Are there fees or permits required for Missouri Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Missouri Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Missouri Falls.

Live Conditions · 42 ft³/s · About average

Missouri Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Missouri Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Missouri Falls.

Colorado

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

jonarcher CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Simon Foot CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About Missouri Falls

Missouri Falls sits in the Missouri Creek drainage within San Isabel National Forest, where a graceful cascade drops through a forested mountain setting that draws hikers and photographers alike. The falls offer a peaceful payoff for a moderate outing, with the sound of rushing water and scenic creekside views making it a rewarding destination. Access is via the USFS Missouri Creek Trail, a 4.5-mile out-and-back route with about 800 feet of elevation gain rated moderate, so plan for a half-day hike. For campers, the Cold Springs campground (Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest) lies just 2.33 km away and makes a convenient basecamp for people looking to turn the trip into an overnight adventure.

The Setting

Missouri Falls sits at 8,593 feet along the Clear Creek, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Trail & Hike Details

4.5 mi distance 800 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 4.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Follow the USFS Missouri Creek Trail to reach Missouri Falls — the route is described as a 4.5-mile out-and-back with roughly 800 feet of cumulative elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The path stays close to the creek much of the way and is generally well-maintained, though hikers should expect some rocky and uneven sections and short moderate climbs. This trail is best for hikers comfortable with moderate grades and creekside footing; the nearby Cold Springs campground (~2.33 km) provides close access for those camping before or after their hike.

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 Missouri Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Missouri Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Missouri Falls is during late spring through early fall when the trail is free of snow and the waterfall flow is at its peak 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 the necessary gear. Watch for slippery rocks near the waterfall and stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 2 days ago Moderate

42 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

CLEAR CREEK NEAR LAWSON, CO

USGS 06716500

7.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 147 sq mi

Altitude: 8,071 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CLEAR CREEK NEAR LAWSON, CO (12 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

42 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

42 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Strong

47 cfs

7/10

Mon

Strong

51 cfs

7/10

Tue

Strong

48 cfs

7/10

Wed

Strong

45 cfs

8/10

Thu

Strong

43 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

40 cfs

9/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid May to mid August, 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 Central City 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.

Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 154 feet of drop through Missouri Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 8,596 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 31 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 67 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Missouri Falls near Central City, Colorado, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Missouri Falls near Central City, Colorado, showing about 154 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 8,596 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 154 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Missouri Falls can be accessed via the Missouri Creek Trailhead, located off County Road 390 near Buena Vista, Colorado. The trailhead is well-marked and accessible by most vehicles during the summer months. Winter access may be limited due to snow.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Missouri Creek Trailhead. The lot is small, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Elevation

8,593 feet above sea level

Coordinates

39.824154° N, -105.509164° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Check weather conditions before heading out, as storms can develop quickly in the mountains.

This trail sits at 8,593 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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 4.5 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

Cold Springs - Arapaho Roosevelt NF (CO)

1.4 miles away · 43 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Cold Springs Campground is located on the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest, north of Blackhawk on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway/Highway 119, in north central Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its scenic and off-road driving, and nearby hiking and fishing opportunities.Recreation The surrounding area has many great hiking trails. There is an easy hiking trail out of the campground for families with small children. In addition, the short, but steep Vista Trail climbs just a quarter-mi

Book on Recreation.gov