Discover Alberta Falls: A Perfect Family Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
Searching for a fun and easy hike that’s perfect for the whole family? Alberta Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-see! Located in the Bear Lake area, this delightful trail leads you to a breathtaking waterfall and offers an enjoyable hiking experience on a well-marked, wide path.
Quick Hike Details:
– Distance: 1.6 – 2 miles
– Type: Out & Back
– Avg. Time: 45 mins – 1 hr.
– Difficulty: Easy
– Dog Friendly: No
Alberta Falls is one of the top easy hikes in the Bear Lake region and is particularly popular for its scenic beauty and accessibility. You’ll likely encounter many fellow hikers, including families with young children—some even carried in backpacks!
For those with more time and energy, combining this hike with others in the area, like Sky Pond or the Four Lake Loop, can enhance your adventure. These longer trails also pass by Alberta Falls, so you can enjoy multiple natural wonders in one trip.
Trail Overview:
– Elevation Gain: 230 feet
– Starting Elevation: 9,170 feet
While the hike is relatively easy, remember the altitude can be challenging. Make sure you’ve acclimated to avoid altitude sickness.
Trailhead & Parking Information:
1. Glacier Gorge Junction:
– Pros: Shortest route to the falls
– Cons: Limited parking; arrive before 6am for a spot
2. Bear Lake Parking:
– Pros: More parking availability
– Cons: Fills up quickly, usually full by 7am
3. Park & Ride (across from Glacier Basin Campground):
– Pros: More parking spaces
– Access: Requires Park Pass + Timed Entry ticket or Hiker Shuttle reservation
Best Time to Visit:
– Summer: Ideal weather but expect larger crowds and parking challenges.
– Fall (post-Labor Day to mid-October): Less crowded, especially on weekdays.
– Early Spring/Late Fall: Depends on weather; potentially fewer crowds but watch out for snow and road conditions.
– Winter: Requires more planning due to road closures, but still accessible with effort.
Hiking Directions:
Start your hike from either Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake. We recommend starting from Bear Lake, especially if you want to explore the lake itself:
– From Glacier Gorge: 1.6 miles round trip
– From Bear Lake: 2 miles round trip
Follow the left-most trail marked “Glacier Gorge, Alberta Falls” at Bear Lake. The trails merge after 0.2 miles, leading you straight to the falls, which are particularly stunning after snowy winters or wet summers. Continue further if you wish to explore Sky Pond or Lake Haiyaha.
Tips & FAQs:
– Check if your hike route naturally includes Alberta Falls.
– Get closer to the falls by carefully walking on the boulders.
– Start from Bear Lake for an easier parking experience and to visit the lake.
– Acclimate to the altitude before your hike.
Other Helpful Guides:
– Visit Camp Hale National Monument
– Explore Mesa Verde National Park
– Minneapolis to Yellowstone Road Trip
– Denver to Moab Road Trip
– White Sands National Park Guide
Make your trip to Alberta Falls a memorable adventure next time you’re in Rocky Mountain National Park!
