Treasure Falls

Colorado

Photo Credits (5)

bigvern CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Scrubhiker (USCdyer) CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

nousku CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Treasure Falls

Treasure Falls is a striking 105-foot cascade tucked near Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Named for a local legend of buried treasure, the falls pour through a narrow canyon and offer a dramatic, easily photographed drop that rewards even very short visits. A wooden viewing platform perches near the base, giving close-up views and powerful misty scenes in spring runoff. Reaching the overlook is a quick and family-friendly outing: the out-and-back trail to the platform is just 0.6 miles round-trip with about 200 feet of elevation gain and is rated easy. The path is well-maintained with a handful of switchbacks and a moderate incline, making Treasure Falls an ideal stop for hikers looking for a high-impact sight with minimal effort.

Height: 105 feet

Trail Description

Trail length: 0.6 miles round-trip; elevation gain: approximately 200 feet; difficulty: easy. This short, out-and-back trail is well-maintained and climbs steadily via a few switchbacks before delivering you to a sturdy viewing platform near the base of the 105-foot waterfall. The route is compact and suitable for most visitors—families and casual hikers can expect a moderate uphill grade but nothing technical. The platform provides safe, close-up views of the falls and is the primary destination; the trail surface and facilities are kept in good condition for frequent day-use traffic.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a stunning view of the waterfall, especially during spring when snowmelt increases the water flow. In winter, the waterfall may partially freeze, creating a unique and beautiful icy display.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible due to its incline and uneven terrain.

Seasonal Closures

The trail is open year-round, but heavy snow in winter may limit access.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery when wet or icy, so exercise caution. Watch for falling rocks near the waterfall. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Location & Access

Getting There

Treasure Falls is located off U.S. Highway 160, approximately 15 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. There is a clearly marked parking area near the trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

A small parking lot is available near the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak times.

Elevation

9006 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.019347° N, -107.362313° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and holidays. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy or icy depending on the season. Bring water and a camera to capture the scenic views.

This trail sits at 9,006 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.

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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.

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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

Find hotels, lodges, and B&Bs near the trailhead

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

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

Mill Creek Campground (CO)

7.9 miles away · 22 sites

Reservable

Overview Mill Creek Campground is located 14 miles southwest of Lake City, Colorado at 9,500 feet above sea level. Nestled along the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, the campground offers a fishing access trail for anglers and river access (though boating is not recommended from this location). The campground is surrounded by the Redcloud Peak and Handies Peak Wilderness Study Areas with world class hiking opportunities just a short drive away, including trails to three 14,000-foot peaks. From th

Book on Recreation.gov