Monday, 10/7
Permits:
- Rocky Mountain National Park – Timed Entry + Bear Lake (2–4 p.m.)
Agenda:
- Alluvial Fan
- Old Fall River Rd.
- Chasm Falls
- Alpine Visitor Center
- Alpine Ridge Trail
- Trail Ridge Rd. Overlooks
- Bear Lake
Our first full day in Rocky Mountain National Park was finally here! Excited to start exploring, we skipped sunrise plans to catch up on rest and headed straight to the Alluvial Fan Trail. We entered through the busier Beaver Meadows entrance, arriving just before the 9 a.m. timed entry restriction. Expect some time in line at this entrance if you arrive late morning.
Alluvial Fan Trail
The Alluvial Fan is a unique natural area created by a flood following the Lawn Lake Dam break on July 15, 1982. This rocky site features cascading water flowing over boulders down the mountainside. Trails are well-maintained, with a bridge crossing the stream, making it accessible for all skill levels. While the morning sun and clear skies weren’t ideal for photography, the area was still a joy to explore. Be cautious when climbing the rocks, as they can be slippery. Water flow varies by season; in October, it wasn’t heavy, but the waterfall above was flowing nicely.
Old Fall River Rd. & Chasm Falls
From the Alluvial Fan, we drove Old Fall River Rd., a one-way dirt road winding up to the Alpine Visitor Center. This road closes seasonally, and we were lucky—it was set to close the very next day! The drive is slow, bumpy, and takes about an hour to complete. Along the way, there are pull-offs for scenic views and a trailhead leading to Chasm Falls.
Chasm Falls is a short but steep hike down and back up via stairs. The altitude was noticeable, but the hike was manageable with breaks. While Chasm Falls is a popular stop, we didn’t find it particularly spectacular. If you’re short on time, this trailhead might be worth skipping. The highlight for me was spotting a Stellar Jay near the falls.
Alpine Visitor Center & Alpine Ridge Trail
We timed our arrival at the Alpine Visitor Center perfectly for lunch. Located at the end of Old Fall River Rd., this is the highest-altitude visitor center in the U.S. National Park system, sitting at 11,796 feet above sea level. The cafeteria serves a variety of options, but the standout item is the cinnamon rolls. A staff member recommended heating them for 30 seconds, but we enjoyed them cold—either way, they’re a must-try! The visitor center also has a gift shop and stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
After lunch, we hiked the Alpine Ridge Trail, a short but steep climb to 12,005 feet above sea level. Altitude symptoms were noticeable—headaches and shortness of breath—so we took it slow. The views from the top were breathtaking, with rocky outcrops and a sign marking the elevation for a perfect photo-op. Be mindful of the alpine tundra, a delicate ecosystem, and stick to designated trails.
Trail Ridge Rd. Overlooks
Leaving the Alpine Visitor Center, we turned east onto Trail Ridge Rd. and stopped at several overlooks. Although the bright midday sun and cloudless sky weren’t ideal for photography, the views were worth it. At the Rock Cut Overlook, we were lucky enough to spot a pair of bighorn sheep camouflaged against the rugged terrain—binoculars came in handy for this!
Bear Lake: A Sunset Stop
Our final destination for the day was Bear Lake, one of the park’s most popular spots. Often compared to the Grand Canyon for its ability to surpass expectations in person, Bear Lake offers a serene and accessible experience. The lake is wheelchair-friendly, with a short walk from the parking lot to its shores. Despite its popularity, the space around the lake allows for moments of peace and privacy.
Bear Lake is a gem for both sunrise and sunset photography. Since we wanted to avoid early wakeups, we opted for an evening visit. Our timed entry pass for the Bear Lake Corridor was from 2–4 p.m., giving us plenty of time to plan.
Pro Tip: Signs often warn that Bear Lake’s parking lot is full, but we still drove to the lot on all three of our visits and always found parking. Arriving early or later in the afternoon increases your chances.
We scouted the area without our gear first to find a spot for sunset photos. After relaxing with snacks and sandwiches from our cooler, we returned with our gear and set up on a rock by the water. Dinner with a waterfront view! I set up my tripod and was mindful to share the space with others who stopped by for photos. Bear Lake offers two iconic backdrops: Hallet Peak and Longs Peak—both perfect for photography.
As the sun dipped behind the peaks, the scene became even more magical. A curious duck joined us briefly, making for a charming photo op (but remember, don’t feed the wildlife!).
Wrap-Up
As darkness fell, we packed up and began the 30–35-minute drive back to the corridor entry point. We had an early start planned for the next day: a 4:30 a.m. hike to Lake Haiyaha for sunrise. Stay tuned for the next blog post detailing that adventure!
