A welcome treat after a long climb, this roaring set of falls is among the most iconic natural attractions in the Rockies.
Along Loch Vale Trail, Timberline Falls is one of the highlights of Rocky Mountain National Park. Its main chute drops about 100 feet (30 meters), with water crashing into the boulders at its base. Clamber over rocks and meander around the edges of rugged ridges to reach this magnificent set of cascades.
Start at the beginning of Glacier Gorge Trail, crossing Chaos Creek and reaching the impressive Alberta Falls, named for one of the first visitors to the national park. The 30-foot (9-meter) falls is a hint of what is to come, at just a third the size of Timberline Falls. Continue to North Longs Peak Trail, turning right at the junction to stay on the correct path.
Pass Mills Junction, which offers side trails to Mills Lake, Black Lake and Lake Haiyaha. Switch to Loch Vale Trail, taking breaks for water and sunscreen application. The route becomes a little more difficult at this point, with meandering switchbacks and an increase in elevation. As you rise, pause to view Icy Brook and the sweeping valley before you.
Stop at Loch Vale to appreciate its beauty, with the impressive summits of Taylor Peak, Thatchtop and The Sharkstooth surrounding it. You’ll soon spot Timberline Falls a fair distance above you on the trail. Clamber on top of piles of rocks to reach the crashing cascades and look back down on scenic Loch Vale.
Find Timberline Falls along Loch Vale Trail, in the southeastern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Use the town of Estes Park as a base and drive southwest for 12 miles (19 kilometers) to get to Glacier Gorge Trailhead in about half an hour. You can also travel around via the park’s free shuttle bus. Continue along a strenuous hike southwest to reach other stunning gems of Lake of Glass and Sky Pond.
Purchase a weekly or annual pass to return to the park to enjoy other trails to additional areas of remarkable beauty.
