Right now
Right now as of Nov 4, 2026
- Permit No permit needed. Entry fee: $30 per vehicle per day.
Status note (Nov 4, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell: on Nov 4, 2026 the NPS pages we read listed no closure. The NPS trail report of Oct 22, 2026 said "When hiking near Alberta Falls, the trail could be icy." A Glacier Gorge Trailhead repair closure ended Oct 8, 2026. What the status labels mean
Alberta Falls is on Glacier Creek in Rocky Mountain National Park, 0.8 mile one way from Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road, per the National Park Service. An entrance pass is always required. From May 22 to October 18, 2026, you also needed a Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road reservation to enter between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dogs are not allowed on the trail, and the NPS warns it can be icy in fall.
About Alberta Falls
Alberta Falls is on Glacier Creek in the Glacier Gorge area of Rocky Mountain National Park, in Larimer County. Estes Park is the nearest town. Wikipedia's list of Colorado waterfalls places the falls on Glacier Creek.
The National Park Service (NPS) has no page just for the falls. It covers the hike on its Bear Lake Road corridor page and its park hiking list. Neither gives an official height, so we don't list one.
This is Alberta Falls in Colorado, not a waterfall in the Canadian province of Alberta. Search results for the name can mix the two up.
At 0.8 mile each way, this is a short hike by the NPS figures. For a longer park hike that passes three water features, see Ouzel Falls in Wild Basin. Our Colorado waterfalls guide lists more falls in the state.
Getting there and parking
The hike starts at Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road, which is also a Bear Lake Shuttle stop. The NPS gives no coordinates for the trailhead, so the map pin marks the falls themselves.
Parking
"The Glacier Gorge Parking Area fills early each day," the NPS says. It suggests parking at the Park & Ride on Bear Lake Road and riding the shuttle. We found no parking fee and no count of spaces.
The Park & Ride has no food or stores, per the NPS. Bring what you need from Estes Park.
Bear Lake Shuttle and Hiker Shuttle
In 2026, the free Bear Lake Shuttle ran daily from May 22 to October 18, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The NPS says buses run every 10 to 15 minutes. It is not running in November.
Its stops are the Park & Ride, Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, Glacier Gorge Trailhead and Bear Lake. Get off at Glacier Gorge Trailhead for Alberta Falls.
The Hiker Shuttle links the Estes Park Visitor Center to the Park & Ride. In 2026 it ran daily from May 22 to September 7, then on weekends from September 12 to October 18. It costs "$2 per reservation" on Recreation.gov, plus the entrance pass.
Fall 2026 trailhead closure (ended)
The NPS closed Glacier Gorge Trailhead and its parking area from September 28 to October 1, and again from October 5 to October 8, 2026. "Repairs will address erosion damage around the trailhead kiosk," the NPS said.
During that work, the NPS sent hikers heading to Alberta Falls to start from Bear Lake Trailhead. We found no notice extending the closure past October 8.
Winter road access
The current NPS pages we read don't describe winter plowing on Bear Lake Road. An older 2013 NPS page called the road open year-round. Check the park's road status page before a winter trip.
Map and nearby falls
Map loads as you scroll. Open in OpenStreetMap
OpenPartly open / seasonalUnconfirmedClosedLarger map
Glacier Gorge Trailhead to Alberta Falls
The NPS Bear Lake Road corridor page lists Alberta Falls at 0.8 mile (1.2 km) one way from Glacier Gorge Trailhead. It starts at 9,175 feet and gains 233 feet. Doubling the one-way figure gives about 1.6 miles round trip.
The NPS park hiking list measures from Glacier Gorge Junction at 9,240 feet instead. It gives the same 0.8 mile (1.3 km) one way, with 160 feet of gain. We lead with the corridor page because it names the trailhead.
The NPS gives no difficulty rating for the hike and doesn't describe the trail surface. It doesn't call the trail accessible, so don't plan on it for wheelchairs or strollers.
No dogs on the trail
The NPS rule is plain: "Pets are prohibited on ALL Rocky Mountain National Park trails, tundra, and meadows." Leashed pets, on a leash "no longer than six feet," are allowed only on roads, in parking areas, campgrounds and picnic areas.
Camping
There is no camping at the falls. Camping in the park's wilderness needs a permit; check the NPS wilderness pages before you plan an overnight trip.
When to visit
The NPS pages we read give no best season for the falls' flow. What changes most through the year is access: timed entry, shuttles and ice.
Summer: timed entry and shuttles
From late May to mid-October, the Bear Lake Road timed entry window and the busy Glacier Gorge lot shape your day. In 2026, the shuttles ran from May 22 to October 18, the same span as the Bear Lake Road reservations.
Fall and winter: ice on the trail
The NPS trail report, updated October 22, 2026, said of Alberta Falls on October 15: "When hiking near Alberta Falls, the trail could be icy."
For Glacier Gorge, the same report said to "be prepared for some ice and snow on the trail." It added: "Traction devices and hiking poles may be helpful."
The NPS general advice for the cold months: "When hiking during the fall, winter and spring seasons, be prepared for ice and snow on trails." In November there are no shuttles and no timed entry, but you still need an entrance pass.
| Trail | 0.8 mi one way from Glacier Gorge Trailhead (start 9,175 ft) with 233 ft of gain, per the NPS Bear Lake Road corridor page. That makes about 1.6 mi round trip. The NPS hiking list gives 160 ft of gain from Glacier Gorge Junction |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Not rated by NPS; 0.8 mi one way with 233 ft of gain |
| Entry fee | Rocky Mountain National Park entrance pass required: $30 per private vehicle for 1 day or $35 for 7 days. It is $15 per person on foot or bike for 1 day; $70 annual (NPS). Debit or credit card only |
| Permit / reservation | No timed entry in November 2026; in 2026, Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road was needed 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 22 to October 18. An entrance pass is always required |
| Parking | Glacier Gorge Trailhead; fills early |
| Dogs | Not allowed: the NPS says pets are prohibited on all Rocky Mountain National Park trails. Leashed pets (6 ft max) only on roads, in parking areas, campgrounds and picnic areas |
| Swimming | No. The park's swift water guidance says: "Don't try to wade, swim, or dip your feet into moving water." |
| Wheelchair / stroller | The NPS does not describe the trail as accessible |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Best time to visit | No official best month; the NPS warned on Oct 22, 2026 that the trail near the falls could be icy |
| Crowds | The NPS says the Glacier Gorge Parking Area "fills early each day"; no crowd figure is published |
| Managed by | National Park Service, Rocky Mountain National Park |
Safety and swimming
Stay out of Glacier Creek. The park's swift water guidance says: "Don't try to wade, swim, or dip your feet into moving water."
Keep back from the edge. The NPS says to "Stay at least one body length back from the edge of riverbanks and waterfalls." It warns that "Rocks and vegetation along the banks of waterfalls, rivers and streams can be deceptively slippery."
If someone falls in, the NPS says: "Do not enter the water and try to rescue them yourself." Call for help instead.
A death has been reported near the falls. On September 17, 2014, the NPS reported that a 33-year-old man's body was found beside Glacier Creek, "roughly 200 feet down from Alberta Falls". There were no witnesses, and the NPS said foul play was not suspected.
In fall and winter, expect ice near the falls, and consider traction devices and hiking poles, as the NPS suggests. Our waterfall safety guide has more on slick rock near falls.
Conditions change: confirm with the official source before you go.
Where to stay near Alberta Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Estes Park.
See places to stay nearbyAffiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Partners do not see or change our waterfall facts. Disclosure.
Photos
Alberta Falls FAQ
Do you need a reservation for Alberta Falls?
Only in the timed entry season. In 2026, the NPS required a Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road reservation from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 22 to October 18. It costs a $2 Recreation.gov fee. No reservation is needed in November 2026, and 2027 dates were not yet announced.
How long is the hike to Alberta Falls?
0.8 mile one way from Glacier Gorge Trailhead, per the NPS, so about 1.6 miles round trip. The NPS corridor page gives 233 feet of gain from 9,175 feet. Its hiking list gives 160 feet from Glacier Gorge Junction.
How much does it cost to visit Alberta Falls?
You need a Rocky Mountain National Park entrance pass: $30 per vehicle for 1 day, $35 for 7 days or $70 for an annual pass, by card only. Non-US residents 16 and older pay an extra $100 unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass.
Where do you park for Alberta Falls?
At the Glacier Gorge Trailhead lot, which the NPS says fills early each day. In season, the NPS suggests the Park & Ride on Bear Lake Road and the free Bear Lake Shuttle. In 2026, the shuttle ran May 22 to October 18.
Can you bring a dog to Alberta Falls?
No. The NPS says pets are prohibited on all Rocky Mountain National Park trails. Leashed pets are allowed only on roads, in parking areas, campgrounds and picnic areas.
Can you swim at Alberta Falls?
No. The park's swift water guidance says not to wade, swim or dip your feet into moving water. It also says to stay at least one body length back from the edge of waterfalls.
Is Alberta Falls open now?
Yes, as far as we can tell (November 4, 2026). The Glacier Gorge Trailhead repair closure ended October 8, 2026. The NPS warned on October 22 that the trail near the falls could be icy.
Is Alberta Falls in Canada?
No. Alberta Falls is in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, on Glacier Creek off Bear Lake Road. It is not in the Canadian province of Alberta.
Nearby waterfalls
Ouzel Falls7 mi straight-lineOpen
Boulder Falls24 mi straight-lineClosed70FT APPROX.
Maxwell Falls53 mi straight-lineOpen
Fish Creek Falls61 mi straight-lineOpen300FT APPROX.
City guides: Waterfalls near Denver, CO
Sources
- NPS Rocky Mountain National Park: Exploring the Bear Lake Road Corridor (updated Aug 18, 2025; read Nov 4, 2026)
- NPS Rocky Mountain National Park: Hiking trails list (read Nov 4, 2026)
- NPS Rocky Mountain National Park: Fees & Passes (updated Dec 9, 2025; read Nov 4, 2026)
- NPS Rocky Mountain National Park: Timed Entry Permit System (updated May 14, 2026; read Nov 4, 2026)
- NPS Rocky Mountain National Park: Shuttle Buses and Public Transit (updated May 22, 2026; read Nov 4, 2026)
- NPS Rocky Mountain National Park: Trail Conditions Report (updated Oct 22, 2026; read Nov 4, 2026)
- NPS news release: Glacier Gorge Trailhead and parking area closure, Sept 28 through early October (Sep 9, 2026; read Nov 4, 2026)
- NPS Rocky Mountain National Park: Pets (updated Sep 24, 2018; read Nov 4, 2026)
- NPS Rocky Mountain National Park: Swift Water Safety (updated Jul 14, 2025; read Nov 4, 2026)
- NPS news release: Fatality near Alberta Falls (Sep 2014; read Nov 4, 2026)
- NPS: Bear Lake Road reconstruction FAQs (updated Jun 21, 2013; read Nov 4, 2026)
- Wikipedia: List of waterfalls in Colorado (coordinates and stream for Alberta Falls) (read Nov 4, 2026)
Last verified Nov 4, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with National Park Service, Rocky Mountain National Park before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.