Are there fees or permits required for Apache Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Apache Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Apache Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Apache Falls.

Apache Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Apache Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Apache Falls.

Colorado

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

San Isabel National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (2)

Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Harold Litwiler, Poppy CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Apache Falls

Apache Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Colorado, known for its natural beauty and serene surroundings. It is part of the Cache la Poudre River area, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the cascading waters amidst a picturesque landscape. The falls are a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The Setting

Apache Falls sits at 8,776 feet within San Isabel National Forest, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Apache Falls (#1357), a 1.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is minimally developed (Class 1).

USFS Trail

APACHE FALLS #1357

Trail Class

Minimally Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

0.45 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Apache Falls is relatively short and easy, making it suitable for most visitors, including families. It follows a well-defined path along the Cache la Poudre River, offering scenic views of the surrounding forest and river. The trail may have some uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Apache Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Apache Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Apache Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for hiking.

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

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls and strong river currents. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the area may be prone to flash flooding during heavy rains.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Rye 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.

The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 410 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 8,753 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 203 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 221 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Apache Falls near Rye, Colorado, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Apache Falls near Rye, Colorado, showing about 410 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 8,753 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 410 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Apache Falls is located along the Cache la Poudre River in northern Colorado. It can be accessed via Highway 14, also known as the Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway. Visitors should look for signs or trailheads leading to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available along Highway 14 near the trailhead. However, spaces may be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

8,776 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.854731° N, -104.988880° W

Land Management

San Isabel National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends or holidays. Bring water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls and stay on designated trails to protect the environment.

This trail sits at 8,776 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some 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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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.

Where to Stay

Under the Rye Sky New-Build Home Near Trails!

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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Nearby Campground

PONDEROSA GROUP - LAKE ISABEL

8.9 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Ponderosa Group Campground, located near the sparkling 40-acre Lake Isabel, beckons large groups for picnicking and camping in the Lake Isabel Recreation Area. The campground accommodates 60 guests for overnight camping. Visitors can enjoy entertainment like volleyball and horseshoes, or head to the lake for canoeing and fishing. Lake Isabel is one of the few lakes in Colorado developed solely for recreational purposes. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the lake attracts many cam

Book on Recreation.gov