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Alberta Falls

📍 Estes Park, CO🥾 1.6 mi round trip · easy🎟 National Park entrance fee required (timed-entry reservation may also apply, late May–mid-Oct)

Easy 1.6-mile round-trip waterfall hike from Glacier Gorge in Rocky Mountain National Park.

DirectionsOfficial site

Getting there

easy1.6 mi round tripNo dogs

National Park entrance fee required (timed-entry reservation may also apply, late May–mid-Oct)

Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.

Our take

Alberta Falls is an easy waterfall hike accessed via Glacier Gorge Trailhead near Estes Park on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The 1.6-mile round-trip trail follows Glacier Gorge Creek with steady but gentle elevation gain.

The trail is well-maintained and popular, especially in summer when alpine meadows bloom. An entrance fee is required, and timed-entry reservations are mandatory during peak season (late May through mid-October). Dogs are not allowed on park trails. Snow can linger on high passes through June, so verify trail conditions before planning a spring visit.

Best time to visit is May through October, when park facilities and trail conditions are most stable.

Planning your visit

Best time to go

Visit May through October when park timed-entry reservations are available; alpine terrain can be snow-covered and impassable outside these months.

How long to budget

1 to 1.5 hours

What to bring

  • National Park entrance pass ($35/vehicle, valid 7 days)
  • Timed-entry reservation (required late May–mid-Oct; reserve at recreation.gov or nps.gov/romo)

Who it suits

Good for

  • Families and moderate hikers
  • Day visit from Estes Park
  • Scenic waterfall without serious commitment

Skip it if

Dogs are prohibited on all park trails; if you're visiting with a pet, you'll need to make other arrangements.

Common questions

Is there a fee to visit Alberta Falls?

National Park entrance fee required (timed-entry reservation may also apply, late May–mid-Oct)

How do I get to Alberta Falls?

Via a 1.6-mile round-trip trail rated easy by the managing agency.

Can I bring my dog to Alberta Falls?

No — the managing agency's page states dogs are not permitted here (or on the specific trail/area needed to reach the falls).

Alberta Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

We track 7 waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Other waterfalls near Estes Park

There are 3 other waterfalls we track in Larimer County. All Rocky Mountain National Park waterfalls →

Quick facts

HeightNot published
Trail1.6 mi round trip
Difficultyeasy
Fee / permitNational Park entrance fee required (timed-entry reservation may also apply, late May–mid-Oct)
Managing agencyNational Park Service — Rocky Mountain National Park
DogsNot allowed
SwimmingNot published
ADA accessNot published
CountyLarimer County
RegionRocky Mountain National Park
Official pageView source ↗

Directions

Open in Google Maps ↗

Source

nps.gov

NPS official hiking-trail list (nps.gov/romo): Glacier Gorge Trailhead to Alberta Falls is 0.8 mi one-way, 160 ft gain. NPS pets policy page confirms dogs are prohibited on all park trails. Checked Sept 2026; no closures found for this trail.

Checked September 2026.