14ers.com • Trailhead Info and Status (Chapin Pass Trailhead)

Chapin Pass Trailhead

Location

Front Range
40.26093° N, -105.43815° W

Road Difficulty

1 (0=Paved, 6=Very Difficult 4WD)
Old Fall River is one way. Return via Trail Ridge Road.

Driving Directions

Chapin Pass trailhead is located on Old Fall River Road inside the Fall River Road Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. From Estes Park take Highway 34 to the Fall River Entrance. From the entrance follow the road just past the viewing area for bighorn sheep, with Bighorn Mountain on your right. Turn right after 2 miles in the park and head up Old Fall River Road. Travel 6.9 miles up Old Fall River Road, counting from when it turns to dirt. The trailhead has a clear sign. Park on the turn out at the left side of the road. Note that Rocky Mountain National Park has a substantial entry fee and pet restrictions.

Winter Access

Old Fall River Road is closed in winter. It usually opens in July. Trail Ridge Road is a few weeks sooner.

Status Updates
2015-07-20 Posted By: awake Info: Was able to get up the Old Fall River Road in my 2WD without any problems.
2014-06-29 Posted By: franklin411 Info: For the moment, the Chapin Pass trailhead can be accessed by walking 2 miles down Old Fall River Road from the Alpine Visitor‘s Center. We were told that work would soon begin on the road, and no one would be allowed to access the trailhead until work is completed, which probably means the entire summer.
2013-07-10 Posted By: krishcane Info: Old Fall River Road is open