Timberline Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
8.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Timberline Falls
Timberline Falls is a compact, scenic cascade tucked into Roosevelt National Forest in northern Colorado and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls are reached via the USFS Beaver Creek Trail (Trail #911), which threads through mixed conifer and alpine meadows to a rewarding water feature framed by spruce and aspen. For campers, the historic Camp Dick campground sits about 3.57 km (roughly 2.2 miles) from the falls, making this a convenient day-hike-and-camp option for visitors seeking an overnight stay under the pines. The hike to Timberline Falls is a moderate out-and-back that offers a steady, scenic climb rather than technical mountaineering. Expect native tread, steadily sloped sections, and big-picture views of forested ridgelines — a peaceful, accessible waterfall destination managed by the USFS and well-suited to hikers looking for a relatively short but rewarding alpine outing.
The Setting
Timberline Falls sits at 9,219 feet within Roosevelt National Forest, fed by the Meadow Creek, in the high alpine of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard hike follows Beaver Creek (#911), a 8.1-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
BEAVER CREEK #911
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.02 miTrail Description
Beaver Creek Trail (USFS Trail #911) is an out-and-back of approximately 2.4 miles round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The tread is native material throughout and USFS mapping records a short 0.02 GIS-mile mapped segment in the immediate falls area. Typical grade on the trail ranges from +12–20%, and the route is classified as Class 2 — primarily hiking on defined tread with occasional simple off-trail moves rather than technical climbing. The trail is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within Roosevelt National Forest; the nearest developed camping is Camp Dick, approximately 3.57 km away.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect breathtaking views of alpine scenery, cascading waterfalls, and the surrounding peaks. The final approach to Timberline Falls involves a rocky scramble, so proper footwear and caution are advised.
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 Timberline Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $30.00
Permit required
A timed entry permit is required to access Rocky Mountain National Park during peak season (May through October).
🏊 Is There Swimming at Timberline Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Timberline Falls is during the summer and early fall when the trail is free of snow and the weather is more predictable. Spring can also be beautiful, but snow may still cover parts of the trail.
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 Roosevelt National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail can be steep and rocky, especially near the falls. Be cautious of loose rocks and slippery surfaces. Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for sudden storms or temperature drops. Altitude sickness may be a concern for some visitors.
Current Water Conditions
0 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
0.13 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
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 MEADOW CREEK BLW MEADOW CREEK RES NR TABERNASH, CO (19 km away).
Today
Moderate
0 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
0 cfs
4/10Mon
Moderate
1 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
1 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
0 cfs
5/10Thu
Moderate
0 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
0 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid August to early October, peaking in September.
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 Hidden Lake 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 shows the creek losing roughly 80 feet through Timberline Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 9,223 feet.
The ground changes about 154 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 28 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast 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
- 9,223 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 79 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- 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 northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Timberline Falls is accessed via the Glacier Gorge Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trailhead is located off Bear Lake Road, which is accessible from Estes Park, Colorado.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Arrive early or use the park's shuttle system.
Elevation
9,219 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.135541° N, -105.559723° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough time to complete the hike. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers, as weather can change quickly in the mountains. Trekking poles may be helpful for the steeper sections.
This trail sits at 9,219 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.
Where to Stay
Riversong Inn Retreat
Taharaa Mountain Lodge
Rocky Mountain Panorama Cabin
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
CAMP DICK
2.2 miles away · 42 sites
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Alberta Falls, The Loch, and Sky Pond, all of which can be visited along the same trail.
Wildlife
Wildlife in the area may include elk, marmots, and various bird species. Be cautious of bears and mountain lions, and store food properly.
Cities near Timberline Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Timberline Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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