Is swimming allowed at Columbine Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Columbine Falls.

Live Conditions · -106 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Columbine Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Columbine Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Columbine Falls.

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

Yes, there is a fee of $30.00. A permit is also required. A timed entry reservation is required to access Bear Lake Road during peak season (May through October). Additionally, a park entrance fee or valid pass is required.

Colorado • Rocky Mountain National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Rocky Mountain National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

bigvern CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

notanyron CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

tab2space CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Sasha Vasko CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Kwong Yee Cheng CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Columbine Falls

Columbine Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. It is known for its cascading waters and scenic alpine surroundings, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

Columbine Falls sits at 11,486 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Ouzel Falls (40 ft) lies 4.3 miles to the south.

Ouzel Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Columbine Falls begins at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and passes through stunning alpine scenery, including forests, meadows, and views of surrounding peaks. The trail is steep and rocky in sections, with significant elevation gain. The falls are located near Black Lake, which is a popular destination along the same trail.

What to Expect

Expect a challenging hike with rewarding views of the falls and surrounding alpine landscapes. The trail may be snow-covered or icy in early spring and late fall, so proper gear is recommended.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Columbine Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $30.00
Permit required
A timed entry reservation is required to access Bear Lake Road during peak season (May through October). Additionally, a park entrance fee or valid pass is required.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Columbine Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Columbine Falls is late spring through early fall, when the trail is typically free of snow and the waterfall is flowing strongly from snowmelt.

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 prepared for rapidly changing weather, including thunderstorms and sudden temperature drops. Carry the 10 essentials for hiking and be cautious on rocky or icy sections of the trail.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

-106 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 15 years of record

8.55 ft

Water depth at gauge

58°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a bracing 58 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility. PH is alkaline at 8.6 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

8.6

Alkaline

Above normal range (6.5-8.5)

1.5 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

71 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

12.2 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 76 sq mi

Altitude: 8,365 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Columbine Falls is accessed via the Glacier Gorge Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trailhead is located off Bear Lake Road, which requires a timed entry reservation during peak seasons (May through October).

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, but it fills up quickly, especially during summer. Arrive early or use the park's shuttle system.

Elevation

11486 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.260818° N, -105.599169° W

Land Management

Rocky Mountain National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to secure parking and avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in summer. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers, as weather can change quickly in the mountains.

This trail sits at 11,486 ft — roughly 30% less oxygen than sea level

Extreme Altitude

At this elevation, altitude sickness is a real concern. Monitor how you feel, take frequent rest breaks, and descend if symptoms worsen. Visitors arriving from lower elevations should allow time to acclimatize.

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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.

Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Monitor blood oxygen in real time — SpO2 commonly drops to 85–90% above 10,000 ft.

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With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

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

Rocky Mountain National Park Aspenglen Campground

9.6 miles away · 55 sites

Reservable

Overview Aspenglen Campground is located on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park near the Fall River Entrance. All campsites in Aspenglen Campground are available by reservation only and can be reserved via Recreation.gov. Use U.S. Highway 34 and the Fall River Entrance to access Aspenglen Campground. When making your campsite reservation, be aware that:Any sites that are open are listed as "A" for available; this means those campsites are available to be reserved.Any campsite listed as

Book on Recreation.gov