It’s the start of summer, and the snowmelt is filling our rivers, lakes, and streams. Spring into early summer, mountain run-off creates beautiful water cascades in the Rocky Mountains, and some of the best places to witness these waterfalls are inside the park. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to 31 named waterfalls, most of which are accessible by way of a trail. Cool off this summer with our pick of the top waterfall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Adams Falls via the East Inlet Trail
Located near the town of Grand Lake, the East Inlet Trail provides access to the beautiful Adams Falls. This 0.9-mile loop trail offers little elevation with plenty of rewards. Hike to the overlook of Adams Falls for impressive views of a 55-foot water-drop into a narrow rock gorge.
Alberta Falls, Glacier Falls, and Ribbon Falls via Glacier Gorge Trail
The Glacier Gorge Trail leads hikers through a diverse terrain that promises beautiful views and cascading waterfalls. Alberta Falls is the first major waterfall on the trail. About half a mile past, hikers will reach the trail junction to Mills Lake, which will lead to access of the 60-foot Glacier Falls. Then pass Mills Lake to reach the end of the hike at Ribbon Falls. The entire hike to Ribbon Falls is 4.7 miles.
Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail
Ouzel Falls is one of the more popular waterfall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The best part about this trail is it brings you Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades along the way. The hike to Ouzel Falls is roughly six miles with 1,062 feet in elevation gain.
Drive by Chasm Falls
Chasm Falls is popular for its beauty and its accessible vantage point from the car. Found along Fall River Road, Chasm Falls is a 30-foot waterfall that crashes through a chasm in Fall River, creating one spectacular scene. Before heading out to see this waterfall, check to see if Fall River Road is open as this is a seasonal road.
Fern Lake Trail to Fern Falls
The Fern Lake trailhead is a well-known trail that leads to several waterfalls along the hike. Because of its proximity to Moraine Park, this route tends to be a lot more crowded than some of the other waterfall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Fern Lake trail is a7.6-mile, out and back trail with 1,453 feet in elevation gain. But to get to the falls is only a 5-mile round trip hike. The trail follows the Big Thompson River where it meets up with Fern Creek, called The Pool, at the Cub Lake Trail junction. A short distance beyond this junction, follow the trail up a steep 400-foot climb to reach the bottom of Fern Falls. The 60-foot waterfall tumbles down into Fern Creek, a site that makes the climb well worth it!
Stay at Valhalla Resort
Complete your summer adventures with these waterfall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and a stay at Valhalla Resort. Take advantage of our summer special by booking four nights with us and get the fifth night half off, now through August. Browse our one, two, three, and four-bedroom cabins for larger groups. What are you waiting for? Book your summer getaway with us today!