Poudre Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.4 miles
About Poudre Falls
Poudre Falls tumbles along the Cache la Poudre River inside the Roosevelt National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls are easily enjoyed from a convenient roadside pullout on Highway 14, making it an ideal quick stop for travelers threading through Poudre Canyon. Towering canyon walls and forested slopes frame the cascade, and Sleeping Elephant Campground is just over 5 km (5.12 km) away for anyone wanting to extend their visit with an overnight under the pines. If you want to stretch your legs beyond the pullout, USFS Big South Trail (Trail #944) provides a nearby option for a short day outing. The trail and surrounding forest are managed by the Forest Service, and the area’s mix of river views and wooded canyon terrain invites a relaxed, scenic exploration after enjoying the falls.
The Setting
Poudre Falls sits at 8,602 feet within Roosevelt National Forest, fed by the Joe Wright Creek, in the high alpine of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Poudre Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
USFS Trail
BIG SOUTH #944
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.41 miTrail Description
Viewing Poudre Falls requires no hiking—the waterfall is visible from a roadside pullout on Highway 14. For hikers seeking a nearby trail, USFS Big South Trail (Trail #944) is an out-and-back route 2.4 miles in length with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The trail is rated Class 2, follows native material surface, and has typical grades in the +12–20% range (GIS miles: 0.41). Trail and land are managed by the U.S. Forest Service within Roosevelt National Forest. Sleeping Elephant Campground is approximately 5.12 km away for nearby overnight options.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Poudre Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Poudre Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during late spring or early summer when the snowmelt increases the water flow, creating a more dramatic waterfall. Fall also offers beautiful foliage in the surrounding area.
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 Roosevelt National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the roadside pullout, as traffic can be heavy. Avoid getting too close to the river, as the currents are strong and the rocks can be slippery. Winter conditions may make the area icy and hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
7 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 47 years of record
1.08 ft
Water depth at gauge
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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge JOE WRIGHT CREEK BELOW JOE WRIGHT RESERVOIR, CO (11 km away).
Today
Roaring
8 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Strong
9 cfs
10/10Sun
Roaring
8 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
7 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
6 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
7 cfs
6/10Thu
Strong
7 cfs
10/10Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late May to late 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 Red Feather Lakes 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 341 feet of descent through Poudre Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 8,591 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 334 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 204 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 8,591 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 341 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Poudre Falls is located along Highway 14 in the Poudre Canyon, approximately 45 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado. The falls can be accessed by driving along the highway, with a pullout area nearby for viewing.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small pullout area along Highway 14 where visitors can park to view the falls. Parking is limited, so it may be challenging during peak times.
Elevation
8,602 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.648314° N, -105.813342° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day or during weekdays to avoid crowds, as parking is limited. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views. Be cautious near the roadside and stay aware of passing vehicles.
This trail sits at 8,602 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
Riversong Inn Retreat
Taharaa Mountain Lodge
Boulder Brook on Fall River
Mountain Shadows Resort
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
Sleeping Elephant Campground
3.2 miles away · 0 sites
This campground is located adjacent to Highway 14 in an open ponderosa pine setting near its namesake, Sleeping Elephant Mountain. The mountain and the inherent sleeping elephant is visible from the campground. The Cache la Poudre River is nearby but it is mostly on private land within the immediate vicinity. There are 15 sites each with a picnic table and fire pit. This is an older facility and will not accommodate larger RVs. Popular activities in the area include fishing, hiking and scenic dri
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Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in the Poudre Canyon include hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks. The nearby town of Fort Collins offers additional amenities and activities.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, elk, and birds. Visitors should be cautious and avoid feeding or approaching animals.
Cities near Poudre Falls
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