Waterfall Hikes Near Cortez, CO

8,832 residents
Denver Time Zone
2 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Canyon and mesa country surrounds Cortez, and only two falls land inside its radius. Eagle Falls is a tenth of a mile from the car. McElmo Falls takes its name from the creek that drains west toward Utah, and the page holds little verified data on it, so go with modest expectations and a camera anyway. Spring runoff is the best window in this dry corner of Colorado.

Located at 37.3503°N, -108.5768°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Cortez

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

2 of 2 gauged

1 of 2 waterfalls near Cortez is flowing strongly today

Eagle Falls Strong McElmo Falls Moderate

Updated about 1 hour ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Saturday

Sunny · 64°F

Fri 62°F Patchy Fog then Sunny
Sat 64°F Sunny Best
Sun 60°F Mostly Cloudy
Mon 64°F Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Tue 64°F Chance Rain Showers
Wed 64°F Rain Showers Likely
Thu 58°F Rain Showers Likely

Flowing best right now near Cortez

Updated about 1 hour ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

  1. 1 Eagle Falls Strong · 193 cfs 85th percentile
  2. 2 McElmo Falls Moderate · 23 cfs 71st percentile

Know when to go.

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Find waterfalls to hike near Cortez

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All 2 Waterfalls Near Cortez

LiDAR terrain view around McElmo Falls in Colorado, about 64 feet of drop LiDAR

McElmo Falls

3.2 miles away
Colorado
Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Eagle Falls waterfall

Eagle Falls

40.5 miles away
Colorado
Unknown
0.1 miles Unknown

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Cortez

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Cortez?

The shortest waterfall hike near Cortez is Eagle Falls at 0.1 miles round trip.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Cortez?

Yes, 2 waterfalls near Cortez have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Cortez?

The closest waterfall to Cortez is McElmo Falls, approximately 3.2 miles away.

🏙️ Other Cities Near Cortez With Waterfalls

Durango, CO
19,148 residents
Montrose, CO
20,394 residents

Nearby Hot Springs

Hot springs near Cortez, Colorado

Trimble Hot Spr, Stratten Warm Spr

Trimble Hot Spr, Stratten Warm Spr

32.9 mi 97°F

Trimble Hot Springs and Stratten Warm Spring share a location near Durango at 97 degrees Fahrenheit, just 9.4 meters from the r...
Tripp Hot Springs

Tripp Hot Springs

33.2 mi 111°F

Tripp Hot Springs emerges at an impressive 111 degrees Fahrenheit near Durango in La Plata County, earning its reputation throu...

Stratten Warm Spring

33.7 mi

Stratten Warm Spring flows near Durango at 6,600 feet elevation, accessible from a roadside pullout with just a 29.5-meter walk...

Pinkerton Hot Springs

37.4 mi

Pinkerton Hot Springs surfaces at a roadside-accessible location just 81 feet from Animas Spring Road, distinguished by remarka...
Pinkerton Hot Springs

Pinkerton Hot Springs

37.8 mi 90°F

Pinkerton Hot Springs emerges at 90°F at 6,748 feet elevation in La Plata County near Durango, where exceptional iron concentra...

Paradise Warm Spring

38.5 mi 115°F

Paradise Warm Spring emerges at 115°F at the substantial elevation of 8,659 feet near Mountain Village, where extremely high ch...

Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Cortez, Colorado on SoakingSprings.

Explore Colorado springs

Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

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Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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