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Alberta Falls

4.9 (16 reviews)

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Rocky Mountain National Park is just about epic peaks?  Alberta Falls proves otherwise. Rees's Roots
Rees's R.

Alberta Falls is one of those places that proves you don't have to hike all day to see something spectacular in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail to the falls is just under two miles round trip, making it super manageable for families, casual hikers, or anyone who wants a quick taste of Colorado's wild beauty without committing to a strenuous climb. The payoff is incredible for such a short hike. Alberta Falls plunges about 30 feet over rugged rock, creating a rushing cascade that's especially dramatic in spring and early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak. The sound of the water crashing down echoes through the pines, and there are plenty of spots nearby to sit, relax, and just soak it all in. In autumn, golden aspens light up the trail, giving it a whole different kind of magic. What I love most is that it's accessible yet still feels like a real Rocky Mountain adventure. You'll pass through shady forests, hear the roar of the falls before you see them, and feel like you've discovered a little pocket of wilderness. It's family-friendly, photo-worthy, and one of the park's must-see gems. Don't miss it! https://linktr.ee/reessroots

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Nikki D.

The wheel of fun sent me here... Filmed a YouTube video and ended the day at Alberta Falls and it was STUNNING -- but we got totally lost on the way back because my friend left the map in the car..) And that's how we found a "elk-moose" The hike is beautiful and not too hard even after being lost for an additional few miles, that being said -- the trail signage could be better. So definitely bring a friend if you are not a professional! We ended up in the wrong lot and had to hitchhike back to our car with a stranger (iconic). Definitely bring a real map and don't rely on cell service, because there is none. 4.8 stars -- even with the detour only because it's a "touristy" area.

Alberta falls
Emilee R.

This was honestly the coolest thing ever!!!! It was BEAUTIFUL!! I recommend everyone visit here at least once!

Fall colors
Boon C.

Great trail with mid level challenge. The trail is 1.6 miles round trip with elevation 226 feet elevation gain. It is up hill climb to the fall. It located at Glacier Gorge trail head. You also can go from Bear Lake trailhead but have to spend additional 0.3 miles. The trail is beautiful at end of September because of fall colors. The entire trail take us less than 1 hours. Along the way, we walk beside the creek and pass through the river bridge. Trail is easy to follow. Marker is clear. The falls is located at elevation 9411 feet. So the entire course is a bit challenge for me that who use to 10 feet sea level.

Ashlyn R.

The trail is very shady for most part which is nice. The falls are beautiful and worth the hike. We loved seeing all the Burch trees.

Alberta Falls
Jacqueline T.

This beautiful waterfall is easily access from the Glacier Gorge parking area or the Bear Lake parking area. Both lots fill up easily, so there's a shuttle that will drop you off at either. Masks are required, but don't expect people to keep them on. It's slightly shorter to hike from Glacier Gorge. I want to say the falls is about a 2 mile round trip hike from there. It's a pretty easy hike too. We went down toward the river a bit to get a better view of the falls. You can also climb up on the big rocks near the top of the falls. I would highly recommend continuing past the falls though. For just a 5.5 mile round trip hike, you can go to Loch Vale/The Loch. This lake is gorgeous and the hike is moderate. We continued all the way to Sky Pond which was 9.5 miles and strenuous. The views are unbelievable and completely worth it. Timberline Falls and Lake of Glass are also on the way to Sky Pond. Whatever kind of hike you're looking for, you can find Alberta Falls on your path!

Alisa J.

Really beautiful hike and easy 1 mile from the bear lake trailhead. Highly recommend and it's on the way to a bunch of other lakes and falls as well. Make sure to reserve on the system ahead of time to get into the park.

Joey V.

Did several hikes this week but the hike to Alberta Falls was my favorite one. Started off at the Glacier Gorge trail head. The hike is mostly up hill and slightly challenging with the thin air and high elevation. Along the way there are plenty of photo opportunities as the trail is very scenic. The entire route from Glacier Gorge to Alberta Falls is no more than two miles round trip. It's probably the easiest and most scenic trail in the area.

Raymond J.

A absolutely great place by itself and certainly a great to to stop on your way the Mill Lake or one of the other fantastic hikes in the area. From Bear Lake it's about 1.1 miles and the first half is down hill. Listed as moderate, it's pretty easy for those that can get around ok. Beautiful Aspen along the trail, although the road is near by its so peaceful and beautiful leading up to the falls. Once you're up there, well it's a different kind of peacefulness with the roaring water it's awesome and powerful and truly incredible beauty

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Review Highlights - Alberta Falls

This beautiful waterfall is easily access from the Glacier Gorge parking area or the Bear Lake parking area.

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Rocky Mountain National Park - Bear Lake

Rocky Mountain National Park

(815 reviews)

This place is absolutely stunning!! You have to go if you are in the Colorado area!!…read more We got in around noon and went to Bear lake and Alberta falls! Both were incredible. We also drove around a bit and it was just dream like! There are sooo many elk! Drive slow and watch for wild life!! Hiking can be difficult even on the well maintained paths. Make sure you wear solid footwear! Take lots of pictures and know your cell phone service may not work inside the park. Always remember to carry out what you carry in! That includes things like banana peels and orange rinds! Don't leave anything behind! Enjoy this absolutely gorgeous national park!!

The views are spectacular from every angle throughout the park!…read more Rocky Mountain National Park was established on January 26, 1915 and was dedicated on Sept. 4, 1915. We had already planned to come here on Oct. 1, 2025 which coincided with the first day of the Federal Government Shutdown. We arrived before anyone was at the Entrance Station to take entrance fees & reservations. We later exited & reentered the park and there was a guy at the entrance booth. He didn't seem to know what was going on and the fees/reservations were not collected. I had gone online to recreation.gov and made a reservation for a timed entry to the park. There was a $2 fee. There are 2 reservation options: Timed Entry with or without Bear Lake Road Reservation. First wildlife we saw were the Mule Deer. During our visit here, we heard Elk bugling, saw Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, chipmunks, & birds. Trail Ridge Road is a major road which is also part of US Highway 34. It takes you up to the Alpine Tundra and is the highest continuous paved road in North America. Some of the stops are: Fairview Curve, Medicine Bow Curve, Lava Cliffs, Rock Cut, Forest Canyon, & Many Parks Curve. With the different elevations in the park, the terrain also changes! I was amazed with how the landscape was so vast & stunning from the grassy meadows to the Alpine Tundra! Trail of Aspens - there's a plaque with information about it at Hollowell Park. Look in the distance above the sign and you'll see them. Going in the Autumn time, it was so easy to see them as they were changing colors! Sprague Lake - saw lots of Trout in the shallow water before reaching the lake itself. Took the Trail Ridge Road up to the Alpine Tundra area where the Alpine Visitor Center is. This visitor center is the highest one in the National Park System at 11,796 feet. It was closed, but the Trail Ridge Store with a coffee stand next door was open. The elevation here can bring on altitude sickness. The elevation reaches over 12,000ft. Everyone should be careful and drink plenty of water. We live at Sea Level in Los Angeles and acclimating to the elevation helped somewhat. We still had a bit of trouble catching our breath. Coming back down, we stopped by the Sheep Lakes Information Station. I think we were too early to see the sheep. We didn't see any Bighorn Sheep there. Alluvial Fan - Pretty cool area! There was a Lawn Lake flood on July 15, 1982. An alluvial fan is basically a fan-shaped deposit of sediment. There's a bridge across Roaring River near the base of the Alluvial Fan. You can walk up a little bit for a view of the water falling or a selfie with the river in the background. We spent about 8 hours in the park. Most of it was driving and taking in the sights. No hiking for us, but we did get out and do some of the short walks out to see things. Our last stop was at the Fall River Visitor Center. It is located just outside of the park. Lucky for us that this is run in a partnership with the NPS & by the Rocky Mountain Conservatory and was open! We were able to see the exhibits and use the park stamp for my parks passport book. Next door is a store that we also visited and took advantage of their restroom before heading into the town for dinner. I hope to make it back again! Seeing the wildlife and the tundra area were highlights.

Alberta Falls - hiking - Updated May 2026

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