The hike to Lost Falls is a demanding 15.6 mile trek into into a lesser traveled, northern reaches of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail follows the North Fork of the Big Thompson River through stands of lodgepole, the pinch of a rugged canyon, and past aspen laden meadows before reaching this hidden waterfall. Explore the full Lost Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more tips and details to help you enjoy this adventure 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: Lost Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park
Hike Distance | 15.6 miles Round Trip |
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Difficulty | Difficult |
Duration | Approx 7+ hr Round Trip |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Starting Elevation | 7800′ |
Elevation Gain | Approx. +2250′ |
Seasons | Late Spring through Early Fall |
Dogs | Prohibited in RMNP |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Lost Falls RMNP |
Trails Illustrated Map | Recommended Topo Map Noting Location of Lost Falls |
Denver Drive Time | 1 hr 40 min |
Driving Directions to Dunraven Trailhead | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Estes Park, Colorado |
Beauty | Waterfall, aspen, mountain views, wildlife: Abert’s squirrel, elk, deer, moose, bear; wildflowers |
Activities | Picnicking, hiking trails, snowshoeing, horseback riding, backcountry camping (with a permit), photography |
Fee | Park Pass Required |
Parking & Trailhead Information for Lost Falls
The Dunraven Trailhead is located in the northeast corner of Rocky Mountain National Park, just outside the town of Glen Haven. From Estes Park, drive north on MacGregor Avenue. The road eventually turns into Devils Gulch Road. The next road is Dunraven Glade, and will be on the left 1.7 miles past the small hamlet of Glen Haven. Follow Dunraven Glade Road for 2.2 miles to the Dunraven Trailhead.
The Hike: Lost Falls Trail in RMNP
This scenic hike to Lost Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park is a demanding 15.6 mile round-trip hike with over 2000′ of elevation gain. Because the waterfall is located off the main trail and in a dense tangle of undergrowth and deadfall, hikes should possess a sufficient level of land navigation skills (map reading and proficiency with a compass and/or GPS unit) to negotiate the terrain. It is also advisable to have a Trails Illustrated map of RMNP or a USGS Pingree Park Quadrangle map of the area.
The Dunraven/North Fork Trail heads west out of the trailhead following the North Fork of the Big Thompson River through a segment of the Comanche Peak Wilderness. For a quarter mile, the trail will cross the private property of a summer camp (please be mindful to stay the trail). At 4.6 miles, the Dunraven Trail will cross the wilderness boundary and into Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail will continue to cross the river via several footbridges before arriving at the intersection with the North Boundary Trail at 5.5 miles. Here, hikers will stay on the Dunraven trail as it winds its way west, following the North Fork of the Big Thompson River up the valley. The established campsites are in this stretch. Several years back, I hiked in and stayed the weekend at Happily Lost, which has become one of my favorite sites in the park. While still near the trail, it’s proximity to the Big Thompson gives you the sounds of water and access to some great fishing for brook trout in its pools.
Tips & Resources for Hiking to Lost Falls in RMNP
- Great Fishing: After the Spring melt, the North Fork of the Big Thompson River offers some great fishing for brook trout. We recommend terrestrials and small elk hair caddis flies.
- Bring plenty of food and water: It’s a long and demanding hikes, so be sure to carry plenty of water and food to fuel your hike. Better yet, reserve one of the campsites and enjoy exploring the area around Lost Lake.
- Trail Map for Lost Falls in RMNP: Trail Map Link. See marker near the intersection with the North Boundary Trail
- Trails Illustrated Map: Recommended Topo Map Noting Location of Lost Falls
- Packing List: Always pack the 10 Essentials. Download our Hiking Guide to get list and dayhiking packing checklist.
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Notchtop Bakery & Cafe
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.