Are there fees or permits required for Bessies Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Bessies Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Bessies Falls.

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Bessies Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bessies Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Bessies Falls.

Colorado

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

White River National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Trail Length

0.1 miles

About Bessies Falls

Bessies Falls is a tucked-away cascade in Colorado, dropping through rocky ledges and sheltered by a mix of montane vegetation that gives the site a quietly scenic, off-the-beaten-path feel. The falls sit within the White River National Forest and are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, so the surrounding landscape retains a rugged, natural character that rewards hikers looking for a peaceful nature stop rather than a developed viewpoint. The U.S. Forest Service maps a nearby route as Himes Peak (Trail #1877), and hikers often use an approximately 2.4-mile out-and-back route with about 350 feet of elevation gain to reach the falls; the hike is generally rated moderate. If you’re planning an overnight stay, Shepherds Rim Campground is only about 3.15 km away, making Bessies Falls a pleasant day trip or short add-on to a camping stay in the White River National Forest.

The Setting

Bessies Falls sits at 9,281 feet within White River National Forest, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Himes Peak (#1877), a 0.1-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

HIMES PEAK #1877

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

0.11 mi

Trail Description

Trail: out-and-back, approximately 2.4 miles round trip with about 350 feet elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. The U.S. Forest Service lists the nearby official route as Himes Peak (Trail #1877) — a short mapped segment of roughly 0.11 miles with a native-material surface and a Class 3 rating. Expect primarily native trail surface; the Class 3 designation indicates short sections where hands-on scrambling or steeper, rockier footing is possible. Plan for variable footing and use caution on exposed or uneven sections.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a quiet and scenic waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in Colorado.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bessies Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Bessies Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as snowmelt typically enhances the water flow.

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 White River National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The trail may be unmarked or involve rugged terrain. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and watch for sudden weather changes.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near No Name 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 ground through the falls loses about 231 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 9,299 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 284 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 137 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Bessies Falls near No Name, Colorado, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 9,299 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 231 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Specific directions to Bessies Falls are not widely documented. It is recommended to consult local hiking guides or AllTrails for the most accurate route information.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors may need to park at a nearby trailhead or along the road, depending on the access point.

Elevation

9,281 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.000538° N, -107.278944° W

Land Management

White River National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for variable terrain.

This trail sits at 9,281 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

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

SHEPHERDS RIM CAMPGROUND

2 miles away · 16 sites

Reservable

Overview Surrounded by mountains and nestled near the wilderness, the Shepherds Rim Campground at Trappers Lake has 15 scenic campsites. Located at 9,720 feet in elevation, visitors can locate this campground on the right side of the road as you travel south from the Trappers Lake Outlet area.Recreation Trappers Lake is known as the Cradle of Wilderness. At approximately 302 surface acres, the lake contains a strain of native cutthroat trout and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife operates a spawn co

Book on Recreation.gov