Alberta Falls is a 40-foot two-tiered waterfall on Glacier Creek in Rocky Mountain National Park, Larimer County, Colorado, a short walk from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead off Bear Lake Road. The trailhead is among the busiest year-round hiking areas in the park.
The falls
Lidar data puts the total drop at about 40 feet, split between a 20-foot sliding cascade that leads almost straight into a 20-foot plunge; earlier surveys listed 25 feet. The upper slide is partly hidden from the usual viewpoint.
Getting there
The hike from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead is 0.8 mile one way with 233 feet of gain. The trailhead lot fills early, and the park advises leaving the car at the Park & Ride, about 5.2 miles up Bear Lake Road, and riding the free Bear Lake Shuttle.
The Glacier Gorge Trailhead and parking area are closed to all use, including shuttle stops, from September 28 to October 1 and from October 5 to 8, 2026, for erosion repairs; they reopen October 2 to 4. During the closures, hikers can reach Alberta Falls from the Bear Lake Trailhead.
Admission to Rocky Mountain National Park is $30 per vehicle for one day or $35 for seven days, plus $100 per person for non-US residents aged 16 and older unless they hold an eligible annual pass. Glacier Gorge is in the Bear Lake Road corridor, so from May 22 to October 18, 2026, a Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road reservation is needed to drive in between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.; the park's standard timed entry does not cover it. The only cost is a $2 processing fee.
When to go
May through September is the recommended season: late May and early June bring strong snowmelt and fresh aspen leaves, and late September brings yellow aspens. For soft light, try an overcast day, early morning before direct sun, or evening once the sun drops behind the peaks. In winter the falls are largely buried under snow and ice.
On site
The falls can be photographed from the trail. In spring and early summer the snowmelt is cold and powerful, so stay back from the water. Pets are prohibited on park trails; trained service animals are allowed.
History and name
The falls are named for Alberta Sprague, wife of Abner Sprague; the couple were early settlers and lodge operators in the Estes Park area.
Nearby
Glacier Falls on Glacier Creek is about 0.7 mile away, Chaos Creek Cascades about 0.9 mile and Jewell Lake Falls about 1.6 miles.
Distances are straight-line.