Alluvial Fan Trail

The Alluvial Fan Trail is a short out-and-back in Horseshoe Park. From the west lot, the built path follows the Roaring River across a 56-foot wooden bridge to the waterfall viewpoint, then returns the same way. The mapped corridor is about 0.21 miles one way, or about 0.4 miles round trip. Published totals range from 0.3 to 0.6 miles; this estimate follows the west-lot path, bridge and viewpoint. Allow 30–45 minutes to walk and stop at the falls.

The west path was rebuilt in 2020 with paved, permeable gravel and a wooden bridge. Its average grade is 6%, with one 12-foot section at 10%, and it was designed for mobility access. The east lot reaches the same waterfall area by a separate path with a short section steeper than 19%; it is not recommended for mobility devices and is outside the west-route distance above. The falls and boulders invite closer wandering, but stay on the designated path: off-trail travel in Horseshoe Park is restricted seasonally.

In 1982, the earthen dam at Lawn Lake breached and sent a destructive flood down the valley, carrying vegetation and debris toward the Roaring River. The boulders and sediment around the cascade are remnants of that event, and interpretive signs explain how the fan formed.

The path opens onto Horseshoe Falls, the Roaring River, the Mummy Range and Endovalley. The bridge is the clearest place to frame the falling water with the boulder field below it. In fall, the aspen groves across Endovalley add color to the view. The west lot has vault toilets and picnic tables; parking there can be limited. Pets are not allowed on park trails.