Chasm Falls on Old Fall River Road, Rocky Mountain National Park

Chasm Falls lies just off Old Fall River Road on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. The Old Fall River Road, completed in 1920, ranks as one of the park’s original routes. This historic, narrow mountain road climbs toward Fall River Pass with tight switchbacks, offering access to subalpine terrain and several pullouts near the falls. It is open to vehicles during the warm months. The Fall River cuts through resistant Precambrian granite here, forming a narrow chute that accelerates the flow before it drops into a confined pool below. The surrounding rock walls display fractures and weathered textures typical of the Front Range, while scattered conifers anchor themselves in shallow soils along the rim. In this horizontal composition, the waterfall sits slightly right of center, allowing the granite walls and forested edges to balance the frame. The wider perspective adds context and shows how tightly the river funnels through the gorge rather than isolating the main drop. Photographers benefit from diffused light in the shaded gorge. Use a tripod and moderate long exposure to smooth the water while preserving detail in the rock textures.

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