Alberta Falls from Glacier Gorge Trailhead: 1.7 miles round trip, approximately 200 feet of elevation gain, with a maximum elevation around 9,400 feet.

Whenever someone comes to visit us in Colorado and wants to go for a hike, Alberta Falls is one of the first places that comes to mind.

Why?

Because it’s easy-ish.

I say “easy-ish” because there’s a big difference between an easy Colorado hike and an easy hike when you’re coming from sea level.

And I’ve learned that lesson more than once.

Alberta Falls Is One of Our Go-To Hikes

We’ve taken family and visitors to Alberta Falls because it’s a relatively short hike, the trail is beautiful, and you get a pretty impressive payoff without spending your entire day on the trail.

It’s one of those hikes where you can say, “Sure, let’s go for a hike!” without necessarily committing everyone to a six-hour mountain adventure.

The trail to Alberta Falls from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead is about 1.7 miles round trip with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain. The elevation, however, is around 9,400 feet, which is worth remembering if you’re visiting Colorado from somewhere closer to sea level.

That “easy” rating can feel a little different when your lungs aren’t used to Colorado.

I’ve Seen Alberta Falls in Several Seasons

One of the things I love about hiking is that you can return to the same place and barely recognize it.

I’ve been to Alberta Falls in winter, when everything feels like a completely different world. I’ve also hiked past the falls on the way to Mills Lake, and I’ve been back with family when we wanted something shorter and easier.

The landscape changes with the season, the weather changes the mood, and even the light can make the same trail feel completely different.

That’s one of my favorite things about hiking in Colorado.

You can go back to a familiar trail and still find something new.

Taking My Mom to Alberta Falls

When my mom came to visit us for three weeks, we decided Alberta Falls would be a good hike to do together.

Again, it’s rated easy. Easy-ish, anyway. 😂

But my mom was coming from sea level, and she has some lung issues, so I knew we needed something that wasn’t going to be an all-day, strenuous adventure.

The uphill sections were definitely noticeable. Even though it’s a relatively short hike, you’re still hiking at nearly 9,400 feet, and Colorado elevation has a way of reminding you who’s in charge.

So we took our time.

Sometimes that’s part of the fun of hiking in Colorado. You slow down, catch your breath, take in the scenery, and remind yourself that you’re standing thousands of feet higher than you’re used to.

And honestly, that’s one of the reasons I like taking visitors to Alberta Falls. You don’t have to conquer a huge mountain to feel like you’ve gotten out and experienced Colorado.

And Then There Were My New Hiking Boots

This was also the trip where I was wearing my new hiking boots for the first time.

Since Alberta Falls is considered an easier hike, I didn’t exactly put them through their paces on the trail.

So naturally, I decided to climb some boulders.

Because apparently an easy hike wasn’t enough of a test.

I ended up climbing toward the top of the falls.

So far, so good!

I may be a photographer, but apparently I occasionally like to test my comfort zone on rocks, too.

And yes, there is a photograph of me looking down from the top.

Let’s just say that sitting up there gives you a very different perspective of the falls.

The Hike Back Down

On the way back down, I photographed my mom and brother.

And that’s another reason I love these hikes.

They’re not just about checking another trail off a list.

They’re about having somewhere to go together.

Sometimes we’re hiking.

Sometimes we’re stopping to take pictures.

Sometimes we’re just enjoying being outside.

And sometimes we’re all trying to catch our breath.

A Stop in Estes Park

After the hike, we headed into Estes Park.

On another hike to Mills Lake the week before, my sister-in-law and I had stopped for lunch along the River Walk and discovered an Indian restaurant called Nepal’s.

So naturally, I decided my mom and brother needed to try it, too.

And yes, it was pretty good.

I may have only been able to eat two plates of the buffet, which seems like a personal failure considering how hungry I usually am after hiking.

The River Walk in Estes Park was also beautiful that day, so of course I took a few pictures there, too.

Would I Recommend Alberta Falls?

Absolutely.

If you’re visiting Colorado and want to experience a mountain hike without committing to a major backcountry adventure, Alberta Falls is a great option to consider.

Just remember that “easy” is relative, especially at Colorado’s elevation.

Take your time. Drink plenty of water. Pay attention to how you’re feeling, especially if you’re visiting from lower elevation.

And if someone comes to visit me and asks, “Where should we go hiking?”

There’s a pretty good chance I’ll suggest Alberta Falls.

It’s short.

It’s beautiful.

It’s accessible enough for a lot of different hikers.

And after going there in different seasons and with different people, it’s become one of those Colorado places that feels a little bit like an old friend.

More Colorado Hiking Adventures

If you enjoy following along on my hiking adventures, you might also enjoy:

Hiking to Mills Lake
A longer hike with beautiful mountain scenery and a little more of a workout.

More hiking adventures coming soon!

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More Colorado Hiking Adventures

Looking for more places to explore in Colorado? Check out some of my other hiking adventures, from Rocky Mountain National Park to trails throughout Northern Colorado and beyond.

• Mills Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
• Gem Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
• Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park
• See All Colorado Hiking Adventures →