Are there fees or permits required for Gray Copper Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Gray Copper Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Gray Copper Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Gray Copper Falls.

Live Conditions · 38 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Gray Copper Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Gray Copper Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Gray Copper Falls.

Colorado

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Uncompahgre National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (1)

Harold Litwiler, Poppy CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About Gray Copper Falls

Gray Copper Falls sits in a quiet pocket of the San Juan Mountains and rewards hikers with a photogenic cascade framed by alpine meadows and subalpine forest. The route to the falls follows the USFS Gray Copper Gulch (Trail #6148) within the Uncompahgre National Forest, so expect well-defined natural tread and classic Rocky Mountain scenery. At about 4.0 miles round-trip with roughly 800 feet of elevation gain, this moderate out-and-back is popular with day hikers seeking a short, scenic escape. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the trail is a mix of open wildflower-filled meadows and rocky, wooded stretches that feel remote despite the relatively short distance. Hikers appreciate the steady climb and the payoff of the waterfall; the approach combines easy-to-follow singletrack with a few steeper pitches that keep the outing engaging without technical scrambling.

The Setting

Gray Copper Falls sits at 10,860 feet within Uncompahgre National Forest, fed by the Cement Creek, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest waterfall in Colorado at 365 feet, lies 6.2 miles to the west. Also nearby: Cornet Falls (80 ft, 8.5 mi).

Bridal Veil Falls Cornet Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Gray Copper Gulch (#6148), a 4.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 800 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

GRAY COPPER GULCH #6148

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

1.06 mi

Trail Description

Gray Copper Gulch (USFS Trail #6148) is listed as a Class 2 route with a native-material surface and a typical grade of 12–20%. The commonly hiked route is an out-and-back about 4.0 miles total with ~800 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. USFS GIS data also records the trail segment at approximately 1.06 miles (GIS miles), and on-the-ground conditions include dirt/rock tread, some uneven footing, and short steep sections—suitable for hikers comfortable with moderate grades but not requiring technical gear.

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 Gray Copper Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Gray Copper Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when the trail is clear of snow and the waterfall is flowing at its peak.

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 Uncompahgre National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Hikers should be aware of potential hazards such as loose rocks, sudden weather changes, and high-altitude conditions. Carry a first aid kit and inform someone of your plans before heading out.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Strong

38 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

32 44 98 134

Based on 33 years of record

1.19 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.

CEMENT CREEK AT SILVERTON, CO

USGS 09358550

7.1 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 20 sq mi

Altitude: 9,398 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Gray Copper Falls is located near the town of Silverton, Colorado. Access typically involves driving along forest service roads and then hiking to the falls. The trailhead is often accessed via County Road 110 or other nearby routes, depending on conditions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors should check local conditions for road accessibility, especially during spring and fall when snow or mud may impact access.

Elevation

10860 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.922290° N, -107.656801° W

Land Management

Uncompahgre National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the area is prone to sudden storms. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the summer.

This trail sits at 10,860 ft — roughly 30% less oxygen than sea level

Extreme Altitude

At this elevation, altitude sickness is a real concern. Monitor how you feel, take frequent rest breaks, and descend if symptoms worsen. Visitors arriving from lower elevations should allow time to acclimatize.

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.

Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Monitor blood oxygen in real time — SpO2 commonly drops to 85–90% above 10,000 ft.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 4.0 miles and 800 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

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

AMPHITHEATER (CO)

6.9 miles away · 35 sites

Reservable

Overview Amphitheater Campground is located near the town of Ouray, Colo., at an elevation of 8,400 feet. Visitors enjoy the area for its beautiful scenery and great hiking and off-road trail opportunities.Recreation Many hiking trails are found in the immediate area, including the popular Upper Cascade Falls Trail, which begins at the campground. Baby Bath Tubs and Chief Ouray Mine trails can also be accessed from the same trailhead. The campground is a favorite among jeep and off-road enthusias

Book on Recreation.gov