerald makes for a perfect snowshoe hike.
At Nymph Lake on the way up to Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake Trail Directions & Trailhead Information
The trail to Emerald Lake begins at the Bear Lake Trailhead (driving directions). In the event that parking at Bear Lake is full, you'll then need to park at the Park & Ride near the Bierstadt Trailhead and take the bus into the trailhead. This service runs 7am to 7PM and more information on the RMNP shuttle bus routes can be found at this link. The trail to Emerald Lake is located on your way to Bear Lake, off to the left, just before reaching the shore viewing area of Bear Lake.
For conditions at Emerald Lake, see the Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Conditions page.
List and Links of Destinations From Bear Lake to Emerald Lake
Tips & Resources for Hiking to Emerald Lake :
- Get to the Bear Lake trailhead early: We say this for almost every hike near Denver, but the Bear Lake Parking area is probably the busiest in the park. If you can't get there early, just take the shuttle from the lower parking area.
- The Wildlife: We have seen a beautiful black bear in this area on one occasion. It just saw us and ambled away. As with any hike where there are a lot of wildlife, keep small children within sight at all times. On your way out, be sure to stop around Moraine Park and watch the Elk.
- Snowshoeing to Emerald Lake In the winter, this is a Colorado wonderland and a very accessible trail to snowshoe. You can rent snowshoes for a great price at The Colorado Mountain Shop in Estes Park.
- PhotoS: We would like to express our gratitude to Tim Lumley and Daniel for sharing their photos of Emerald Lake in RMNP.
- Trail Map for Bear Lake Corridor: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Kind Coffee
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