Rocky Mountain National Park's MacGregor Falls Trail

MacGregor Falls Trail

Description:
The MacGregor Falls Trail can be accessed from the Black Canyon Trail via the Twin Owls Trailhead. The trail begins at an elevation of 8,028 feet and climbs to 8,381 feet at the falls in about .8 miles. After hiking about 1.4 miles west on the Black Canyon Trail you'll see a dirt road just below the trail. Drop down to the road and follow it west to the Estes Park Water Supply area and the beginning of the trail. The trail leaves the road to the right just before you get to a log building.

The trail makes a gentle climb through ponderosa pine, following Black Canyon Creek. It enters a narrow gulch along side the stream. The cooler air here is a welcome relief on a hot day. There is a hitch rack about 100 yards from the falls. Horses are not permitted beyond this point. There is a small waterfall just beyond the hitch rack. MacGregor Falls is just beyond that. It takes about 30 minutes to hike to the falls.

Features:

Length:	.8 miles (1.3 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	8,028' - 8,381'
Elevation change:	352 feet
Season:	May 15 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Easy to moderate
Use:	Low
USGS maps:	Estes Park
Trailheads:	Twin Owls
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The nearest access to this trail is via the Twin Owls Trailhead. Travel west on Highway 34 toward the Fall River Entrance. Turn right on Devils Gulch Road and go about .75 miles to the MacGregor Ranch. Follow the ranch road for about .7 miles to the parking area. The road to the parking area is narrow and not suitable for horse trailers. There is room for about 30 vehicles at the trailhead. This trailhead is popular with rock climbers and is often full. Hike about 1.4 miles west on the Black Canyon Trail and then head south a short distance to the trail.

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