Timberline Falls
Colorado • Rocky Mountain National Park
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 stunning waterfall located within Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. It is a popular destination for hikers due to its scenic beauty and the challenging yet rewarding trail leading to it. The waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff, surrounded by alpine scenery.
The Setting
Timberline Falls sits at 10,463 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, in the high alpine of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Timberline Falls begins at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and passes several notable landmarks, including Alberta Falls and The Loch. The trail becomes steeper and more challenging as you approach the falls, with some scrambling required near the base of the waterfall.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a challenging hike with breathtaking views of alpine lakes, forests, and mountain peaks. The final approach to the falls involves a steep and rocky section that may require careful footing. The waterfall itself is a beautiful cascade, especially during late spring and early summer when snowmelt is at its peak.
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 reservation is required to access Rocky Mountain National Park during peak season (May through October). Additionally, a park entrance fee or valid pass is required.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Timberline Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Timberline Falls is from late spring to early fall, when the trail is free of snow and the waterfall is flowing strongly. Summer offers the most accessible conditions, but fall provides stunning 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 aware of altitude sickness, as the trail reaches high elevations. Carry plenty of water and take breaks as needed. Watch for slippery rocks near the waterfall and be cautious during wet or icy conditions. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so plan to be off the trail by early afternoon.
Current Water Conditions
-357 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Based on 16 years of record
8.63 ft
Water depth at gauge
59°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
What does this mean for your visit?
Water temperature is a bracing 59 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility. PH is alkaline at 9.0 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 (15 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 Grand 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 209 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 10,460 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 235 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 61 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls 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
- 10,460 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 209 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
Timberline Falls is accessed via the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, located off Bear Lake Road within Rocky Mountain National Park. The trailhead is approximately 10 miles from Estes Park, Colorado.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, but it fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Arrive early or use the park's shuttle system.
Elevation
10,463 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.284867° N, -105.664522° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early to secure parking and avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the summer. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring trekking poles for the steeper sections. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, as conditions in the mountains can shift rapidly.
This trail sits at 10,463 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
Murphy's Resort
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
8.8 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 Alberta Falls, The Loch, Sky Pond, and Bear Lake, all of which are accessible from the same trailhead.
Wildlife
Wildlife in the area includes elk, mule deer, marmots, and a variety of bird species. Be cautious of black bears and mountain lions, which are occasionally spotted in the park.
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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