Alberta Falls
A picturesque 1.7-mile hike in RMNP leading to a stunning 30-foot waterfall, perfect for families and nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls still gushing, fall colors
Alberta Falls
Best Time
Waterfalls still gushing, fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque 1.7-mile hike in RMNP leading to a stunning 30-foot waterfall, perfect for families and nature lovers.
"An easy hike from the Glacier Gorge trailhead, quite rewarding. The falls in late September were still gushing magnificently."
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Timed entry permits for Bear Lake Road are essential and sell out fast! Book ahead.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Recommended for comfort and stability on the trail, especially if exploring beyond the falls.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alberta Falls
Glacier Gorge Trailhead
A stunning 30-foot waterfall cascading into a creek, offering a rewarding sight after a relatively easy hike.
Aspen Groves
Along the trail
Wander through beautiful aspen groves, especially vibrant in the fall, adding a splash of color to your hike.
Glacier Gorge Trailhead
Bear Lake Road
The starting point for this popular hike, offering access to other beautiful destinations like Mills Lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timed Entry Reservations
Best Footwear for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Timed entry permits for Bear Lake Road are essential and sell out fast! Book ahead.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Recommended for comfort and stability on the trail, especially if exploring beyond the falls.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The trail offers beautiful views of forests and the waterfall itself.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days, as you'll be gaining elevation.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Timed entry permits for Bear Lake Road are essential and sell out fast! Book ahead.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Recommended for comfort and stability on the trail, especially if exploring beyond the falls.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The trail offers beautiful views of forests and the waterfall itself.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days, as you'll be gaining elevation.
🦮 Leash Your Pets
Pets are not allowed on trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Alberta Falls for its accessibility and rewarding scenery, calling it an easy and beautiful hike. While some note it can be crowded, the stunning waterfall and pleasant trail through aspen groves make it a worthwhile stop for most.
"An easy hike from the Glacier Gorge trailhead, quite rewarding. The falls in late September were still gushing magnificently. Unsurprisingly, a lot of people stop here so it was a bit crowded but you can get nice looks from other little spots around the main stopping point."
Saminda Wijegunawardena
"1.7 miles round trip hike
Pretty views! 😍
Fresh air
Challenging hikes. 💪
Lots of opportunity to see a variety of plants🌿 birds 🐦 and animals 🦎"
Лариса Юрьевна
"Hike to this place is easy. Definitely worth a stop if you are hiking towards emerald lake. The starting point is Bear Lake trailhead."
Neha Thigale
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Denver, drive approximately 1.5 hours to Rocky Mountain National Park. Access to Alberta Falls is typically via the Bear Lake Road corridor, which requires a timed entry permit. The trailhead is often the Glacier Gorge Trailhead.
Parking at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead can be very limited, especially during peak hours. Consider using the park's shuttle system if available, or arrive very early.
No, you cannot drive directly to Alberta Falls. It is accessible via a hike from trailheads like Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake.
The best way is to secure a timed entry permit for the Bear Lake Road corridor in advance. Alternatively, you can access it via the park's shuttle system once inside the park.
Yes, Rocky Mountain National Park charges an entrance fee. You can purchase a pass upon arrival or online in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need a timed entry permit for the Bear Lake Road corridor, which includes access to Alberta Falls. These permits are required during specific hours and seasons and must be booked in advance.
It is highly recommended to book your timed entry permit as soon as they become available, as they often sell out weeks or even months in advance, especially for peak season.
Alberta Falls is accessible during park operating hours. However, access to the Bear Lake Road corridor, where the trailhead is located, is restricted by timed entry permits during certain times.
While park entrance fees can be paid at the entrance, timed entry permits for the Bear Lake Road corridor must be secured online in advance.
If you do not have a timed entry permit for the Bear Lake Road corridor during the required times, you will not be able to access the trailhead for Alberta Falls.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Alberta Falls is approximately 1.7 miles roundtrip from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead.
The hike is considered easy to moderate, with a gentle elevation gain of about 200-226 feet. It's suitable for most fitness levels and families. +1
The trail is generally accessible year-round, but late September offers beautiful fall colors, and early June avoids snow and ice.
Yes, Alberta Falls is part of the Glacier Gorge Trail system, which connects to other popular hikes like Mills Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake.
You have a good opportunity to see a variety of plants, birds, and animals along the trail. Keep a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around the main waterfall offers numerous angles. Look for viewpoints along the creek and from slightly elevated positions for diverse shots.
Absolutely! The fall foliage, especially the aspens, creates a stunning backdrop for the waterfall, making it a prime photography destination.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the waterfall's beauty.
No special permit is required for personal photography. However, commercial photography or videography may require permits. Always check park regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire waterfall and its surroundings. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The trail is well-maintained and winds through shaded forests, offering opportunities for kids to spot wildlife and enjoy nature. The reward of reaching the beautiful waterfall is a great motivator for younger hikers. Remember to bring plenty of snacks and water, and consider a timed entry permit for the Bear Lake Road corridor well in advance. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and snacks will save money compared to dining options outside the park. Consider carpooling if traveling with others to share the entrance fee. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the full scene and a polarizing filter to manage water reflections. The best light is often during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon, which also tend to have fewer crowds. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Glacier Gorge Trail System
+1Many visitors combine the hike to Alberta Falls with a visit to Mills Lake, creating a slightly longer but incredibly rewarding loop. This allows you to experience a variety of landscapes, from dense forests to open meadows and dramatic mountain vistas. The elevation gain is gradual for the initial part of the hike to Alberta Falls, making it a good introduction to the park's hiking opportunities.
Remember that this area is very popular, so timed entry permits are crucial for accessing the Bear Lake Road corridor where the Glacier Gorge Trailhead is located. Planning your visit around these permits and considering an early start can significantly enhance your experience by avoiding the peak crowds.
Wildlife Encounters
While moose sightings are possible in the park, they are less common on this particular trail. The TikTok video mentioning a moose encounter was likely in a different area of the park.
Observing wildlife in their natural habitat is a highlight for many visitors. The relatively open nature of parts of the trail and the presence of water sources increase the chances of spotting animals. Remember to be respectful of their space and enjoy the experience from a safe and appropriate distance.
Seasonal Beauty: Fall Colors
Many visitors specifically plan their trips to RMNP during this time to witness the fall foliage. The crisp mountain air and the stunning visual display make it a photographer's paradise. Even if you miss the peak color, the autumn landscape still offers a unique and beautiful hiking experience.
Beyond the fall colors, the trail remains accessible and enjoyable in other seasons. Early summer offers lush greenery and wildflowers, while late September provides a beautiful transition with fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit