Piedra Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Piedra Falls
Piedra Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the San Juan National Forest near Pagosa Springs, Colorado. The falls cascade over volcanic rock formations, creating a picturesque and powerful display, especially during spring runoff.
The Setting
Piedra Falls sits at 8,409 feet within San Juan National Forest, fed by the San Juan River, in the high alpine of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Piedra Falls (#671), a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of +12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
PIEDRA FALLS #671
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.16 miTrail Description
The trail to Piedra Falls is short and well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors. It winds through a forested area and along the Piedra River before reaching the falls. The trail is relatively flat with a slight incline near the end.
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 Piedra Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Piedra Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Piedra Falls is in late spring or early summer when the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt. Fall is also a great time to visit for cooler weather and colorful foliage.
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
The rocks near the falls can be slippery, so exercise caution when exploring. Be aware of changing weather conditions, especially in spring when snowmelt can make the trail muddy.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 15.8 miles away
30 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 90 years of record
3.97 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SAN JUAN RIVER AT PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO (25 km away).
Today
Low
32 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
29 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
24 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
21 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
20 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
22 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
20 cfs
5/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early 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 Piedra hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Piedra Falls is located approximately 30 miles north of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. To reach the trailhead, take Piedra Road (County Road 600) north from Pagosa Springs, then follow signs for the Piedra Falls trailhead. The last portion of the drive is on a dirt road, which is typically accessible by most vehicles in good weather.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area at the trailhead, which can fill up during peak times. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
8,409 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.483488° N, -107.094957° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the area near the falls can be slippery. Bring water and sunscreen, especially in the summer months. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking.
This trail sits at 8,409 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 easy 1.2 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. 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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Elktrace Bed and Breakfast
High Creek Lodge and Cabins
LOGE Wolf Creek
Quality Inn & Suites South Fork - Wolf Creek
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.
Nearby Campground
WILLIAMS CREEK CAMPGROUND
7.3 miles away · 61 sites
Overview This popular campground, 23 miles north of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, offers both shaded and sunny campsites with some located creek-side. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding, and scenic opportunities.Recreation The campground is one mile from Williams Reservoir, a popular fishing and kayaking spot. There are several ATV and hiking trails approximately one to five miles beyond the campground.Facilities The campground offers many single family sites, s
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Piedra, Colorado on SoakingSprings.
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Piedra River Trail, Pagosa Springs hot springs, and the San Juan National Forest.
Wildlife
The area is home to wildlife such as deer, elk, and various bird species. Be cautious and respectful of wildlife.
Cities near Piedra Falls
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