Looking for an enjoyable, family-friendly hike in Rocky Mountain National Park? Consider the Alberta Falls Hike in the Bear Lake area. This trail leads to a stunning waterfall and is perfect for everyone. It’s well-marked, wide, and a pleasure to walk.
If you have extra time and energy, you can easily combine this hike with several others to explore more of the park.
About the Hike
– Distance: 1.6 – 2 miles
– Type: Out & Back
– Avg. Time: 45 mins – 1 hr
– Difficulty: Easy
– Dog-Friendly: No
Popular and Easy
Alberta Falls is one of the best easy hikes in the Bear Lake Region of Rocky Mountain National Park, attracting numerous visitors. The trail is straightforward, well-marked, and wide, making it great for families, even those with young kids in backpacks.
Longer Hikes
Planning a longer hike in the area, such as to Sky Pond or the Four Lake Loop? You’ll pass Alberta Falls on your way, giving you a bonus marvel to enjoy. Longer hikes offer impressive views of the lakes if you’re up for it!
Remember, the hike has about 230 feet of elevation gain and starts around 9,170 feet. Though it’s an easy hike, the altitude can be challenging if you’re not acclimated.
Trailhead & Parking
The trailhead is located in the Bear Lake Corridor, with two possible starting points:
1. Glacier Gorge Junction Parking and Trailhead: This is the shortest option, but parking is extremely limited. Arrive before 6am to secure a spot. The trailhead is to the right of the bus station at the parking lot.
2. Bear Lake Parking: Offers more spaces but also fills up quickly, usually by 7am. If arriving later, try the Park & Ride across from the Glacier Basin Campground.
Access to Bear Lake requires a Park Pass + Timed Entry ticket. You can also access the lot via the Hiker Shuttle with a reservation.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to hike to Alberta Falls is during the summer, although it’s the busiest season. Weekdays after Labor Day through mid-October are excellent times to visit with fewer crowds.
Early spring and late fall can also be great, depending on weather conditions. In winter, many roads in Rocky Mountain National Park are closed, making access more challenging but possible with careful planning.
Hike Details
Starting at either Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake Trailhead is up to you. From Glacier Gorge, it’s a 1.6-mile hike, while from Bear Lake, it’s 2 miles. The trail from Glacier Gorge until the intersection is straightforward. If starting from Bear Lake, follow the leftmost trail towards Glacier Gorge and Alberta Falls.
You’ll reach the intersection to Glacier Gorge Trailhead about 0.2 miles from Bear Lake. After that, the trail remains the same. It’s well-marked and easy to navigate, with occasional water crossings that can be maneuvered via wooden planks or rocks.
About 0.5 miles from the junction, you’ll arrive at Alberta Falls. Depending on the season, the falls may be quite strong. After enjoying the falls, you can either return the way you came or continue to other destinations like Sky Pond or the Four Lake Loop.
Tips & FAQs
– Check if your planned hikes intersect with Alberta Falls to maximize your visit.
– You can get closer to the falls by carefully walking on the boulders.
– Starting from Bear Lake allows you to visit the lake itself.
– Be sure to acclimate to the altitude before hiking.
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