Trio Falls
Colorado • Rocky Mountain National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
3.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Trio Falls
Tucked into the wild heart of Rocky Mountain National Park and managed by the National Park Service, Trio Falls is a charming cascade that rewards a short hike with classic Colorado mountain scenery. The falls thread through a mixed-conifer forest and drop in stepped tiers, making them a favorite stop for photographers and hikers looking for a relatively peaceful outing inside one of the country’s most iconic parks. Rocky Mountain National Park — established in 1915 and known for protecting montane, subalpine, and alpine ecosystems — provides the dramatic backdrop of ridgelines and stands of spruce and fir that frame the falls. Access to Trio Falls feels suitably adventurous without being extreme: the hike is a moderate out-and-back that is well suited to day-use visitors who want a nature-rich experience within the park. Because it sits on NPS land, follow park regulations and trail signage, and plan your visit in summer and early fall for the most reliable trail conditions and water flow.
The Setting
Trio Falls sits at 11,319 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, in the high alpine of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 3.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Length: 3.0 miles round trip with approximately 500 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The route winds through forested terrain with occasional open views of surrounding ridges and valleys. Hikers will encounter well-defined footpaths with some rocky sections and moderate inclines—suitable for those with basic hiking experience and steady footwear. As this is inside Rocky Mountain National Park, expect maintained trails and posted regulations rather than backcountry route-finding.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil hike through natural surroundings, culminating in a beautiful waterfall with multiple cascades. The area around the falls may be slippery, so caution is advised.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Trio Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on any trail, tundra or meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park; leashed pets may stay on roads, parking areas, campgrounds and picnic areas.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Trio Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Trio Falls, as snowmelt enhances the water flow. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather.
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 have uneven terrain, slippery rocks near the falls, and potential for sudden weather changes. Visitors should stay on marked paths and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Grand Lake Outlet, 9.9 miles away, not on Trio Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
23 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 5 years of record
8.59 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 GRAND LAKE OUTLET BLW CHIPMUNK LN AT GRAND LK, CO (16 km away).
Today
Moderate
31 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
25 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
24 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
22 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
22 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
19 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
21 cfs
9/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
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.
Is Trio Falls Frozen?
Updated about 18 hours agoNot frozen 1 day in a row below freezing 2 more freezing days forecast
Trio Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 32°F to 21°F. 2 freezing days are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 2 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 1 day
- Freezing days ahead
- 2 of the next 7
- Flow
- 6 ft³/s
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 175 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 11,311 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 138 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 111 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 11,311 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 175 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer 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
Trio Falls is located within a remote area of Colorado. Access typically requires driving to a trailhead, followed by a hike. Specific directions may vary depending on the trailhead used.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the trailhead, though spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
11,319 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.235818° N, -105.641393° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Check weather conditions before your visit, as trails may become muddy or icy.
This trail sits at 11,319 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.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 3.0 miles and 500 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
Riversong Inn Retreat
Mountain Shadows Resort
Boulder Brook on Fall River
Murphy's River 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.
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions may include other hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and local wildlife areas.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be aware of potential encounters with bears or other larger animals.
Cities near Trio Falls
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