Chasm Falls — Attraction in Estes Park

Chasm Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park is a delightful surprise tucked along the historic Old Fall River Road. About 1.5 miles up the narrow, one‑way dirt road from Endovalley Picnic Area, you’ll find a small pull‑off and a short, steep trail leading to the viewpoint. The falls drop roughly 25 feet through a rocky chute, and the roar of rushing water framed by granite walls is both dramatic and serene .

The drive to get there is half the fun. Old Fall River Road is a one‑way, unpaved gravel route about 9–11 miles long, winding steadily uphill with hairpin turns, lovely alpine meadows, and no guardrails . Vehicles don’t need to be off‑road capable, but you’ll want good tires and steady nerves—the speed limit is a cautious 15 mph, and it’s recommended you pull over in designated spots to let others pass .

Once you park, the path to the falls is an easy, brief descent—just slick, so watch your step. There’s a viewing platform and stairs right at the lip of the canyon. You’ll often see marmots or even elk along the way, and the forested canyon setting makes it feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem .

No special reservation is needed beyond your park entry, but Old Fall River Road opens seasonally (typically early July to mid-October), weather permitting . If the road is closed, you can still access Chasm Falls by hiking from Endovalley or Alluvial Fan—adds a mile or two but offers more scenery .

In summary: Chasm Falls is the perfect blend of easy adventure and rugged charm—a stunning waterfall in a quiet canyon reached via a scenic dirt‑road cruise through alpine forest. Great for families or anyone looking for a brief getaway on the way up to the Alpine...

Chasm Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder that should not be missed. The sight and sound of the rushing water cascading down the rocky cliffs are simply mesmerizing. The short walk to the falls is relatively easy, making it accessible to most visitors. The lush surrounding forest adds to the scenic beauty, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. For photographers, Chasm Falls offers an excellent opportunity to capture stunning shots of the cascading water against the rugged backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. It's a great spot for a quick nature retreat, and the sound of the falls provides a soothing soundtrack to the experience. Overall I would highly recommend this spot for any person visiting...

We have been to these Falls plenty of times in past years and we go to these Falls normally when Rocky MTN NP opens so we can see the results of the snow melt and enjoy the power of the water. Presently you must park at the Alluvial Fan parking area, which is a couple of miles from the falls. So it will be quite the walk to get to Chasm. Once there you must make your way through the trees on the right side of the rushing stream. The way to the falls is not easy, but most people can make it. There has been for some time now, a hard and well built viewing structure for the falls. We have been to the falls before this viewing area was constructed, so this is a great thing for safety. We are never...