Old Fall River Road
Old Fall River Road
4.5
About
This dramatic and scenic roadway built in 1913 followed an old Indian pathway that climbed over 3,000 feet.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Old Fall River Road and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 within 5 kms
Attractions
20 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
522 reviews
Excellent
412
Very good
81
Average
20
Poor
1
Terrible
8
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
extenda
minneapolis42 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Took this road on the way up to the alpine visitor center. Not a ton of places to stop but great views along the way. It is a one way drive so really not that scary and I think any car would do. Would recommend using GypSy guide for RMNP, provides good commentary and even lets you know when you are getting to the “scarier” parts of the drive.
Written September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NF2013_13
Orlando, FL1,066 contributions
Jul 2020
We drove through the park from the Grand Lake Entrance only to find out that the Old Fall River Road was closed! Very disappointing. The weather was perfect so we were very surprised that it does not open until later in the season. We were there the very end of June / first of July.
Written July 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee G
Philadelphia, PA278 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This historic road was on our must-do list and it didn't disappoint. It's hard to imagine the work that went into creating this more than 100 years ago. The driver shouldn't have a fear of heights! Sit behind the driver if you're the nervous type. Take the hairpin switchback turns wide and you shouldn't have a problem in most vehicles (note there are size limits/restrictions). We stopped to bird-watch in the forest along flat stretches and let other vehicles pass so we could take our time. The elevation gain is impressive. You can't turn around until you reach the Alpine Visitor Center, so be sure you want to go before you start!
Written September 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
obdocSanJose
San Jose, CA483 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
Interesting original road to Alpine Visitor’s Center. Drive slowly and watch road carefully as there are many deep ‘ruts’. My husband drove the Prius capably and neither of us found the drive ‘scary’. We traveled mid-week in late September entering the park at 11am. There was not too much traffic and we stopped at many of the turnouts. The drive took us 1.75 hours with plenty of stops and traveling under 15 mph. We returned to Estes Park via Trail Ridge Road. I purchased Gypsy guides which provided interesting commentary
Written September 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KJRKM
Bellingham, WA368 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Taking this road is by far the best way to get to the visitor center. You can then complete the loop by driving down the paved road and checking out the other sites/views. Being from the PNW, I found the entire park decently scenic, but not breath taking. This drive made the loop far more worthwhile, as we felt closer to nature and more “in” the park than when on the paved hwy. I would highly recommend anyone visiting the park in a vehicle with decent clearance to take this route. We didn’t need 4x4, but in a few spots vehicle clearance helped. Not essential if you’re a crafty driver.
Written August 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna
1,608 contributions
Sept 2023
A few kilometers from Estes Park, we chose one of the many entrance stations of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Here we soon got onto the OFRR and you definitely shouldn't miss it!
It is definitely the most adventurous of the drivable routes in the entire RMNP!
In Estes Park, head roughly towards the Picnic Area Endovalley, then the Old Fall River Road is signposted and you can't miss it! The road is not asphalted and not secured, which is surprising given its course: the path climbs to dizzying heights in a relatively short time, with no safety barriers, always along the edge of the abyss, and on sand and gravel.
But we didn't have a 4WD, but a normal city SUV, and we managed just fine with it! If it was wet, I would strongly advise against driving along here, but if it was dry and the sun was shining like we had, it would be a shame to avoid this beautiful route!
In winter, however, the road is closed, which is also very sensible.
There is only one official stop, right at the beginning, and that is the Chasm Falls. A small footpath leads directly to the waterfall, which is definitely worth seeing!
There are always parking spaces or alternative options if you want to let someone pass behind you or just get out and look around. I, as the driver, particularly liked doing this because I had to concentrate very much on the route while driving and couldn't look too far into the distance. After all, it is a one-way road, otherwise it wouldn't be possible.
In total, we are talking about 9 miles of road, which took us exactly an hour and a half. If you make the most of the 15mph limit and don't stop so often, you can of course go much faster, but I don't see the point in that.
For the most part, I only drove half as fast as allowed! It really gives you an off-road feeling! But it's all doable.
It is definitely the most adventurous of the drivable routes in the entire RMNP!
In Estes Park, head roughly towards the Picnic Area Endovalley, then the Old Fall River Road is signposted and you can't miss it! The road is not asphalted and not secured, which is surprising given its course: the path climbs to dizzying heights in a relatively short time, with no safety barriers, always along the edge of the abyss, and on sand and gravel.
But we didn't have a 4WD, but a normal city SUV, and we managed just fine with it! If it was wet, I would strongly advise against driving along here, but if it was dry and the sun was shining like we had, it would be a shame to avoid this beautiful route!
In winter, however, the road is closed, which is also very sensible.
There is only one official stop, right at the beginning, and that is the Chasm Falls. A small footpath leads directly to the waterfall, which is definitely worth seeing!
There are always parking spaces or alternative options if you want to let someone pass behind you or just get out and look around. I, as the driver, particularly liked doing this because I had to concentrate very much on the route while driving and couldn't look too far into the distance. After all, it is a one-way road, otherwise it wouldn't be possible.
In total, we are talking about 9 miles of road, which took us exactly an hour and a half. If you make the most of the 15mph limit and don't stop so often, you can of course go much faster, but I don't see the point in that.
For the most part, I only drove half as fast as allowed! It really gives you an off-road feeling! But it's all doable.
Written October 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dfgeewhiz
Hopkinsville, KY61 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
This road was so much fun. we had a 4 wheel drive F350 and a few curves were tight, but exciting. So many awesome views and we loved it. If you have the time and the nerve, try it. If you don't like heights and curves, we suggest you forgo this one. We saw many cars doing it also. I would suggest front wheel drive though.
Written July 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
princessebird
Fort Worth, TX213 contributions
Jul 2020
This one-way dirt-packed road might be intimidating, but it is well worth it! Lots of scenery and views that can't be seen elsewhere. Just go slow and just about any vehicle should be fine. We were in a pick-up and a few switchbacks required us to take two attempts. Don't miss the Chasm Falls near the beginning of the road, up after a switchback while you are heading west. Far better than the Alberta Falls, and far easier to get to.
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Love-To-Travel
Chicago, IL3 contributions
Jul 2022
The drive was great! My husband drove, so I got to enjoy all the views. Take your time, stop whenever you can and take a walk to soak it in, You can take a short hike in the alpine meadows, before you get to the top, look at myriad of flowers and enjoy the solitude. Take the first hike up before you get to the alpine center, it has much better views, although it is more strenuous. Go as early as possible in am, the road gets crowded.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JENNIFER T
Grand Junction, CO759 contributions
Jul 2020
Awesome drive. One way only from East side of the park to the West side/ Alpine Visitor's Center. It is a dirt road but very hard packed and easy to drive on. There are lots of switch backs as you climb and climb some more. You only go about 15 miles per hour (if that depending on who you might be driving behind) but that is a perfect speed to enjoy the scenery. It is about 10 miles and takes about 1.5 hours so you are going very slow and stopping for the views along the way. Fabulous views first the greenery and then the tundra as you get higher and higher.
Stopping at Chasam Falls is a must. It is a beautiful falls only a short number of stairs down to view right on the side of the road. There is a parking pull over to safely stop. There are also a number of small pull over along the road to let other drivers pass or to stop and enjoy the views. You end up at Alpine visitor's center which has very unique views and land space. Make sure you are prepared for the wind.
Stopping at Chasam Falls is a must. It is a beautiful falls only a short number of stairs down to view right on the side of the road. There is a parking pull over to safely stop. There are also a number of small pull over along the road to let other drivers pass or to stop and enjoy the views. You end up at Alpine visitor's center which has very unique views and land space. Make sure you are prepared for the wind.
Written July 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I want to drive up Old Fall River road to Alluvial Fan area. Can I drive back to the intersection with #34 (fALL RIVER ROAD or is this only one way ?
Written August 13, 2019
fv1989
Windsor, Colorado
18,155 contributions
You wisely posted your question on the TripAdvisor Colorado Travel Forum and I answered it there. Click on your screen name to locate your posts and replies on the Colorado Travel Forum.
To repeat that answer here. It is Endovalley Road that travels from highway 34 (Trail Ridge Road) to and beyond the Alluvial Fan area. Endovalley Road is a paved two way road. Old Fall River Road which is a dirt one way road does not begin until the end of Endovalley Road. Yes, you can drive from highway 34 to the Alluvial Fan and turn around and go back to highway 34.
Written August 15, 2019
Senthil Natarajan
Austin, Texas
can a Hyundai Elantra make it on Old Fall River Road?
Written September 9, 2018
My family will be visiting in about 3 weeks in a 23' 2wd truck with a slide in camper. While we are under the 25' length, I was wondering about how well our truck camper combo could handle the road. Thanks!
Written July 6, 2018
I can only think of one or two switchbacks that will be really tough for you and may require some backing to get in position for the turn, but you’ll be able to make it up. I’d be worried about parking by the water fall or in a turn out. Once you start, stopping and parking may not be possible without blocking the road. As the other reviews have said, go early (7:00 am) and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Written July 17, 2018
Hi,
I am planning to take the Old Fall River road this weekend. I have a sedan which is front-wheel drive. Just wanted to know if AWD is a must for this route.
Thanks,
Arnav
Written June 28, 2018
Do the drive early in the morning. Better chance of seeing wildlife. Fewer cars on the road. You will have no problems driving up Old Fall River Road. I would very strongly suggest that you start up Old Fall River Road as early in the morning as you can. The crowds in the park are outpacing the busiest year ever seen and the road jams early in the morning. If you want to avoid the traffic jams, park at the Alpine Visitor Center, use the restrooms and visit the Xanterra Gift Shop, you have to be on the road by no later than 8:00 AM. any later and you risk getting caught in massive traffic jams. Sorry, that's just the nature of the park now with so many visitors. Good luck and enjoy the drive and scenery. It will be great once you get started up the hill. Enjoy. Cheers, Rich
Written June 29, 2018
'Many years ago' when I first visited RMNP, there was a small bus/van that drove up the Old Fall River Road to the visitor's center & then returned to Estes Park via the 'bigger' road. We are making a return visit this fall. Is such a van/shuttle bus still available?
Thank you!
Written June 13, 2018
Good Evening Lynda. There are commercial guided tours that can take you on a trip up Old Fall River Road. One option is the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. The Conservancy provides a very educational and informative tour of Old Fall River Road. I don't know how frequently they do the tour, but I am sure they can provide you with information. Google Rocky Mountain Conservancy. You can also Google guided tours on Old Fall River Road and several companies providing tours will pop up. A third option is to contact the Estes Park Visitor Center and ask them to send or provide information on commercial guides to contact. Rocky Mountain National Park itself does not conduct a guided tours. Your option will be to find a non governmental entity to provide your tour. The cost I saw from googling was about $80 per person. The drive up Old Fall River Road is not a "Death Defying Experience" so you could consider driving up the road your self. There is a 25 foot length limit on vehicles and it is a one way road going uphill, but regular SUV's, sedans and pickup trucks drive up the road just fine. There is a pamphlet the park sells in the gift shops that talks about Old Fall River Road and what you will see along the way. I hope this helps. I volunteer in the park and will be happy to help wit any other questions you may have. Happy planning and have a safe visit this fall. Cheers.
Written June 14, 2018
Can a Ford Transit 12 passenger van with a V6 do this drive safely? Will have 5 adults and 2 babies in car seats so want to make sure this vehicle is safe. Will be traveling in June
Written January 19, 2018
Depends on how long your vehicle is. There are sharp switch back turns as you leave the valley floor as you gain elevation to reach roads end. You can probably make it with the V-6 but your vehicle is loaded down the V-6 will struggle. If road bed is dry I would go fo it. A great path in the park. Many chances to see wildlife. Go in early morning - best time. Enjoy the ride!
Written March 15, 2019
Planning a trip to this park in Late April of 2017, will this road be opened by then or are we coming to early in the season.
Written August 18, 2016
Trail ridge opens as early as Memorial Day weekend but Old Fall River opens much later. All depends on the weather. Old Fall River is a one way, dirt road that isn't normally "clear" until late June or July.
Written January 29, 2018
Can a mini van make it on Old Fall River Road?
Written July 18, 2016
Yes, easily. It's a well maintained gravel road and your mini van will do just fine
Written July 31, 2016
fv1989
Windsor, Colorado
18,155 contributions
Rocky Mountain National Park rangers posted this on Twitter yesterday (October 7).
"Old Fall River Road will remain closed for a couple of days for maintenance and repair work."
You can check the status of Old Fall River Road by going to the official website for RMNP and clicking on the "Road, Trail & Longs Peak Conditions and Closures" tab. You can also call the RMNP information line at 970-586-1206. Old Fall River Road can be temporarily closed at any time due to weather. It will be closed for the season when weather (snow and ice) require rangers to close the road.
Written October 9, 2015
How difficult would this road be driving a extended cab silverado pick up truck?
Written May 19, 2015
fv1989
Windsor, Colorado
18,155 contributions
The only restriction on Old Fall River Road is that vehicles or trailers over 25 ft. in length are not allowed. You should not have any problems driving the road. Unlike Trail Ridge Road, there are not many areas to pull over and park on Old Fall River Road. Old Fall River Road normally opens to vehicles by the July 4th holiday weekend. On rare occasions, it has opened earlier. The road was closed for 2014 due to flood damage from September of 2013. It will reopen to vehicles in 2015.
Written May 21, 2015
Showing results 1-10 of 10
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing