Enjoy a Scenic Drive on Old Fall River Road (U.S. National Park Service)

A small SUV is driving on a narrow, dirt road on with switchbacks and view of mountain peaks. — Enjoy a drive on Old Fall River Road
NPS Photo

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 When Driving on the Road?

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.
The speedlimit is 15 mph - Use a lower gear to help save your breaks.
Be prepared for cooler temperatures as you go up in elevation. Afternoon thunderstorms and lightning are common in July and August.
Drivers with fears of heights and/or steep drops may be advised to avoid this road.

Enjoy a scenic drive on a narrow, dirt road. Look for wildlife including elk, yellow-bellied marmot, coyotes, bighorn sheep and more!

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.

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Historically open to vehicles from early July through mid-October, 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).

From late May to mid-October, a timed entry reservation is required to enter all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park during certain times of the day. Depending on when you plan to start your hike, you might need a timed entry reservation.

Visit the RMNP Timed Entry page on Recreation.gov for details and to make a reservation.

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. Weather can change quickly in the Rocky Mountains. Temporary closures can go into effect at any time.

Old Fall River Road is a one-way uphill dirt road with narrow switchbacks and steep drops. People who are not good with heights might want to avoid this scenic drive. Because the road surface is dirt, this road can become bumpy and 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. Old Fall River Road is one-way up and ends in the parking area for Alpine Visitor Center, located at an elevation of 11,796 feet above sea level.

Enjoy a Scenic Drive on Old Fall River Road