Drive Old Fall River Road

Estes Park, Colorado

4.6/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Russell Winterling

This route offers breathtaking views, countless photo opportunities, and an experience you will not forget. Only available July 4th-September.

This amazing drive starts after entering at the Fall River Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park (although any entrance will work this is just the fastest route). Follow Fall River Road just past Sheep Lakes and take your first right onto Endo Valley Rd. From here travel to the Endovalley picnic area, you will see an entrance sign for Old Fall River Road, you have made it.

From here you will travel up a steep 16% grade dirt road for about 9 miles to the Alpine Visitor Center, here you can explore the high country and read about the nearby mountain peaks. On your way up you will follow Fall River and encounter several small waterfalls and small pull off areas where you can get out stretch your legs and take some pictures. Near the top there are some glacier fed steams with impressive waterfalls and cascades just asking for their picture to be taken. Once you've reached the top you must take either Trail Ridge Rd or Beaver Meadows Rd back down. I would recommend Trail Ridge as it offers grand views over some of the park's tallest peaks.

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Features

Photography
Chillin
Dog Friendly
Forest
Picnic Area
Scenic
Waterfalls

Drive Old Fall River Road Reviews

A great rare glimpse of the old world in the parks. Make sure your vehicle isn’t loo long and sits high enough to make the switch backs and get over the potholes. This road is only open after the snow has melted along it. Some years it opens Memorial Day, some years it isn’t open after July Fourth.

Such a beautiful drive. Especially if you are trying to kill and little time and are completely beat from hiking and climbing the day before.

Outstanding views of the mountain range and valleys! A lot less traffic than Trail Ridge Road.

Extremely pretty drive and very fun! Steep drop offs on the sides of the road. Not for the weak of heart!

Definitely a pretty drive with less traffic than Trail Ridge Road, make sure to stop often to really enjoy all it has to offer. The past few years the road has seen construction closures and delayed openings due late season snow, be prepared for it to not be open.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Drive through Rocky Mountain NP to Moraine Park

Hike The Mummy Kill (a.k.a. Mummy Mania)

Hike to Lawn Lake, Rocky Mountain NP

Hike the Ypsilon Lake Trail

Rocky Mountain NP's Trail Ridge Road

Hike Deer Mountain