Old Fall River Road Hike
Old Fall River Road Hike Map

Old Fall River Road Hike

Rocky Mountain National Park
View Photos
Old Fall River Road Hike

Old Fall River Road Hike

Distance: 10.5mi
Elevation: 3,281ft
Time: 5.5-8h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
No ratings yet

The Old Fall River Road was the first auto route through the Rocky Mountain National Park. Today, the primitive road remains open to motorists, bikers, and hikers alike to explore. Time travel back to the 1920’s when this state-of-the-art road was the only road that offered access to the high country. This one-way route is lengthy, but undeniably scenic.

Old Fall River Road Hike Map

Getting there

The Old Fall River Road Hike is accessed via the Fall River Road.

I’ve done this 0 people have done this
I want to do this 0 want to do this route

About

Backcountry Campground

No

When to do

July-October

Pets allowed

No

Family friendly

Older Children only

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

High

Route Type

One Way


Old Fall River Road Hike
Elevation Graph


Old Fall River Road Hike Description

The Old Fall River Road Hike is a scenic excursion that will immerse adventurers in the rich history of the Rocky Mountain National Park. This path is shared with cars and bikers, so be mindful of passing vehicles and speedy bikers – try to maintain along the shoulder of the road. Note the Old Fall River Road is subject to seasonal closures, so depending on the season of your adventure, you may get the route all to yourself. This hike is one way, so make sure you arrange for pickup or leave a car at the other end of the road. Located within the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), visitors are required to purchase a park pass to access the trails.

Begin your journey along the Old Fall River Road from the east entrance off the Fall River Road. If you are hiking, there is a parking lot here. From the parking lot, track west along the dirt road. Soon after your departure from the trailhead you will pass the Alluvial Fan. If you want to add on a few steps, hike the short Alluvial Fan Trail, and learn about the history of the dramatic geological phenomenon. Continue along the Old River Road and you will cross a bridge over the Roaring River. As you travel along this trail, enjoy the sights of the encompassing Rocky Mountain peaks that flank the subalpine forest below.

Ascend the road and you will eventually meet the Chasm Falls. Take a moment here to revel in the cascading falls and enjoy the sounds of the rushing water. Continue hiking the road alongside Fall River. As you near the end of the trail, the terrain will become increasingly steep and there are several switchbacks. Navigate the switchbacks and you will ascend Marmot Point. Enjoy the stunning overlook of the Rocky Mountain National Park from here. Continue hiking and you will meet the trail’s end when you confront the Trail Ridge Road.

Comments

0 Comments

Similar hikes to the Old Fall River Road Hike hike

Lake of the Clouds Hike Map

Lake of the Clouds Hike

Difficulty:
12.6mi
2707ft
6-8h

The Lake of the Clouds Hike is a picturesque adventure on the western border of the Rocky Mountain National Park.…

Shipler Cabin Trail Map

Shipler Cabin Trail

Difficulty:
4.1mi
427ft
1.5-2h

The Shipler Cabin Trail is a magical adventure in the Rocky Mountain National Park through meadowlands and towering pines. Perfect…

Six Lakes Hike

Six Lakes Hike

Difficulty:
7.4mi
1480ft
3.5-4.5h

The Six Lakes Hike is a stunning alpine adventure in the Rocky Mountain National Park. If you love lake hikes…