Tucked away in Rocky Mountain National Park, Chasm Falls is a breathtaking cascade that slices through a narrow slot canyon, tumbling down the valley toward Horseshoe Park. While this popular spot is often buzzing with visitors in the warmer months, Greg and I had the rare privilege of experiencing it in absolute solitude—a moment of pure mountain magic.
Hike Details
- Distance: ~4.8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~540 feet
- Trailhead: West Alluvial Fan Parking Area
- Route: Follows Old Fall River Road (closed to vehicles in winter/spring)
A Winter’s Path Through Old Fall River Road
Hiking up Old Fall River Road in early spring felt like stepping into a world between seasons. The familiar dirt road, bustling with cars in summer, had transformed into a serene trail, winding its way through forests and open meadows dusted in white.
The climb was gradual and steady, with each turn revealing new panoramic views of the valley below. Towering evergreens stood like silent sentinels, their branches with lingering snow, while pockets of golden sunshine peeked through, hinting at the changing season.
The crunch of our boots against packed snow was the only sound—except for the occasional chirp of a bird or the distant murmur of flowing water, teasing what was to come.
Nature’s Ice Sculptures Along the Way
One of the most mesmerizing parts of the journey was the intricate icicles clinging to the rock formations along the trail. Some cascaded like frozen waterfalls, stretching in elegant formations down the cliffs, while others hung like delicate daggers, their glassy edges shimmering in the sun.
Every turn seemed to reveal another natural masterpiece, sculpted by winter’s hand and waiting to melt into spring’s embrace.
In some places, the icicles dripped like chandeliers, glistening as the first signs of warmth nudged them toward their eventual collapse.
Chasm Falls – A Hidden Cascade Beneath the Ice
When we arrived at Chasm Falls, it was like stepping into a frozen dreamscape. Unlike the roaring cascade of summer, the waterfall was partially encased in ice, creating a mesmerizing contrast between the solid and the flowing, the stillness and the movement.
Beneath the thick layers of ice and snow, we could hear and glimpse the water still surging, carving its way through the frozen veil, a secret river running beneath winter’s grip. The muffled sound of rushing water, trapped just out of sight, added a sense of mystery—a hidden force, waiting for spring’s warmth to set it free.
With no one else around, we stood in awe, watching the play of light and shadow on the icy walls, the occasional drip of melting icicles the only sign that time had not completely frozen in this magical place.
A Playful Icicle Encounter
On the way back, I couldn’t resist having a little fun with one of the hanging icicles along the trail.
The ice formations were so crystal-clear they looked like delicate glass sculptures, impossibly fragile yet resilient against the elements. I leaned in for a closer look, half expecting to hear them whisper the secrets of winter before they vanished into spring.
Parking & Trail Access
For those hiking to Chasm Falls in spring, parking is available at the West Alluvial Fan Parking Area, located near the start of Old Fall River Road. Since the road is still closed to vehicles, it becomes a perfect hiking route with minimal foot traffic.
Final Thoughts
Would I hike to Chasm Falls again in the spring? Without question.
There’s something magical about seeing a familiar place in an unfamiliar way—when nature presses pause, yet life continues beneath the surface. The frozen waterfall, the hidden movement of water beneath ice, the delicate sculptures hanging from the cliffs—it all made this hike feel like an intimate encounter with a season in transition.
And best of all? For one fleeting moment, this enchanting world was ours alone.
Western Wanderlust Chronicles 
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