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Fern Falls - 2.7 miles


Trail Type: Waterfall Hike
Trailhead: Fern Lake

Trailhead Elevation: 8,155'    
Destination Elevation: 8,824'

​Total Elevation Gain: 669'
​
Total Roundtrip Miles: 5.4

Fern Falls, Rocky Mountain National Park
Fern Falls
Trail Description
This trail has experienced significant fire damage from the 2020 East Troublesome Fire.
​
This hike is an extension of the trail to The Pool on the way to Fern Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The 1.7 miles to The Pool is a relatively easy hike with not too much elevation gain. After The Pool, you can notice the affects of the 2012 "Fern Lake Fire" at the footbridge that crosses a small stream. The trail then gains in elevation and switch backs through montane forest before reaching the Falls.s.

How to Get There
​Take the Bear Lake Road from US 36 for 1 mile to the Moraine Park Campground road and follow signs to the Fern Lake trailhead. Parking during the summer season is very limited. It's best to utilize the 
Hiker Shuttle from the Estes Park Visitor Center and the Park Shuttle Buses.
Trail Profile
Profile, Fern Falls Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park
See an Index of Trail Profiles here
​Weather Information
NWS Weather Link
Trail Map
Fern Falls Trail Photo Gallery
Blog Posts
The Trail to the Pool/Fern Falls is Alpine Spring Beauty Ready to Hike in
Rocky Mountain National Park
A Hike to Fern Lake a Year after the East Troublesome Fire

Picture
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  • Home
  • Hike Rocky Magazine
    • Hike Rocky magazine
    • RMNP Updates
    • Trail Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Science & Ecology
    • History & Current Issues
    • Stories & Adventure
    • Culture and Arts in the Park
    • The Continental Divide Story, 1977 by Kip Rusk
  • Trail Guide to RMNP
    • Trails by Location
    • Trails by Distance
    • Trails by Destination
    • Index of Trails
  • Wildflowers of RMNP
    • April/May Flowers
    • June/July Flowers
    • August/September Flowers
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Supporting Partners
    • Media Kit
    • 2025 Hike Rocky Print Edition
    • 2024 Hike Rocky Print Magazine