Judd Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Judd Falls
Judd Falls is a picturesque waterfall located near Crested Butte, Colorado. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The waterfall is fed by Copper Creek and is especially beautiful during the spring and early summer when snowmelt increases the water flow.
The Setting
Judd Falls sits at 9,774 feet within Gunnison National Forest, in the high alpine of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Copper Creek (#9983), a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
COPPER CREEK #9983
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.01 miTrail Description
From the Copper Creek lot near Gothic, the trail climbs about a mile to a viewpoint of Judd Falls on Copper Creek. The Forest Service lists the Copper Creek Trail as Class 3 native tread with typical grades of 12 to 20 percent. The trail continues past the falls toward Copper Lake, a challenging hike of about 10.2 miles round trip.
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 Judd Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on Gunnison National Forest trails and should be kept under control.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Judd Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Judd Falls is in late spring or early summer when the snowmelt creates a strong flow in the waterfall. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the surrounding aspen trees turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange.
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 Gunnison National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the environment and for your safety. Weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so be prepared for sudden rain or temperature drops.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Coal Creek, 6.1 miles away, not on Judd Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
9 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 12 years of record
4.48 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
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 COAL CREEK ABV MCCORMICK DTCH AT CRESTED BUTTE, CO (10 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
8 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
8 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
9 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
10 cfs
3/10Sun
Low
10 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
9 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
9 cfs
3/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late June, 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 Mount Crested Butte hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Judd Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Judd Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°F to 28°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 9 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Colorado.
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 133 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 9,796 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 70 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 91 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 9,796 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 133 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer 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
Drive Gothic Road (County Road 317) north from Crested Butte through Mt. Crested Butte to the town of Gothic, a bit over 8 miles. Park at the Copper Creek (Judd Falls) trailhead lot and follow the trail about a mile to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Use the designated Judd Falls/Copper Creek trailhead parking near Gothic. Lots fill on summer weekends; park only in marked areas and never on private land in Gothic.
Elevation
9,774 feet above sea level
Coordinates
38.959681° N, -106.978609° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven in some sections. Bring water and sunscreen, especially during the summer months. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. In winter, check trail conditions and consider bringing traction devices for icy sections.
This trail sits at 9,774 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.
Where to Stay
Studio at Trailhead - Top Floor - Mtn Views
Elevation Hotel & Spa
Old Town Inn
The Gant
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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8.8 miles away · 45 sites
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the town of Crested Butte, Gothic ghost town, and various hiking trails in the Gunnison National Forest.
Wildlife
The area is home to wildlife such as deer, marmots, and various bird species. Be cautious of bears and other larger animals, especially during dawn and dusk.
Cities near Judd Falls
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