Chasm Falls, Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide

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Discover the beauty of Chasm Falls: An easily accessible waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park with stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.

Chasm Falls is a picturesque 25-foot waterfall nestled within Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado. Easily accessible via a short trail from Old Fall River Road, it offers stunning views and a tranquil experience for visitors of all ages.

A brief summary to Chasm Falls

Estes Park, Colorado, 80517, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Chasm Falls.

Arrive early, especially during peak season, as parking at the Endovalley Picnic Area and along Old Fall River Road can be limited.
Check the Rocky Mountain National Park website for road closures and conditions, particularly for Old Fall River Road, which is typically open from late June to late September.
Consider hiking to Chasm Falls from the Endovalley Picnic Area for a scenic 2.8-mile round trip experience.
Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities near Chasm Falls.
Be aware of the timed entry permit system in effect from late May through mid-October and make reservations in advance.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Endovalley Picnic Area

Old Fall River Rd

Ute Trail

East Alluvial Fan Trailhead

Trail Ridge Rd

Explore Chasm Falls on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Chasm Falls, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Estes Park, head west on US-36 towards Rocky Mountain National Park. Enter the park and follow signs for the Endovalley Picnic Area, where Old Fall River Road begins. Drive up the one-way Old Fall River Road for approximately 1.4 miles to the Chasm Falls Trailhead. Park in the designated area and walk the short, paved path to the viewing platform. Note: Old Fall River Road is a dirt road with switchbacks and a 15 mph speed limit. It's typically open from late June to late September, weather permitting. A timed entry permit may be required to enter the park. Cost: * Rocky Mountain National Park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle per day, or $35 per vehicle per week. * Timed Entry Permit: $2 (non-refundable).
Walking

From the Endovalley Picnic Area, walk back out to Old Fall River Road. Follow the one-way road uphill for approximately 1.4 miles to the Chasm Falls Trailhead. Be cautious of vehicle traffic along the road. From the trailhead, walk the short, paved path to the viewing platform. Cost: * Rocky Mountain National Park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle per day, or $35 per vehicle per week (if entering the park by vehicle to reach the picnic area). * Timed Entry Permit: $2 (non-refundable, if entering the park by vehicle to reach the picnic area).

Discover more about Chasm Falls

Chasm Falls is a captivating waterfall located in Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, Colorado. The falls cascade 25 feet through a narrow granite gorge, creating a stunning display of nature's power and beauty. As one of the park's more accessible waterfalls, Chasm Falls is a popular destination for families and hikers of all skill levels. The falls are easily reached via a short, paved footpath from the Chasm Falls Trailhead. The viewing platform offers a comfortable vantage point to watch the falls crash through the gorge. To reach the Chasm Falls Trailhead, visitors can either hike or drive along the historic Old Fall River Road. This one-way, gravel road ascends through diverse ecosystems, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Opened in 1920, Old Fall River Road was the first road to cross Rocky Mountain National Park, predating Trail Ridge Road by twelve years. When the Old Fall River Road is open (typically from late June to around late September), hikers can drive directly to the Chasm Falls Trailhead. However, driving the road commits you to the entire 9-mile ascent to the Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road. Alternatively, visitors can hike to Chasm Falls from the Endovalley Picnic Area, located near the start of Old Fall River Road. This 2.8-mile round trip hike follows the scenic Old Fall River Road, offering views of the Alluvial Fan and Roaring River. Whether you choose to drive or hike, a visit to Chasm Falls is an unforgettable experience. The combination of stunning scenery, easy accessibility, and historical significance makes it a must-see destination in Rocky Mountain National Park.