Adams Falls

Adams Falls is a waterfall on East Inlet, on Rocky Mountain National Park’s west side near Grand Lake. It drops about 55 feet through a narrow rock gorge in several steps. From East Inlet Trailhead, the falls are a 0.3-mile walk one way, with 79 feet of elevation gain. The waterfall is not visible from the trailhead parking area, and the short climb includes uneven, rocky footing.

A lower overlook faces into the gorge. Steps continue beside the cascade to a viewpoint above it, where Grand Lake comes into view. The short Falls Trail loops back to East Inlet Trail; route descriptions that include the full loop measure the outing at about 0.8 to 0.9 mile round trip, longer than the NPS’s 0.3-mile one-way distance to the falls. The trail continues toward East Meadow and open views over East Inlet Creek, so you can make the waterfall a quick stop or keep walking. Moose and elk are sometimes seen farther along, but sightings are never a sure thing.

East Inlet Trailhead has parking and a restroom. The trailhead sits around 8,400 feet, so even this short walk starts high. Summer entry may require a timed-entry reservation for East Inlet; check the current park rules before driving over. Pets are prohibited on Rocky Mountain National Park trails.

The waterfall was once called Ousel Falls. In 1907, a gathering at early settler Jay E. Adams’s home chose the name Adams Falls. The East Inlet Trail itself was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.