Alberta Falls - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and camping in the summer months, while winter brings opportunities for sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing. History buffs can learn about the area's early inhabitants at the Estes Park Museum or explore the Rocky Mountain National Park. Anglers can cast their lines in the trout-filled waters of Rocky Mountain National Park, while rafters can tackle the whitewater on the Cache la Poudre River.

The falls get their name from the nearby town of Estes Park, which was named for early settler Joel Estes. The falls were originally known as Mary's Falls, after Mary Elkins, who homesteaded near the falls in the late 1800s. In 1918, the falls were renamed Alberta Falls in honor of Alberta Sprague, who was instrumental in the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Alberta Falls is also a great place to learn about the history of Rocky Mountain National Park. The falls were formed by glaciers thousands of years ago, and they offer a glimpse into the park's past. For those who are interested in learning more about the history of Rocky Mountain National Park, Alberta Falls is a great place to start.

Spring is the best time to visit Alberta Falls. The snow has melted, and the flowers are in bloom. The air is fresh, and the views are breathtaking. During the summer, the crowds can be overwhelming, and the temperatures can be too hot for comfort. 

1. Take your time: With its cascading waterfalls and lush vegetation, Alberta Falls is a sight to behold. Don't rush through your visit – take your time to soak up the natural wonders on offer.
2. Pack a lunch: There are no food concessions at Alberta Falls, so make sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy during your visit.
3. Stay on the designated trails: For your safety and to protect the fragile ecosystem, please stay on the designated walking trails at all times.
4. Be respectful of wildlife: You may see some wildlife during your visit – please be respectful and do not approach or feed them.
5. If you have small children with you, be sure to keep them close at hand, as there are no guardrails along the edge of the falls.

1. The rocks at Alberta Falls are some of the oldest in the park, dating back to 1.8 billion years ago.
2. The falls are 30 feet high and have a width of 70 feet.
3. The water flowing over Alberta Falls comes from Glacier Creek, which is fed by melting snow and ice from the surrounding mountains.
4. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park, with over two million visitors each year.
5. Glacier Creek is one of the shortest streams in Rocky Mountain National Park, yet it has some of the biggest waterfalls.

Visitors spend about half a day at Alberta Falls as the falls is accessible only by hiking.

To reach Alberta Falls, take the Bear Lake Road from Estes Park. After about 9 miles, you'll see the sign for the falls on the left. Turn here and follow the trail for a half mile to the falls. The trailhead is at an elevation of 9,480 feet, so be prepared for a moderate hike.

The fee is $30 per vehicle or $25 per person if you are hiking or biking.

The falls will only be open to visitors between the hours of 6:00 AM and 8:00PM. During this time, all hikers must enter the falls area via the Bear Lake Trailhead. After 8:00PM, the trailhead will be closed and all visitors must exit the area.