Fall River Road, Coyote Valley, & Adams Falls

August 23, 2010

Fall River Road was the first drivable route into Rocky Mountain National Park.  The guide books mention hiking it but I wouldn't recommend it.  There isn't much to see along the way, it's 9 miles one way, and it's very steep and narrow with cars passing you.  We decided to drive it.

Chasm Falls is a cute little waterfall about 2.6 miles into the drive up Fall River Road.  It surprised me really, I wasn't expecting it to be this pretty.


Fall River Road is open during warmer months.  It's not paved and it's a rough road, but there are some nice views if you get the chance to drive it.  I wouldn't hike it.

Next on our journey this day was Coyote Valley Trail.  This trail is one of the trails on the west side of the park.  We hadn't been over that way yet so we thought we'd try this one. 

This trail is a very easy 1.6 miles, so easy it would accomodate a stroller.  The trail elevation is only 8,846 feet and there is no gain at all.  It's a peaceful stroll along a nice little creek, and there are some nice mountain views, but it's far from exciting.  We thought it may be good for wildlife viewing but we didn't see anything.

Last stop was Adams Falls.  This is a beautiful waterfall!  The hike to to the falls is .6 miles roundtrip, and it's somewhat easy.  The elevation gain is less than 100 feet and a little rocky but the view is well worth it! 

To get to Adams Falls take the East Inlet Trailhead which is close to Grand Lake, another must see.