Are there fees or permits required for Eagle Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Eagle Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Eagle Falls.

Eagle Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Eagle Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Eagle Falls.

Colorado

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 6 other waterfalls also named Eagle Falls, see below

San Juan National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Tim Evanson CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

mrbill78636 CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Tim Evanson CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Trail Length

0.1 miles

About Eagle Falls

Eagle Falls sits within the San Juan National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The waterfall is a peaceful mountain cascade that swells with spring and early-summer snowmelt, offering a scenic reward for a relatively short hike. The common approach is a moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back with about 350 feet of elevation gain, making it an accessible half-day outing for hikers who want close-up views without a long trek. Access is associated with the USFS West Fall Creek Trail (Trail #640). The Forest Service lists that route as Class 2 with a native-material tread and a typical grade of +8-10% (USFS GIS-recorded length 0.06 miles for the official trail segment). Expect mostly natural dirt-and-rock footing and brief uphill stretches as you approach the falls; check current conditions and USFS guidance from San Juan National Forest before you go.

The Setting

Eagle Falls sits at 9,062 feet within San Juan National Forest, fed by the Dolores River, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows West Fall Creek (#640), a 0.1-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

WEST FALL CREEK #640

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

+8-10%

USFS Segment

0.06 mi

Trail Description

USFS trail: West Fall Creek Trail (Trail #640). Trail type: out-and-back. Total distance commonly hiked: 2.4 miles (round trip). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. Surface: native material (dirt and rock). USFS class: 2. Typical grade: +8-10%. USFS GIS-recorded segment length: 0.06 miles (for the mapped trail segment). Expect uneven footing on a natural tread with steady moderate grades and short steeper sections; the trail is managed by the San Juan National Forest (U.S. Forest Service), so consult current trail conditions and any seasonal advisories before heading out.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a serene natural environment with the sound of cascading water and scenic views. The area may be surrounded by forested landscapes and rocky outcrops, offering opportunities for photography and relaxation.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Eagle Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Eagle Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have the most water flow 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. Check with San Juan National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as slippery rocks, sudden weather changes, and wildlife encounters. Always stay on marked trails and inform someone of your plans before heading out.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge DOLORES RIVER BELOW RICO, CO. (14 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

113 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

129 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

118 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

107 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

122 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

133 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

137 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

118 cfs

9/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid July, 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 Rico 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 361 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 9,172 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 188 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 131 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Eagle Falls near Rico, Colorado, showing about 361 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 9,172 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 361 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; 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 northwest).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location and directions to Eagle Falls in Colorado are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local hiking resources or park services for accurate directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. It is recommended to check with local authorities or recent visitor reports for updated information.

Elevation

9,062 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.763739° N, -108.097694° W

Land Management

San Juan National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check weather conditions before visiting, as trails may become slippery or inaccessible during rain or snow. Bring appropriate footwear and plenty of water.

This trail sits at 9,062 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

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

10.0 8 reviews

See all hotels near Cortez

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

WEST DOLORES CAMPGROUND

12.1 miles away · 18 sites

Reservable

Overview West Dolores Campground is located on the West Dolores Road (Forest Road 535), which branches north from Colorado Highway 145 about 20 miles northeast of Dolores. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors by hiking, biking and fishing. Recreation The West Dolores River offers fishing for brown, rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout. A day-use parking area is available on-site. Several parcels of private property are found along the river. Visitors are asked to stay on the trail an

Book on Recreation.gov