Is swimming allowed at Alberta Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Alberta Falls.

Live Conditions · -357 ft³/s

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 Mar 2026

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.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago

-357 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Based on 15 years of record

8.53 ft

Water depth at gauge

52°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

What does this mean for your visit?

Water temperature is a bracing 52 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility. PH is normal at 8.2 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

8.2

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

2.0 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

67 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

GRAND LAKE OUTLET BLW CHIPMUNK LN AT GRAND LK, CO

USGS 09014050

10.8 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 76 sq mi

Altitude: 8,365 ft

Weather Forecast

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

9406 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