Andrus Hotel | Dillon

Information

Landmark: Andrus Hotel
City: Dillon
Country: USA Montana
Continent: North America

Andrus Hotel, Dillon, USA Montana, North America

Alberta Falls is a waterfall located within Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, Colorado.

Visual Characteristics

The falls descend approximately 30 feet over a series of granite rock formations. The water is typically clear, with a light foam at the base. Surrounding vegetation consists of lodgepole pine, aspen, and various undergrowth species.

Location & Access Logistics

Alberta Falls is accessible via the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, located 3.5 miles north of Estes Park on Bear Lake Road. The trailhead parking lot has a capacity of approximately 100 vehicles and often fills by 8:00 AM during peak season. An alternative is to utilize the Hiker Shuttle from the Estes Park Visitor Center. The hike from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead to Alberta Falls is approximately 0.8 miles one-way, following a well-maintained dirt path.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The falls are a result of glacial erosion, with the Glacier Creek carving its path through Precambrian granite over millennia. The surrounding landscape was shaped by past glacial activity.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation of the waterfall is the primary activity. Photography is permitted. The trail to the falls is suitable for moderate hiking.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no restrooms or food vendors directly at Alberta Falls. Cell phone signal is intermittent to non-existent along the trail and at the falls. Shade is provided by the surrounding forest canopy.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting for photography, visit between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The months of June through September offer the most favorable weather conditions. Water flow is generally highest in late spring and early summer due to snowmelt.

Facts & Legends

The area was historically used by Native American tribes for hunting and gathering. A specific local legend associated with Alberta Falls is not widely documented, but the park itself holds numerous indigenous stories and historical accounts of early exploration.