Alberta Falls
From Coloradohikingtrails
Alberta Falls
Family-friendly, easy hike from Glacier Gorge Junction trailhead. Beautiful falls and views of the surrounding peaks. One of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, it can be quite crowded on peak tourist days.
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Trailhead Information
Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead
Near To: Estes Park, Bear Lake, Colorado
Driving Directions To Trailhead
From Estes Park, continue west on Hwy 36 to the Beaver Meadows entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Just beyond the entrance, turn left and head south on Bear Lake Rd. for about 8.2 miles. The Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead and parking lot will be on your left. Restrooms available, no water. Due to its popularity, the trailhead parking lot is often full by 8:00 on summer weekends. If so, you can continue about 1 mile further and park at the Bear Lake lot (a 1/2 mile trail connects to the Alberta Falls trail). Alternately, you can drive back on Bear Lake Rd to the Park & Ride shuttle bus parking area across from Glacier Basin Campground where you can park your car and ride the shuttle bus to Glacier Gorge Junction. See the Rocky Mountain National Park Shuttle Bus Information Page for shuttle bus stops and schedules.
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Glacier Gorge Junction
Maps & Images Lat: 40.31045 Long: -105.64035
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Trail & Hike Description
The hike from Glacier Gorge Junction to Alberta Falls is probably the most popular trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, in part because it's short and easy, and in part because it is one of the most scenic hikes in the park.
The trail starts at Glacier Gorge Junction trailhead, and heads south, paralleling the creek. At about 0.3 miles, the trail intersects with two others, one branching back toward the north to Sprague Lake, and slightly further with the trail coming down from Bear Lake. At the intersection with the Bear Lake Trail, turn to the left. The trail passes through several aspen groves, then into pine forest. At about 0.5 miles, it opens up onto a ledge of rock offering a most spectacular overlook of Glacier Gorge. From there, the trail parallels Glacier Creek, until you arrive at the Falls. Along the way, look for the old beaver dam and pond on Glacier Creek.
Alberta Falls suddenly comes into view, roaring through a granite chute. The rock slabs surrounding the Falls are a great place to explore, picnic, or to just enjoy the beauty and splendor.
Many return to the parking lot after reaching the falls, but the trail continues on to among the most beautiful lakes in the park: The Loch (aka Loch Vale), Mills Lake, Lake Haiyaha and Black Lake.
Alberta Falls In Winter
The trail to Alberta Falls is accessible year-around, providing a beginner's cross-country skiing or snowshoe trek. The creek is generally frozen over and covered with snow, and in the middle of winter, the falls are covered in a blanket of snow and ice. After a fresh snow, skis or snowshoes are a must. However due to the amount of traffic on this trail, I have found it gets packed down quickly, and can be hiked in boots, as long as you don't venture off the trail.
NOTE: Most trail descriptions list the Glacier Gorge Junction parking lot incorrectly. In 2005, the Glacier Gorge Junction parking lot and trailhead were relocated about 1/3 mile north of the original lot on Bear Lake Rd. This description reflects the correct parking lot location and trail length.
External Links & References
Suggested hike list on National Park Service Rocky Mountain National Park web site
Alberta Falls Picture Gallery
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Click on the picture to see a larger version. Contribute additional pictures - the more the better! |
Alberta Falls |
 Alberta Falls in Winter |
 Glacier Creek above Alberta Falls |
 Young boy hiking on trail to Alberta Falls |
 Hikers on Alberta Falls Trail |
