Is swimming allowed at Chasm Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Chasm Falls.

Nearby gauge (Michigan River) · 0 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Chasm Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Chasm Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Chasm Falls. Pets aren't allowed on any trail, tundra or meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park; leashed pets may stay on roads, parking areas, campgrounds and picnic areas.

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

Yes, there is a fee of $30.00. A permit is also required. A timed entry reservation is required to access Rocky Mountain National Park during peak season (May through October). Additionally, a park entrance fee is required.

Colorado • Rocky Mountain National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Rocky Mountain National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

daveynin CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Simon Foot CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Peter Ciro Photography CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Chasm Falls

Chasm Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. It cascades down a rocky gorge along the Fall River, offering stunning views and a serene atmosphere. The waterfall is a popular stop for visitors exploring the Old Fall River Road.

The Setting

Chasm Falls sits at 9,055 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Trail & Hike Details

0.6 mi distance 100 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Chasm Falls is a short and easy hike from the parking area. It follows a well-maintained path with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for most visitors. The trail provides beautiful views of the surrounding forest and leads directly to a viewing area for the falls.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a short, scenic hike to a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush forest. The falls are especially impressive in the spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak. The area is peaceful and offers great opportunities for photography.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Chasm Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on any trail, tundra or meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park; leashed pets may stay on roads, parking areas, campgrounds and picnic areas.

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $30.00
Permit required
A timed entry reservation is required to access Rocky Mountain National Park during peak season (May through October). Additionally, a park entrance fee is required.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Chasm Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Chasm Falls is in the late spring or early summer when the snowmelt increases the water flow. Fall is also a great time to visit for colorful foliage.

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. Stay on designated trails and viewing areas to avoid accidents. Weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so be prepared for sudden storms or temperature drops.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Michigan River, 11.5 miles away, not on Chasm Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

0 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0 1 1 1

Based on 53 years of record

2.13 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

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

MICHIGAN RIVER NEAR CAMERON PASS, CO

USGS 06614800

11.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 2 sq mi

Altitude: 10,377 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MICHIGAN RIVER NEAR CAMERON PASS, CO (18 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

0 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid May to mid August, 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.

Is Chasm Falls Frozen?

Updated about 7 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Chasm Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 53°F to 29°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 0 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Colorado.

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.

The ground through the falls loses about 175 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 9,068 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 120 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 75 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Chasm Falls near Estes Park, Colorado, showing about 175 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 9,068 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 175 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Chasm Falls is located along the Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. The road is a one-way, unpaved route that is typically open from late June to early October, depending on weather conditions. Visitors can access the falls by driving along this scenic road.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead for Chasm Falls along Old Fall River Road. Parking may be limited during peak times.

Elevation

9,055 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.416761° N, -105.672617° W

Land Management

Rocky Mountain National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early in the day to secure parking, especially during the summer months. Be prepared for cooler temperatures, as the area is at a higher elevation. Check the status of Old Fall River Road before visiting, as it may be closed due to weather conditions.

This trail sits at 9,055 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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

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

Tom Bennett Campground

11.9 miles away · 0 sites

Located near Pingree Park, this campground is situated adjacent to the South Fork Cache la Poudre River in a lodgepole pine forest setting. This campground provides a primitive camping experience in a remote location. There are ten sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. This is an older facility and will not accommodate larger RVs. Popular activities include hiking and stream fishing.

Book on Recreation.gov