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Difficulty
Drive Up
About Snake River Falls
Snake River Falls is a cascade on the North Fork of the Snake River beside US Highway 6, a little over half a mile west of the Arapahoe Basin base area on the road between Keystone and Loveland Pass. It is on White River National Forest land about 100 yards from the highway, so it is a roadside stop rather than a hike.
The Setting
Snake River Falls sits at 10,571 feet along the Snake River, in the high alpine of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Snake River Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
No trail is needed; the falls is about 100 yards from US 6. We could not confirm a designated viewpoint or pullout.
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 Snake River Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on White River National Forest land; keep them leashed near the highway.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Snake River Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during late spring or early summer when water flow is typically 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
Stay off wet rocks beside the stream and stay well back from the highway shoulder.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SNAKE RIVER NEAR MONTEZUMA, CO (7 km away).
Today
Moderate
20 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
20 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
20 cfs
9/10Sat
Strong
21 cfs
8/10Sun
Strong
22 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
20 cfs
9/10Tue
Strong
20 cfs
8/10Best 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 Montezuma hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Snake River Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Snake River Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°F to 22°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 20 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 129 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 10,576 feet.
The ground changes about 162 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 47 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 10,576 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 129 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening 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
From Keystone, drive east on US 6 toward Arapahoe Basin and Loveland Pass. The falls is on the North Fork of the Snake River next to the highway, a little over half a mile before the Arapahoe Basin base area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is no developed parking for the falls. Use a legal pullout and do not stop in the travel lanes of US 6.
Elevation
10,571 feet above sea level
Coordinates
39.640360° N, -105.881694° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Use care near US 6, which is busy and winding here. Bring layers, since weather at 10,500 feet changes quickly.
This trail sits at 10,571 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.
Where to Stay
Hyatt Place Keystone - Dillon
Settlers Creek 6522
Buffalo Lodge 8372
River Bank Lodge 2919
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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Nearby Attractions
Arapahoe Basin ski area, Loveland Pass, Keystone Resort and Dillon Reservoir.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, elk, and a variety of bird species. Visitors should be cautious of bears and other potentially dangerous animals.
Cities near Snake River Falls
Other waterfalls named Snake River Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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