Chasm Falls Hike

Route Description for Chasm Falls Hike

The Chasm Falls Trail is an extremely popular excursion in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Located just a short drive from Estes Park, this adventure is optimal for a family outing into nature. Unfortunately, the popularity of this hike necessitates busy parking lots. The parking at the Endovalley lot is limited, so we recommend arriving early to secure a spot. If the lot is full, fear not! There are two more parking lots at the Alluvial Fan just a few clicks further from the falls. The Old Fall River Road is also subject to seasonal road closures. If you arrive and the gates are locked, you can simply park in the lot and walk the road into the falls! Hiking the road will also reward you with views of the Alluvial Fan and Roaring River. The Chasm Falls Hike is located within the bounds of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Thus visitors are required to purchase a park pass.

Who doesn’t love a waterfall hike, right? We here at 10Adventures are suckers for a good waterfall excursion, and the Chasm Falls Hike delivers just that and more! Starting at the scenic Endovalley Picnic Area, this trail traverses the Old Fall River Road, which was the first auto road in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Time travel as you trek this route and imagine the novelty of this passage back in the day. Today, this road remains incredibly picturesque as it climbs the forested valley and reveals stunning sights of the encompassing mountainous wilderness. Though the route to access the falls is panoramic, it does not compare to the jaw-dropping vistas of the cascading waterfalls from the trail’s overlook.

The Hike to the Chasm Falls departs from the Endovalley Picnic Area and heads west. Turn left onto the Old Fall River Road and trek along the gravel path. As you hike this route, be cautious of cars and bikers passing by. Track west and notice sights of the surrounding snow-dusted peaks. As you ascend the route, Mount Chapin on your right and Sundance Mountain on your left will come into view. Continue hiking the valley between these impressive peaks.

As you climb, the road will eventually guide you through a switchback. Navigate the dramatic switchback, and you will arrive at the Chasm Falls Trailhead. If the Old Fall River Road is open, you can drive directly up to the trailhead, but you miss out on a lot of stunning scenery. From the trailhead, head southeast down the Chasm Falls Trail. Travel alongside the Fall River all the way down to the Chasm Falls overlook. Enjoy the ambiance of the rushing waters and the hypnotic sight of the falls. You can either appreciate the falls from the lookout, or if you are feeling adventurous, you can scramble up the rocky ravine and get a different perspective of the cascades from above.

Rest, appreciate the grandeur of the forested gulch and granite cliffs, and snap a few Instagram photos before heading back. When you are ready, retrace your footsteps all the way back to the picnic area in Endovalley.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall are the Chasm Falls?

The Chasm Falls are 8 m tall.

At what elevation are the Chasm Falls?

The Chasm Falls sit at an elevation of 2,764 m.

How long is the Chasm Falls Hike?

If you depart from the Endovalley Picnic Area, the hike to Chasm Falls is approximately 4.0 km.

Insider Hints for Chasm Falls Hike

• If you are seeking a longer adventure, consider the Old Fall River Road Hike. .
• The Old Fall River Road will likely be closed in the winter months, so trade your hiking boots for snowshoes for the trek into the falls.
• Pack a picnic and eat lunch atop a granite slab alongside the falls.
• Head into Estes Park after your excursion and grab a beer at the Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.