The Park’s impressive backcountry is renowned for rugged alpine terrain formed by heavy glacier activity thousands of years ago. Deep cirques, long valleys, and talus peaks are typical examples, but waterfalls, usually the byproduct of glacier episodes, can be found as well. Unlike Rocky Mountain’s cousins Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone National Park, all but one of the Park’s waterfalls require at least a short hike. Some falls even take days and off-trail hiking to access. The lack of quick roadway access means even though approximately 3 million people visit the park each year, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a waterfall by yourself.
A majority of the Parks 30 odd waterfalls can be found east of the Divide in two heavily concentrated areas: Wild Basin and Glacier Gorge. Fern Lake Trailhead is also a key place to access several waterfalls, but typically is packed with visitors due to its close proximity to Moraine Park and Moraine Park Campground.
Searching for waterfalls inside the Park is a patient mans game. Unlike Yosemite where waterfalls can run year-around, waterfalls in Rocky Mountain are highly dependent on snowpack and season. Some of the Park’s most reliable waterfalls can be found along the North St. Vrain, which runs through the southeastern section of the Park. To access the trailhead, enter through Wild Basin Entrance and begin hiking on Wild Basin Trail. Since the trailhead is far away from the most popular places in Rocky Mountain it is not uncommon to find the area fairly desolate.
As you hike Copeland Falls comes up quickly, but is really just a short leap. During high water this fall can be considered more of a cascade. After passing Calypso Cascades, a long violent cascade pouring down several small steps, the trail reaches Ouzel Falls, one of the most popular and beautiful falls inside the park. Over 40 feet high, Ouzel Falls has several viewing areas, including our favorite along a short social trail on the left side of the falls. Further up several more waterfalls can be accessed including: Trio Falls, Thunder Falls, and Lyric Falls.
The Glacier Gorge Trailhead is another ideal spot to catch impressive falls without having to go too far. Like Fern Trailhead, Glacier Gorge can be extremely busy, but we find the further up you go the crowds begin to thin out. To miss the crowds think early morning or late evening since peak rush hours are typically in the afternoon. Alberta Falls is the first major fall and leaps 25 feet crashing into boulders below. During autumn glowing aspens line the trail and creek, creating a golden canopy. Hiking further up the gorge you can access Glacier Falls, Campsite Falls, Timberline Falls, and Ribbon Falls. Since there aren’t too many backcountry campsites here make sure to secure a permit if you want to spend the night.
The only waterfall visible by car east of the divide is Chasm Falls, which can be found along Old Fall River Road. The fall leaps 30 feet and during peak flow is incredibly loud. To see the falls park in the marked lot and walk a few hundred yards to the viewing area.
If visiting the Park’s western slope several waterfalls are accessible, but unlike the eastern slope they may require a longer hike in. One of the most popular trailheads is the Tonahutu/North Inlet Trailhead. From here Cascade Falls, War Dance Falls, and North Inlet Falls can be accessed. We strongly recommend visiting this section during early summer when the snow is melting and the creeks will be at peak flow.
Another good option is to head 0.3 miles up the East Inlet Trail to Adams falls. The fall slides off a 15-foot ledge into a calm pool below. Using a slow shutter this is a popular photography destination due to the lush vegetation and unique rock formations.
