Are there fees or permits required for Thunder Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Thunder Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Thunder Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Thunder Falls.

Live Conditions · -394 ft³/s

Thunder Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Thunder Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Thunder Falls.

Colorado • Rocky Mountain National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 2 other waterfalls also named Thunder Falls, see below

Rocky Mountain National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Zane Selvans CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Christian Collins CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Scrubhiker (USCdyer) CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Grand Canyon NPS CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Jesse Varner CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Thunder Falls

Thunder Falls is a picturesque cascade tucked inside Rocky Mountain National Park and managed by the National Park Service. Its compact drop and surrounding forest make it a rewarding destination for day hikers and photographers looking for a scenic, park-based waterfall without a long backcountry commitment. The most common approach is an out-and-back route of about 2.0 miles with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate—enough to feel like a true hike but accessible for many parties with basic trail experience. Because the falls lie within Rocky Mountain National Park, the National Park Service maintains access and signage; expect the usual park regulations and seasonal trail variations when planning your visit.

The Setting

Thunder Falls sits at 10,892 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Out-and-back trail totaling approximately 2.0 miles with about 300 feet of elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. The route is entirely within Rocky Mountain National Park (managed by the NPS). Specific USFS trail number, surface type, grade, and technical class are not provided in the available park data.

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 Thunder Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Thunder Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Thunder Falls is during spring and early summer when the water flow is strongest. Fall also offers beautiful foliage, enhancing the experience.

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 may be slippery after rain or during snowmelt. Watch for loose rocks and uneven surfaces. Carry a first aid kit and let someone know your hiking plans.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 43 minutes ago

-394 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Based on 16 years of record

8.58 ft

Water depth at gauge

60°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

What does this mean for your visit?

Water temperature is a bracing 60 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility. PH is alkaline at 9.2 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

9.2

Alkaline

Above normal range (6.5-8.5)

0.9 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

74 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

10.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 76 sq mi

Altitude: 8,365 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge GRAND LAKE OUTLET BLW CHIPMUNK LN AT GRAND LK, CO (16 km away).

Moderate confidence

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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 199 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 10,858 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 163 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 118 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Thunder Falls near Allenspark, Colorado, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Thunder Falls near Allenspark, Colorado, showing about 199 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 10,858 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 199 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Thunder Falls is located near the town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Access typically involves driving to a nearby trailhead, followed by a hike to the waterfall.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

10,892 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.227485° N, -105.639726° W

Land Management

Rocky Mountain National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. The trail may be slippery in wet conditions, so exercise caution. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking.

This trail sits at 10,892 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.

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.

Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

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

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.0 miles and 300 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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

CAMP DICK

9.3 miles away · 42 sites

Reservable

Overview Camp Dick is the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp that was established in the 1930s. It is located just off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, on the Middle Saint Vrain Creek.Recreation The Middle Saint Vrain Creek is a good fly-fishing stream where anglers cast for rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. Many trails in the vicinity are open to hiking and biking, including Sourdough and Buchanan Pass trails. The Indian Peaks Wilderness boundary is four miles from the west end of the ca

Book on Recreation.gov