Ribbon Falls
Colorado • Rocky Mountain National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Ribbon Falls
Ribbon Falls sits inside Rocky Mountain National Park and is managed by the National Park Service. Tucked into the park’s forested slopes, the falls offer a scenic stop for hikers exploring this protected high-country landscape; the setting is inviting for photographers and day-trippers who appreciate relatively short hikes with rewarding water-feature views. Access to the falls is via established park trails and the route is commonly hiked as an out-and-back day trip. The nearest developed campground listed for the park is Aspenglen Campground, approximately 15.35 km away, so most visitors visit Ribbon Falls as a day outing from other park trailheads or nearby park lodging.
The Setting
Ribbon Falls sits at 10,571 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, in the high alpine of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Length: 2.4 miles round trip. Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. The route is an established National Park Service footpath within Rocky Mountain National Park; specific USFS trail number, official surface classification, grade, and trail class were not provided in the available data. Expect a maintained park trail with moderate uphill sections and typical backcountry footing; hikers should be prepared for uneven terrain and standard day-hike conditions.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ribbon Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ribbon Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Ribbon Falls is in late spring or early summer when the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall is also a great time to visit for cooler temperatures and vibrant 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
The trail has steep drop-offs in some sections, so use caution and stay on the path. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so plan to hike early in the day. Carry plenty of water and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
-370 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Based on 16 years of record
8.56 ft
Water depth at gauge
61°F
WarmVery comfortable
What does this mean for your visit?
Water temperature is a refreshing 61 degrees F, good for a quick swim. Expect crystal clear visibility. PH is alkaline at 9.2 and mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
pH
AlkalineAbove normal range (6.5-8.5)
Water Clarity
Crystal clearExcellent visibility
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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge GRAND LAKE OUTLET BLW CHIPMUNK LN AT GRAND LK, CO (16 km away).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early June to mid June, 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 Allenspark hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
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.
1-meter lidar measures about 238 feet of descent through Ribbon Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 10,619 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 109 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 42 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 10,619 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 238 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Ribbon Falls can be accessed via the Bear Creek Trail, which starts near Highway 550, just south of Ouray. The trailhead is well-marked and located in a scenic area known as the 'Switzerland of America.'
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Bear Creek Trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
10,571 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.266967° N, -105.640178° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trail can be steep and exposed in some areas. Start early to avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the summer.
This trail sits at 10,571 ft — roughly 30% less oxygen than sea level
Extreme AltitudeAt 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.
Where to Stay
Riversong Inn Retreat
Boulder Brook on Fall River
Murphy's River Lodge
Taharaa Mountain Lodge
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
Rocky Mountain National Park Aspenglen Campground
9.5 miles away · 55 sites
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
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the town of Ouray, known for its hot springs and charming downtown, as well as the Million Dollar Highway and Box Canyon Falls.
Wildlife
Hikers may encounter wildlife such as deer, marmots, and various bird species. Be cautious of bears and mountain lions, which are present in the area.
Cities near Ribbon Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Ribbon Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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