LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Saguache Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Saguache Falls
Saguache Falls is a scenic waterfall located in the Rio Grande National Forest in Colorado. It is known for its serene surroundings and relatively remote location, making it a peaceful destination for nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Saguache Falls sits at 10,774 feet within Rio Grande National Forest, in the high alpine of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Middle Fork Cutoff (#888), a 1.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
MIDDLE FORK CUTOFF #888
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
1.21 miTrail Description
The trail to Saguache Falls is relatively short and easy, making it suitable for most visitors. It passes through a forested area with occasional views of the surrounding mountains. The trail may be uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
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 Saguache Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Saguache Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique frozen waterfall experience, though access could be challenging.
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 Rio Grande National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be unreliable.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Lake Fork, 26.8 miles away, not on Saguache Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
119 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 14 years of record
4.68 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LAKE FORK BLW LAKE SAN CRISTOBAL NR LAKE CITY, CO (43 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
119 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
114 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
114 cfs
5/10Sat
Low
118 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
109 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
100 cfs
5/10Tue
Low
113 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to mid 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 City of Creede hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Saguache Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Saguache Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 41°F to 27°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 122 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 126 feet of descent through Saguache Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 10,785 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 71 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 64 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 10,785 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 126 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
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
Saguache Falls is located near the town of Saguache, Colorado. Access typically involves driving on forest service roads, which may require a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle depending on conditions. Visitors should check with the Rio Grande National Forest office for the latest road conditions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited parking available near the trailhead or access point. Visitors should plan to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.
Elevation
10,774 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.941664° N, -106.802820° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check road and trail conditions before visiting, as access may be affected by weather. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate footwear. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
This trail sits at 10,774 ft — roughly 30% less oxygen than sea level
Extreme AltitudeAt 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.
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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.
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.
This easy 1.0 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.
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.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
OR Sombriolet Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.
Where to Stay
Quality Inn & Suites South Fork - Wolf Creek
LOGE Wolf Creek
A-Frame Cliffside Studio Cabins
Del Norte Colorado Stone Quarry Studio Apt
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
STONE CELLAR GUARD STATION
8.5 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Stone Cellar Guard Station is a remote cabin located at an elevation of 9,500 feet, just outside the boundary of La Garita Wilderness in Saguache Park in the Rio Grande National Forest. The cabin is a secluded getaway for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in south-central Colorado.Recreation The area offers many opportunities for hiking in summer, hunting in the fall and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. The cabin is located in a meadow with Saguache Creek flowi
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Rio Grande National Forest, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and the town of Saguache.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and birds. Visitors should be cautious of bears and other potentially dangerous animals.
Cities near Saguache Falls
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