Is swimming allowed at Fern Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Fern Falls.

Live Conditions · 50 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Fern Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Fern Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Fern Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Fern 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).

Colorado • Rocky Mountain National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Also For 3 other waterfalls also named Fern Falls, see below

Rocky Mountain National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Christian Collins CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

jbkalla CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Scrubhiker (USCdyer) CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Fern Falls

Fern Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. It is a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

Fern Falls sits at 8,812 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, fed by the Colorado River, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Alberta Falls (30 ft) lies 3.4 miles to the southeast.

Alberta 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 Fern Falls begins at the Fern Lake Trailhead and follows a well-maintained path through dense forests and alongside the Big Thompson River. The trail features gradual elevation gain and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and meadows. Fern Falls is located approximately 3.8 miles from the trailhead.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a moderately challenging hike with rewarding views of the waterfall. The trail is well-marked and passes through scenic landscapes, including aspen groves and pine forests. Fern Falls is a cascading waterfall that is particularly beautiful in the spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Fern 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 Rocky Mountain National Park during peak season (May through October).

🏊 Is There Swimming at Fern Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Fern Falls is in late spring or early summer when the snowmelt creates a strong flow in the waterfall. 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. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so be prepared for sudden rain or snow. Carry bear spray and know how to use it, as black bears are present in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

50 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

75 105 376 596

Based on 73 years of record

4.64 ft

Water depth at gauge

56°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

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 56 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.8 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

8.2 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

7.8

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

1.4 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

68 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.

COLORADO RIVER BELOW BAKER GULCH NR GRAND LAKE, CO

USGS 09010500

10 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 64 sq mi

Altitude: 8,756 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COLORADO RIVER BELOW BAKER GULCH NR GRAND LAKE, CO (16 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

50 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

57 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

51 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

48 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

41 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

38 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

36 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

34 cfs

8/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late July, 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

Location & Access

Getting There

Fern Falls is accessed via the Fern Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trailhead is located near Moraine Park, and visitors must enter the park through one of its main entrances.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Fern Lake Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

8,812 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.347418° N, -105.667760° W

Land Management

Rocky Mountain National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers, as weather in the mountains can change quickly. Be prepared for potential snow or icy conditions if visiting in late fall or early spring.

This trail sits at 8,812 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.

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

CUTTHROAT BAY GROUP

15.3 miles away · 2 sites

Reservable

Overview Cutthroat Bay Group Campground is located on Lake Granby, six miles southeast of Grand Lake in north central Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its great boating, fishing and hiking opportunities.Recreation Lake Granby is part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area. It offers boating, sailing, swimming and fishing. Anglers cast for kokanee salmon and rainbow, brown, mackinaw and cutthroat trout. A boat ramp and dock are located nearby. National Fishing Week is held annually the first

Book on Recreation.gov