Hiking to a waterfall is one of the most rewarding experiences in Rocky Mountain National Park. Luckily, many of the park’s most beautiful waterfalls are accessible even for families with young kids. Many of the hikes we’ve listed are less than a mile.
Adams Falls
location: RMNP, West side near Grand Lake Colorado
trailhead/parking: East Inlet
distance: .3 miles each way
elevation start:8,400 ft
elevation gain:79 ft
level of difficulty: easy
landmarks: viewing deck around the impressive waterfall.
Adams Falls related post: Peaceful Hike to East Meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park
Alberta Falls
location: RMNP
trailhead/parking: Glacier Gorge has a small parking lot and is serviced by the Bear Lake route shuttle, you can also reach the falls via Bear Lake TH (add .1 miles each way)
distance: .8 miles each way
elevation start: 9,180 ft
elevation gain: 160 ft
level of difficulty: I don’t think my toddler could make it all the way and back on this hike plus I’d worry about her getting too close to the edge of a rushing water fall, so we bring a child carrier.
landmarks: The impressive falls are beautiful year-round. This is a must see attraction in the park
Copeland falls
location: Rocky Mountain National Park in the Wild Basin Area located approximately 19 miles south of Estes Park on highway 7
trailhead/parking: the Wild Basin area is more remote than other areas of the park. Drive down narrow dirt roads to get to the Wild Basin trail head. There is no shuttle service in this area of the park.
distance: .3 miles each way
elevation start: 8,500 ft
elevation gain: 15 ft
level of difficulty: great for all ages and skill levels. Our toddler could walk most of the way, but we carry her in a child carrier or on our shoulders near the falls.
landmarks: lower and upper falls
Copeland Falls related posts:
Family Friendly Waterfall Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park’s Wild Basin
Into the Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park
Calypso cascades
location: Rocky Mountain National Park in the Wild Basin Area located approximately 19 miles south of Estes Park on highway 7
trailhead/parking: the Wild Basin area is more remote than other areas of the park. Drive down narrow dirt roads to get to the Wild Basin trail head. There is no shuttle service in this area of the park.
distance: 1.8 miles each way
elevation start: 8,500 ft
elevation gain: 780
level of difficulty: After you pass Copeland Falls, the trail gains some good elevation. We use a child carrier for most of the hike.
landmarks: Copeland Falls (lower and upper), Calypso Cascades waterfall, several wooden bridges cross over streams, very lush and wooded trail
Calypso Cascades related post:
Sometimes you don’t even have to hike to enjoy a good water feature. The Alluvial Fan is located right off Fall River Road near Horseshoe Park.
Further up the road is Chasm Falls. Similar to the Alluvial Fan, a good way to see Chasm Falls is to drive up Old Fall River Road where you will find a small pull-out where you can park and begin a short descent towards the viewing deck. Old Fall River Road is closed seasonally. During the months that the road is closed to vehicle traffic, you can hike up the dirt road to the falls from the Alluvial Fan parking area.
Chasm Falls related post:
Hike up Old Fall River Road to Chasm Falls
rocky mountain tot 