Lost Falls
Colorado • Rocky Mountain National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
14.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
1,900 ft
About Lost Falls
Lost Falls is on the North Fork of the Big Thompson River in the northeast corner of Rocky Mountain National Park, below Lost Lake. It is reached from the Dunraven Trailhead near Glen Haven on the North Fork Trail, which crosses the Forest Service's Comanche Peak Wilderness before entering the park. The falls lies about 7 miles in, between the park's Happily Lost (6.2 mi) and Sugarloaf (8.1 mi) wilderness campsites, so plan a long day hike or an overnight trip.
The Setting
Lost Falls sits at 9,885 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, in the high alpine of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard 14.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 1,900 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
From the Dunraven Trailhead (7,960 feet), follow the North Fork Trail upstream through Comanche Peak Wilderness and into the national park toward Lost Lake. The falls is roughly 7 miles one way at about 9,900 feet, a climb of around 1,900 feet. Overnight stays in the park require a wilderness camping permit.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a moderately challenging hike through a forested area, leading to a picturesque waterfall. The trail may have uneven terrain and some rocky sections. Wildlife sightings are possible, and the area is generally quiet and peaceful.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lost Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Dogs may use the Forest Service section of the trail but not past the Rocky Mountain National Park boundary, where pets are banned from all trails.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lost Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Lost Falls is during late spring or early summer when water flow is typically at its peak. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
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
Hikers should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and be prepared for sudden weather changes. Carry a first aid kit and let someone know your hiking plans.
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 Lost Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Lost Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 34°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- no gauge
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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 259 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 9,884 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 102 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 149 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 9,884 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 259 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From downtown Estes Park, take MacGregor Avenue and Devils Gulch Road about 7.5 miles to the Glen Haven Post Office. Continue about 1.7 miles on Devils Gulch Road, turn left onto Dunraven Glade Road, and follow it 2.2 miles to the Dunraven Trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Dunraven Trailhead. Do not drive onto the private property just past the trailhead.
Elevation
9,885 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.503618° N, -105.566399° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the area can experience sudden temperature drops or rain.
This trail sits at 9,885 ft — the air is noticeably thinner
High AltitudeSome 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.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This challenging 14.0 miles trail gains 1,900 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. 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.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
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.
Where to Stay
Riversong Inn Retreat
Boulder Brook on Fall River
Murphy's River Lodge
Creekside Suites 12 by Estes Park Condos
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Tom Bennett Campground
5 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.
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Nearby Attractions
Lost Lake at the head of the valley, the Comanche Peak Wilderness, and the village of Glen Haven.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of potential encounters with bears or mountain lions.
Cities near Lost Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Lost Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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