Overview

The Old Fall River Road, Colorado is a leisurely scenic drive through Rocky Mountain National Park, taking you into the high country. This gravel, one-way climb, completed in 1921, was the first automobile route in the park and it hasn’t changed much over the years. The road is open in summer, from around the 4th of July to late September or October, as long as the weather permits.

Driving Directions

Take Highway 34 west out of Estes Park and into Rocky Mountain National Park, following the highway to West Horseshoe Park, bearing right to Endofvalley. This is where Old Fall Road begins. It winds its way through the wilderness up to Fall River Pass.

Time/Distance

Old Fall River Road is eleven miles long, and with a posted speed limit of 15 miles per hour, expect your drive to take at least an hour.

Highlights

Fall River Road, CO provides an opportunity to see Rocky Mountain National Park in a unique way.

Old Fall River Road follows the original path followed years ago by Indian hunters who ventured into the area in search of game. The trip provides the travelers with many opportunities to view the elk that can often be seen feeding on the foliage. You should also view some bighorn sheep, deer and marmots in your travels.

Not far into the drive, you’ll discover a pullout for Chasm Falls, where you can take a short steep trail to this beautiful 30-foot cascade.

Farther along, you can access the Chapin Creek Trailhead from Old Fall River Road, hiking to Chapin Creek, Chapin Pass and Hazeline Lake.