Drive on Old Fall River Road

Take a scenic drive on Old Fall River Road

NPS

Enjoy a Scenic Drive on Old Fall River Road

Built between 1913 and 1920, a drive up Old Fall River Road is an incredible 9.4-mile scenic drive. This unpaved road begins next to Endovalley Picnic Area and follows the steep slope of Mount Chapin's south face. The road ends at the summit of Fall River Pass and the parking area for the Alpine Visitor Center at an elevation of 11,796 feet.

Due to the narrow and steep nature of this road with sharp switch backs, travel on Old Fall River Road is uphill, one-way.

What to Expect?

Old Fall River Road is a narrow, dirt road. Experience an incredible 9-mile scenic drive on Old Fall River Road, beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area and ending at the summit of Fall River Pass and the parking area for the Alpine Visitor Center at an elevation of 11,796 feet.

Take in stunning views of Mount Chapin and Chasm Falls as you climb through the sub-alpine and into the alpine life zones. Old Fall River Road was built over 7 years, beginning in July 1913 and dedicated on September 14, 1920.

Be Prepared

• While safe to drive for most passenger vehicles, Old Fall River Road has a dirt surface and is winding and narrow.
• Beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area, Old Fall River Road is a one-way uphill road only. Old Fall River Road connects with Trail Ridge Road at the Alpine Visitor Center. 
• Drivers have an opportunity to take a short hike to Chasm Falls from a pullout.
• Keep an eye out for wildlife. Elk, mule deer, yellow-bellied marmots and pikas could all be seen on or near the road.
• This road is very narrow and steep, with sharp turns. A some points, the grade is as steep as 16%. Vehicles longer than 25 feet in length and vehicles with trailers are prohibited.
• Keep an eye out for wildlife, bicycles and pedestrians
• Use a lower gear. The speed limit is 15 mph.
• Be prepared for cooler temperatures as you climb in elevation and keep an eye out for afternoon thunderstorms, especially as you climb above treeline.
• Drivers with fears of heights and/or drop offs may be advised to avoid this road. 

Do I Need a Timed Entry Reservation?

During certain hours of the day, visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will need a timed entry reservation. There are two reservation options available: Timed Entry or Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road.

Timed Entry Reservations are required to enter the park between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. These reservations provide access to areas of Rocky Mountain National Park located outside of the Bear Lake Road corridor, including access to Old Fall River Road.

To learn more visit https://go.nps.gov/romo/timedentry.

Details

Activity

Scenic Driving

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets and owners have a special bond. But a national park is not always the best place for pets. Rocky Mountain National Park is a designated natural area, and its purpose is to preserve and protect the park's natural conditions, scenic beauty, and wildlife.
 

Pets are prohibited on ALL Rocky Mountain National Park trails, tundra, and meadows

 

Leashed pets may accompany you only in the following areas:

• Along established roads or in parking areas
• In established campgrounds and picnic areas

Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet. Pets may not make noise that impacts visitors or wildlife. Pet owners must pick up and dispose of pet excrement in trash receptacles.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Beginning of Old Fall River Road

Old Fall River Road begins next to the Endovalley Picnic Area, at the end of Endovalley Road. This is a one-way 9.4-mile dirt road that travels through the montane, subalpine, and alpine ecosystems. Notice changes in vegetation and wildlife as you drive up in elevation.

The road ends at Alpine Visitor Center and merges with Trail Ridge Road at the top of Fall River Pass at an elevation of 11,796 feet (3,595 m).

Reservations

Yes

Depending on what time of day you plan to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, you might need a Timed Entry reservation. To learn more, visit the park's Timed Entry Permit Reservation webpage at https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm

Season

Summer

Old Fall River Road is a seasonal road that is open typically from early July through early to mid-October. During the winter, the road is closed to vehicles.

Accessibility Information

Old Fall River Road is a dirt road with narrow swithbacks. The surface can become uneven later in the season as more vehicles travel on the road.

There are many pullouts along the road with a narrow shoulder. Make room for passing vehicles. Do not stop in the middle of the road. 

You can hike to Chasm Falls by walking down trail with approximately 40 steps made from dirt and rock. There is a viewing platform at the bottom of the steps.