Elk Falls
Colorado • 75 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
12.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
1,500 ft
About Elk Falls
Elk Falls is a striking 75-foot cascade set in the Elk Falls unit of the Colorado Landscapes Legacy. The drop cuts through rugged rock and natural open terrain, offering a dramatic focal point for a full-day outing. The site is part of a PREC land unit owned by JNT and managed by SPR, so visitors should be prepared for a more remote, preservational setting rather than developed park amenities. Access to the falls rewards effort with close-up views of the 75‑foot plunge and expansive natural scenery around the gorge. Because the route into the unit is lengthy and gains a fair amount of elevation, it's best approached as a prepared wilderness day hike—bring water, layers and a map, and allow extra time for the return.
The Setting
Elk Falls sits at 8,730 feet within Elk Falls / Colorado Landscapes Legacy, fed by the Bear Creek, in the high alpine of Colorado. The falls drop 75 feet.
Height: 75 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard 12.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 1,500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Elk Falls is a 12.0-mile out-and-back with approximately 1,500 feet of elevation gain, rated hard. Expect sustained climbs and steep sections on the approach to the overlook; the hike is long and requires good fitness and route-finding. The waterfall itself drops about 75 feet at the route terminus. Surface, grade, and USFS trail class information were not provided in the available records, so hikers should plan for natural tread and variable footing.
What to Expect
The falls drop 75 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Elk Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Elk Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Elk Falls is in late spring or early summer when the waterfall is at its fullest 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
Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry plenty of water. Watch for loose rocks and steep drop-offs near the overlook. Wildlife encounters are possible, so stay alert and follow park guidelines.
Current Water Conditions
14 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 41 years of record
4.28 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BEAR CREEK ABOVE EVERGREEN, CO (16 km away).
Today
Strong
14 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
14 cfs
10/10Mon
Roaring
15 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
17 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
17 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
15 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
14 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late July, peaking in May.
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 Brook Forest 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 338 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 75 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 8,705 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 191 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 64 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 8,705 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 338 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Elk Falls is located in Staunton State Park, which is about 45 minutes southwest of Denver, Colorado. The park entrance is accessible via Elk Creek Road off US Highway 285.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the main Staunton State Park parking lot. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the lot can fill up quickly.
Elevation
8,730 feet above sea level
Coordinates
39.506100° N, -105.413608° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough time to complete the trail. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers, as weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
This trail sits at 8,730 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.
This challenging 12.0 miles trail gains 1,500 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
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.
Where to Stay
The Pine Getaway on 60 Acres with Hot Tub
Colorado Bear Creek Cabins
Comfort Suites Golden West on Evergreen Parkway
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Littleton-Red Rocks
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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BUFFALO CAMPGROUND
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Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in Staunton State Park include the Lions Head Overlook and several other hiking and biking trails.
Wildlife
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, black bears, and numerous bird species. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
Cities near Elk Falls
Other waterfalls named Elk Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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