Is swimming allowed at Alberta Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Alberta Falls.

Alberta Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Alberta Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Alberta Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Alberta Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $30.00. A permit is also required. Timed entry reservations are required to access Bear Lake Road during peak season (May through October).

Colorado • Rocky Mountain National Park • 30 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

Moschell CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Christian Collins CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Michael Cahoon CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Moschell CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Frank Kehren CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Alberta Falls

Alberta Falls is a compact, photogenic 30-foot cascade tucked into the montane forests of Rocky Mountain National Park. The falls’ broad, tumbling flow pours over a rocky ledge amid stands of aspen and pine, creating a postcard-worthy scene that draws day-hikers and photographers year-round. Managed by the National Park Service, Alberta Falls is one of the park’s most accessible waterfall highlights and an inviting stop on a shorter outing in the valley.

The Setting

Alberta Falls sits at 9,406 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, in the high alpine of Colorado. The falls drop 30 feet.

Height: 30 feet

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy 1.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail length: 1.6 miles round-trip. Elevation gain: ~200 feet. Difficulty: Easy. Trail type: Out-and-back. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park and maintained by the National Park Service, the route to Alberta Falls follows a well-defined footbed through aspen and pine. The surface is mostly compact dirt with occasional rocky sections and short, gentle pitches; the overall grade is mild and the trail is non-technical, making it suitable for families and casual hikers. Expect a few short rocky approaches near viewpoints of the falls.

What to Expect

The falls drop 30 feet.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Alberta Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $30.00
Permit required
Timed entry reservations are required to access Bear Lake Road during peak season (May through October).

🏊 Is There Swimming at Alberta Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Alberta Falls is in late spring or early summer when snowmelt increases the water flow. Fall is also a beautiful time to visit due to the changing colors of the aspen trees.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Rocky Mountain National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so plan your hike early in the day. Carry plenty of water and be prepared for sudden weather changes.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge GRAND LAKE OUTLET BLW CHIPMUNK LN AT GRAND LK, CO (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early June to mid June, peaking in June.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Estes Park hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 99 feet through Alberta Falls over a long run of ledges. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 30 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 9,442 feet.

The ground changes about 95 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 53 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Alberta Falls near Estes Park, Colorado, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Alberta Falls near Estes Park, Colorado, showing about 99 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 9,442 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 99 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Alberta Falls is accessed via the Glacier Gorge Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trailhead is located off Bear Lake Road, which is about 8 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Additional parking is available at the Bear Lake Trailhead with shuttle service to Glacier Gorge.

Elevation

9,406 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.303524° N, -105.637970° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early in the morning to secure parking and avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be uneven in places. Bring water and sunscreen, especially during summer months.

This trail sits at 9,406 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

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This easy 1.6 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

CAMP DICK

13.6 miles away · 42 sites

Reservable

Overview Camp Dick is the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp that was established in the 1930s. It is located just off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, on the Middle Saint Vrain Creek.Recreation The Middle Saint Vrain Creek is a good fly-fishing stream where anglers cast for rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. Many trails in the vicinity are open to hiking and biking, including Sourdough and Buchanan Pass trails. The Indian Peaks Wilderness boundary is four miles from the west end of the ca

Book on Recreation.gov