Timberline Falls
Larimer County, Colorado
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- Larimer County, Colorado
- Access status
- Park trail route documented; Bear Lake Road reservations in season
- The walk
- About 8.1 miles return
- Ground & access
- Strenuous mountain trail with steep switchbacks and a final rock-step climb of about 200 feet in 0.15 mile.
From the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, pass Alberta Falls, turn right at the North Longs Peak Trail junction, and go straight at Mills Junction onto the Loch Vale Trail. Pass The Loch at about 2.8 miles and keep left at the Sky Pond and Andrews Glacier split. Climb rock steps to the base of Timberline Falls. The scramble beside the falls toward Lake of Glass is optional and much harder. Return the same way.
Plan your visit
Glacier Gorge Trailhead via Alberta Falls, Mills Junction and The Loch to the base of Timberline Falls
Rocky Mountain Hiking Trails gives 8.1 miles round trip with 1,510 feet of gain, reaching the base of the falls at just over 4 miles. Starting at Bear Lake adds about 0.2 mile. Not measured here.
Strenuous mountain trail with steep switchbacks and a final rock-step climb of about 200 feet in 0.15 mile.
Where to start
Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road. The lot is small and fills early; the source suggests the free park shuttle in peak season.
Timing & water
Snow and ice can linger into early summer. Start early to avoid afternoon storms.
Before you go
A park entrance pass is required at all hours; the standard pass is $15 to $35. In 2026, Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road reservations were needed to enter the Bear Lake Road corridor between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. from May 22 to October 18. Dates for 2027 not yet verified.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
Glacier FallsPublished trail route with unmarked final spur; Bear Lake Road reservation season appliesLarimer County, CO1.3 miNE- Ribbon FallsPublished trail route and trailhead documented; Bear Lake Road reservation season appliesLarimer County, CO1.7 miSE
Alberta FallsPublished trail distance, trailhead and park entry rules documentedLarimer County, CO2.0 miNE- Grace FallsPublished trail viewpoint documented; base of falls not recommendedLarimer County, CO2.9 miNW
- North Inlet FallsPark trail route documented; long distance with conflicting mileageGrand County, CO3.0 miW
- Trio FallsBoulder County, CO3.5 miS
- War Dance FallsGrand County, CO3.5 miW
- Fan FallsPartial guide: final section is unmarked social trails above Thunder LakeBoulder County, CO3.8 miS
- Columbine FallsPark trail with falls views documented; entrance pass requiredLarimer County, CO3.8 miSE