Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Agnes Vaille Falls
Agnes Vaille Falls is a scenic waterfall located in the San Isabel National Forest near Nathrop, Colorado. It is a popular destination for its short hike and picturesque views, especially during the spring and summer when water flow is strongest.
The Setting
Agnes Vaille Falls sits at 9,278 feet within San Isabel National Forest, fed by the Arkansas River, in the high alpine of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Cascade Creek Trail (#1433), a 0.6-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 100 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
CASCADE CREEK TRAIL #1433
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
0.88 miTrail Description
The trail to Agnes Vaille Falls is a short and relatively easy hike, making it suitable for most visitors. It features a well-maintained path with minimal elevation gain, leading to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by rocky cliffs. The area was impacted by a rockslide in 2013, so visitors should stay on marked trails for safety.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Agnes Vaille Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Agnes Vaille Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during late spring or early summer when the snowmelt increases the water flow. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring icy conditions.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with San Isabel National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Stay on marked trails to avoid unstable areas affected by past rockslides. Be cautious of loose rocks and slippery surfaces near the waterfall. Check weather conditions before visiting, as storms can cause flash flooding.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge ARKANSAS RIVER NEAR NATHROP, CO (18 km away).
Today
Roaring
392 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Roaring
442 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
468 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
463 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
408 cfs
9/10Sat
Roaring
375 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
444 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid May to mid August, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Nathrop hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 432 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 9,405 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 229 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 185 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 9,405 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 432 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Agnes Vaille Falls is located off County Road 162 near Nathrop, Colorado. From Buena Vista, take US-285 south, then turn west onto County Road 162. Follow the road for approximately 8 miles to the trailhead parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area at the trailhead, but it may fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Elevation
9,278 feet above sea level
Coordinates
38.720552° N, -106.234465° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and summer months. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven sections. Be cautious of loose rocks near the waterfall.
This trail sits at 9,278 ft — the air is noticeably thinner
High AltitudeSome visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.
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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)
Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.
Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex
Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Whitewater Peak - Cozy Retreat with Scenic Views
Slackwater Inn
Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Mount Princeton Hot Springs, St. Elmo Ghost Town, and the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.
Wildlife
The area is home to wildlife such as deer, marmots, and various bird species. Be cautious and respectful of wildlife.
Cities near Agnes Vaille Falls
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