With the mandatory timed entry to Bear Lake Road, we got lucky to secure a time to explore this area of Rocky Mountain National Park. This was our first stop on our hike heading into the forrest and it was an easy climb. These falls are loud and proud plus incredibly pretty. The falls thunder down Glacier Creek due to the heavy snowmelt. It's definitely a favorite spot for many people as it's only 1.6 miles so it's easy to access. Remember to pace yourself due to the altitude. I witnessed lots of huffing and puffing from people having to stop and catch their breath. We stayed long enough to take some pics and watch the falls and then moved on. Plenty of seating all around the falls for everyone. It's great short hike for those that just want to feel like they are "out there". Views are truly epic as is the entire park. Parking earlier in the day can be challenging. I recomment arriving very early or come later in the afternoon to secure a spot. Remember to pack in, pack out and LEAVE NO TRACE. read more

Alberta Falls - On the trail - Hiking Near Me

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We picked this hike on our 1 day visit to RMNP and it was a great choice. It's a short 2 mile round trip from the Bear Lake parking area. This was our first time in park and we came in late May so did not expect all the snow and the slush on the trail so that was really awesome. Lots of elevation change as you climb up and down the trail and several small bridges that traverse all the small mountain springs. We saw a few blooming flowers, blue jays,chipmunks, and we spotted a baby rainbow trout hiding in a little pool in one of the springs. Incredible views of the Rocky Mountains and one you get to the falls it's a nice place to take a nice relaxing break in the many rock formations. Great hike. read more

Alberta Falls was our "pivot" hike after our afternoon was derailed by a rainstorm. But it definitely didn't feel like a pivot when we reached the falls! Absolutely gorgeous and beautiful, we ended up staying nearly an hour just relaxing and enjoying the rushing water. Located on Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, you will need a separate reservation from the park's reservation to enter the road. The hike itself is about 1.6 miles roundtrip and was a relatively easy hike. Plenty of spots to sit on rocks and simply enjoy nature. We didn't have any issues parking in the trailhead parking lot, but we came in late afternoon. Bear Lake is definitely busy earlier in the day. If there's no parking, they do have lots further away and shuttles to take you to the trailhead. Highly recommend this hike. You will not be disappointed. read more

Alberta Falls - Hiking Near Me

This is a pretty hike to a gorgeous waterfall that isn't too difficult. The hike to Alberta Falls is 1.6-miles round trip with 160 feet of elevation gain. After spending the day at Bear Lake and doing the hike to Emerald Lake, I decided to do this hike as well. Mostly because I didn't want to deal with the timed entry situation to get into Bear Lake on another day. The hike to Alberta Falls begins at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. While on this hike, you will enjoy aspen groves and a mixed pine forest with some mountainous views along the way. You can hear Alberta Falls as you approach it. Alberta Falls is a 30-foot waterfall that pours into Glacier Creek. Alberta Falls is one of the most visited sections of Rocky Mountain National Park. You can access it by driving down Bear Lake Road after entering the Beaver Meadows Entrance. To access Bear Lake Road, you must book a timed entry reservation in advance. This is because of the popularity of this area. The trailhead begins at the beginning of the Bear Lake Trailhead. If you don't want to wait for a parking spot to open up, you can ride the free shuttle to the trailhead. Alberta Falls is named after Alberta Sprague, the wife of Abner Sprague. He was one of the first settlers in the Estes Park area before it became Rocky Mountain National Park. Sprague Lake is located off Bear Lake Road and is named for Abner Sprague. read more

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You take the Bear Lake Road to get to this trail. Alberta Falls is a 1.6 mile hike with beautiful views in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park entry fee is $20 for one day and $35 for 7 days and be aware of their timed entries before you go. It's not that challenging of a hike. It's a highly trafficked trail so be prepared to see lots of people on the trail. The views are great to stop and soak in. read more

Alberta Falls - Hiking Near Me

Alberta Falls is one of those places that proves you don't have to hike all day to see something spectacular in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail to the falls is just under two miles round trip, making it super manageable for families, casual hikers, or anyone who wants a quick taste of Colorado's wild beauty without committing to a strenuous climb. The payoff is incredible for such a short hike. Alberta Falls plunges about 30 feet over rugged rock, creating a rushing cascade that's especially dramatic in spring and early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak. The sound of the water crashing down echoes through the pines, and there are plenty of spots nearby to sit, relax, and just soak it all in. In autumn, golden aspens light up the trail, giving it a whole different kind of magic. What I love most is that it's accessible yet still feels like a real Rocky Mountain adventure. You'll pass through shady forests, hear the roar of the falls before you see them, and feel like you've discovered a little pocket of wilderness. It's family-friendly, photo-worthy, and one of the park's must-see gems. Don't miss it! https://linktr.ee/reessroots read more

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The wheel of fun sent me here... Filmed a YouTube video and ended the day at Alberta Falls and it was STUNNING -- but we got totally lost on the way back because my friend left the map in the car..) And that's how we found a "elk-moose" The hike is beautiful and not too hard even after being lost for an additional few miles, that being said -- the trail signage could be better. So definitely bring a friend if you are not a professional! We ended up in the wrong lot and had to hitchhike back to our car with a stranger (iconic). Definitely bring a real map and don't rely on cell service, because there is none. 4.8 stars -- even with the detour only because it's a "touristy" area. read more

Alberta Falls - Short Review - Hiking Near Me

This was honestly the coolest thing ever!!!! It was BEAUTIFUL!! I recommend everyone visit here at least once! read more

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Great trail with mid level challenge. The trail is 1.6 miles round trip with elevation 226 feet elevation gain. It is up hill climb to the fall. It located at Glacier Gorge trail head. You also can go from Bear Lake trailhead but have to spend additional 0.3 miles. The trail is beautiful at end of September because of fall colors. The entire trail take us less than 1 hours. Along the way, we walk beside the creek and pass through the river bridge. Trail is easy to follow. Marker is clear. The falls is located at elevation 9411 feet. So the entire course is a bit challenge for me that who use to 10 feet sea level. read more

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The trail is very shady for most part which is nice. The falls are beautiful and worth the hike. We loved seeing all the Burch trees. read more

Alberta Falls - Hiking Near Me

This beautiful waterfall is easily access from the Glacier Gorge parking area or the Bear Lake parking area. Both lots fill up easily, so there's a shuttle that will drop you off at either. Masks are required, but don't expect people to keep them on. It's slightly shorter to hike from Glacier Gorge. I want to say the falls is about a 2 mile round trip hike from there. It's a pretty easy hike too. We went down toward the river a bit to get a better view of the falls. You can also climb up on the big rocks near the top of the falls. I would highly recommend continuing past the falls though. For just a 5.5 mile round trip hike, you can go to Loch Vale/The Loch. This lake is gorgeous and the hike is moderate. We continued all the way to Sky Pond which was 9.5 miles and strenuous. The views are unbelievable and completely worth it. Timberline Falls and Lake of Glass are also on the way to Sky Pond. Whatever kind of hike you're looking for, you can find Alberta Falls on your path! read more

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Really beautiful hike and easy 1 mile from the bear lake trailhead. Highly recommend and it's on the way to a bunch of other lakes and falls as well. Make sure to reserve on the system ahead of time to get into the park. read more

Alberta Falls - Hiking Near Me

Did several hikes this week but the hike to Alberta Falls was my favorite one. Started off at the Glacier Gorge trail head. The hike is mostly up hill and slightly challenging with the thin air and high elevation. Along the way there are plenty of photo opportunities as the trail is very scenic. The entire route from Glacier Gorge to Alberta Falls is no more than two miles round trip. It's probably the easiest and most scenic trail in the area. read more

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Do this hike! Came to Denver mid May to go to Rocky Mountain National Park. A portion of the park road was closed due to winter conditions, but luckily this trail was open. Definitely recommend microspikes if snowy. It helps to scour the internet for latest reviews on trail conditions so you're prepared. We parked at Bear Lake, which was pretty empty on a weekday around 10am. The hike to Alberta Falls wasn't too long, maybe 1-2 miles. But it was snowy in Mid May so that made the hike a lot longer than it shouldn't been. The trail is marked very well, and pretty popular so you'll be sure to run into people along the way. There was a spot we got to where you could barely see the waterfall, and we thought that was it. Fortunately, we decided to walk a little farther and good thing we did! The trail opens up and you get a great view of the waterfall. The water was roaring when we went and it was very cool. This is probably in my top 3 waterfalls just because you get to be up close and personal. There are plenty of bigger waterfalls, but usually you just look at it from far away. Lots of trails that keep going past Alberta Falls, but I found they weren't as well marked. read more

A absolutely great place by itself and certainly a great to to stop on your way the Mill Lake or one of the other fantastic hikes in the area. From Bear Lake it's about 1.1 miles and the first half is down hill. Listed as moderate, it's pretty easy for those that can get around ok. Beautiful Aspen along the trail, although the road is near by its so peaceful and beautiful leading up to the falls. Once you're up there, well it's a different kind of peacefulness with the roaring water it's awesome and powerful and truly incredible beauty read more

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Beautiful afternoon hike to Alberta Falls today. Started at the Blue Lake parking lot. It's only about a mile one way. Not too strenuous and quite popular. Solitude here is not a possibility, but the folks were very considerate of each other. Great introduction to the hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. read more

Our absolute favorite hike. Easy (less than a 300 ft change in elevation) hike that takes you to a gorgeous waterfall only .6 miles away. Make sure you clump your the top of the falls, sit and take it all in. read more

You can start at the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead or through a connecting trail from Bear Lake. I would consider it an easy to moderate hike, 1.5 miles ish round trip. The waterfall area itself is a perfect place for a picnic and some light rock climbing. If you are feeling adventurous you can climb all the way to the top or work your way down where the water hits the rocks. read more

Alberta Falls - Hiking Near Me