Adams Falls Trail Tours

Estes Park showing a river or creek and forest scenes
Estes Park featuring rapids
Estes Park which includes tranquil scenes and a river or creek
Estes Park which includes forest scenes and a bridge
Estes Park which includes rapids


Located on the border of Rocky Mountain National Park and the town of Grand Lake, this short loop trail leads to a picturesque waterfall.

Discover the natural beauty of north central Colorado along Adams Falls Trail. Follow the brief trail through lush forests to the tumbling Adams Falls.

The trail is fairly easy and popular because of its accessibility. Follow the 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) loop trail through a mixed forest of aspens and pines. Midway through the loop, reach the overlook at Adams Falls. The waterfall drops more than 50 feet (15 meters) down a narrow rocky gorge.

After you’ve seen the falls, you have a few options. Adams Falls leads to a stream. Follow it a bit farther or continue along one of the many other interconnecting trails. Otherwise, simply loop back and return the way you came.

East Inlet Trail shares its trailhead with Adams Falls Trail. For a more robust hike, follow East Inlet Trail for 8 miles (13 kilometers) to Spirit Lake. Relax on the shores of the crystal clear lake, surrounded by enormous peaks. If you’re equipped for a longer trek, continue on to Fourth Lake and over Boulder Grand Pass and beyond.

As you hike, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful nature that surrounds you. Fields and forests spring into bloom during warmer months. Be watchful and you may even spot a moose.

Adams Falls Trailhead has plenty of parking. The nearby town of Grand Lake is less than a 10-minute drive away. Grand Lake, which began as a mining supply town, is now a tourist destination. Enjoy its friendly small-town atmosphere and basic amenities.

Use Adams Falls Trail as a jumping-off point to explore Rocky Mountain National Park, which extends east from Grand Lake. The sprawling national park, which spans the Great Continental Divide, encompasses snow-capped mountains, pristine forests and alpine tundra.

For the best hiking conditions, visit Adams Falls Trail between June and November. In off-season months, snowfall can make the trails treacherous. Horseback riding is also allowed on the trail.

Plan a trip to see Adams Falls Trail

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Glenwood Springs Inn
Grand Hyatt Vail
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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Adams Falls Trail

Grand Lake Lodge

Grand Lake Lodge

3.5 out of 5
15500 US-34, Grand Lake, CO
Grand Lake Lodge
The Gateway Inn

The Gateway Inn

3 out of 5
120 Lake Avenue, Grand Lake, CO
The Gateway Inn
Big Horn Lodge

Big Horn Lodge

2 out of 5
613 Grand Ave, Grand Lake, CO
Big Horn Lodge
Lone Eagle Lodge

Lone Eagle Lodge

2 out of 5
712 - 720 Grand Ave, Grand Lake, CO
Lone Eagle Lodge
Columbine Cabins

Columbine Cabins

3 out of 5
416 Grand Ave, Grand Lake, CO
Columbine Cabins
Spirit Lake Lodge

Spirit Lake Lodge

2 out of 5
829 Grand Avenue, Grand Lake, CO
Spirit Lake Lodge
New Grand Lake Listing, Walk to town, Amazing Views, Great for Families!

New Grand Lake Listing, Walk to town, Amazing Views, Great for Families!

Grand Lake
New Grand Lake Listing, Walk to town, Amazing Views, Great for Families!
Luxury home w/ amazing views from all 3 levels + XL Hot tub!

Luxury home w/ amazing views from all 3 levels + XL Hot tub!

Grand Lake
Luxury home w/ amazing views from all 3 levels + XL Hot tub!
Walk to Downtown! Amazing views! Quiet, peaceful space! Rustic cabin, free WiFi

Walk to Downtown! Amazing views! Quiet, peaceful space! Rustic cabin, free WiFi

Grand Lake
Walk to Downtown! Amazing views! Quiet, peaceful space! Rustic cabin, free WiFi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Adams Falls Trail

At Adams Falls Trail in Grand Lake, Colorado, visitors can enjoy a peaceful hike amidst stunning natural scenery. The trail offers a fantastic opportunity for camping and outdoor exploration, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're embarking on the Adams Falls hike or wandering along happy trails, this destination promises a refreshing escape into the great outdoors.

Food and drinks

For a taste of kokanee salmon, visit the Rapids Lodge and Restaurant, where you can enjoy this local delicacy grilled to perfection. Another great spot is the Grand Lake Brewing Company, offering a relaxed atmosphere and craft beers to pair with your meal.

Shopping

The closest shopping option is Cascades of the Rockies Bookstore, just 0.7 miles from Adams Falls Trail. If you're up for a drive, head to Stanley Village, 19 miles away, for a variety of family-friendly shops and entertainment options, or visit Eagle Plume's, located 15 miles away.

Recreation

Explore the tranquil Shadow Mountain National Recreation Area for serene hikes and peaceful surroundings. Enjoy a round of golf at Grand Lake Golf Course, where scenic views enhance your game. For family fun, Lilliput Mini Golf offers a lively atmosphere filled with adventure and laughter.

Adventure

The Grand Lake Nordic Center, located 1 mile from Adams Falls Trail, offers exhilarating skiing experiences amidst stunning winter landscapes. Meanwhile, the Ute Trail, 0.9 mile away, invites you to explore breathtaking outdoor scenery on a thrilling hike. For a longer adventure, the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, 19 miles distant, provides an exciting access point to rugged terrains.

Nightlife

In Grand Lake, the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre offers a charming cultural experience just 0.4 miles from Adams Falls Trail, perfect for families and couples. For film lovers, Reel Mountain Theater, located 19 miles away, provides a cozy cinematic escape, while Keythedral Theater, 16 miles away, features captivating performances.

Find the best attractions near Adams Falls Trail

Adams Falls Trail in Grand Lake, Colorado, offers stunning outdoor experiences with attractions like the towering Adams Falls and the serene Grand Lake. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park and enjoy the picturesque views at Monarch Lake. This area is perfect for those seeking adventure, scenic landscapes, and a chance to connect with nature, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.

  • Rocky Mountain National Park: Just 10 miles from Adams Falls Trail, this national park boasts breathtaking scenery and endless outdoor adventures. Hike through stunning alpine landscapes, spot diverse wildlife, and enjoy picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains that will leave you in awe.
  • Grand Lake Marina: Located a mere 0.6 miles away, Grand Lake Marina offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, or simply soak up the sun on the beach, surrounded by the beauty of the lake and mountains.
  • Lake Granby: About 7 miles from Adams Falls Trail, Lake Granby is ideal for a romantic getaway. Enjoy scenic views, beach activities, and tranquil moments by the water, making it a perfect spot for couples and nature lovers alike.

Best time to go to Adams Falls Trail

The best time to visit Adams Falls Trail can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Adams Falls Trail falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Adams Falls Trail falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January14.0°F (-10.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February16.3°F (-8.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
March24.6°F (-4.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
May41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June54.3°F (12.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August58.6°F (14.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighAverage
September52.2°F (11.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
October36.7°F (2.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November23.7°F (-4.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December14.4°F (-9.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Adams Falls Trail

When visiting Adams Falls Trail, take advantage of the free entry and nearby attractions like Columbine Lake and Emerald Lake. To save on accommodation, consider traveling in January, April, or November for lower rates compared to the summer months. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Use their search tools to find budget-friendly options, and consider combining your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and opportunities to earn cash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Adams Falls Trail are January, April and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Adams Falls Trail about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Adams Falls Trail with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.