Are there fees or permits required for Argenta Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Argenta Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Argenta Falls.

Live Conditions · 112 ft³/s · About average

Argenta Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Argenta Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Argenta Falls.

Colorado

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Slumgullion Earthflow Area of Critical Environmental Concern ACEC · DESG

Photo Credits (4)

U.S. Geological Survey Public Domain · USGS

William Henry Jackson Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Argenta Falls

Argenta Falls is a picturesque roadside cascade near Silverton, Colorado, often enjoyed by travelers along the Million Dollar Highway (Highway 550). The falls are an easy reward for casual sightseeing, but for those who want to stretch their legs and chase different viewpoints, a nearby route takes you up toward more secluded overlooks. The setting is managed as part of the Slumgullion Earthflow Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) and overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM); the landowner record lists DESG for this unit, so visitors are asked to respect site protections and stay on established paths. While the falls are approachable without a long trek, the signed access trail offers a moderately paced outing through the ACEC’s rocky terrain and scrub alpine vegetation. The route is popular with photographers and hikers who appreciate a compact excursion that still delivers elevational change and sweeping views of the surrounding San Juan Range. Plan accordingly for changing mountain weather and pack out whatever you pack in to help preserve this fragile landscape.

The Setting

Argenta Falls sits at 8,957 feet within Slumgullion Earthflow Area of Critical Environmental Concern, fed by the Lake Fork, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Treasure Falls (105 ft) lies 4.3 miles to the northwest. Also nearby: North Clear Creek Falls (100 ft, 12.4 mi).

Treasure Falls North Clear Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back) with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. The route departs from a nearby parking area and follows an unmarked-to-primitive path leading toward viewpoints of Argenta Falls; surface and official USFS trail class/grade data are not provided for this route. Because the falls and trail lie within the Slumgullion Earthflow ACEC managed by the BLM, hikers should remain on established tread and follow ACEC regulations to minimize impact.

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 Argenta Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Argenta Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Argenta Falls is in late spring or early summer when the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery and the water flow is strong. During winter, icy conditions on the highway and near the falls can pose additional hazards.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Roaring

112 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

80 106 248 312

Based on 13 years of record

4.65 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

LAKE FORK BLW LAKE SAN CRISTOBAL NR LAKE CITY, CO

USGS 09123450

0.4 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 106 sq mi

Altitude: 8,991 ft

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Lake City hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Argenta Falls is located along Highway 550, approximately 10 miles south of Silverton, Colorado. The falls are easily accessible from a pullout on the side of the highway.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small pullout area along the highway where visitors can park to view the falls. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

8957 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.989255° N, -107.293897° W

Land Management

Slumgullion Earthflow Area of Critical Environmental Concern ACEC

Managed by BLM

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Be cautious when walking near the falls, as rocks may be slippery. During winter, check road conditions before traveling, as the Million Dollar Highway can be hazardous in icy weather.

This trail sits at 8,957 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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Forbes 5 Star Luxury Hotel - 1 Br Ski-in Ski-out Residence in Mountain Village Colorado

10.0 8 reviews

See all hotels near Lake City

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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Nearby Campground

Mill Creek Campground (CO)

7.8 miles away · 22 sites

Reservable

Overview Mill Creek Campground is located 14 miles southwest of Lake City, Colorado at 9,500 feet above sea level. Nestled along the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, the campground offers a fishing access trail for anglers and river access (though boating is not recommended from this location). The campground is surrounded by the Redcloud Peak and Handies Peak Wilderness Study Areas with world class hiking opportunities just a short drive away, including trails to three 14,000-foot peaks. From th

Book on Recreation.gov