Triplet Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Triplet Falls
Triplet Falls tumbles in three distinct steps amid the rugged canyons of Dinosaur National Monument, offering a peaceful pocket of flowing water and shaded forest that rewards hikers and photographers alike. Nestled on NPS-managed lands, the falls are a scenic highlight of this national monument and provide an intimate contrast to the surrounding canyon country. Access is via a moderate out-and-back route that threads through monument terrain—ideal for a half-day outing. The National Park Service manages the area, so plan visits according to NPS regulations; Echo Park Campground sits roughly 10.0 km away for those looking to extend their stay in the monument.
The Setting
Triplet Falls sits at 5,171 feet within Dinosaur National Monument, in the high mountains of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Difficulty: moderate. The route follows a defined path across monument lands and is best suited to hikers comfortable with single-track and uneven footing. Surface, grade, and USFS trail class data are not provided for this NPS-managed trail; visitors should expect typical natural-trail conditions and check current NPS trail information before heading out.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect to see a beautiful waterfall with three distinct cascades surrounded by natural forest. The area may be peaceful and less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in Colorado.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Triplet Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Triplet Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as snowmelt increases water flow. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique frozen waterfall experience.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 40°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Trails may be slippery or uneven, especially after rain or snow. Visitors should stay on marked paths and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Yampa River, 24.7 miles away, not on Triplet Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
358 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 42 years of record
2.41 ft
Water depth at gauge
40°F
Dangerously coldRisk of cold shock
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is dangerously cold at 40 degrees F, avoid prolonged contact.
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 YAMPA RIVER AT DEERLODGE PARK, CO (40 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
358 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
357 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
346 cfs
5/10Sat
Low
380 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
360 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
343 cfs
5/10Tue
Low
372 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — 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 Dinosaur hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Triplet Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Triplet Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 60°F to 43°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 367 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.
The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 222 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 5,179 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 325 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 341 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,179 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 222 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Triplet Falls is located in Colorado, but specific directions to the trailhead or parking area are not well-documented. Visitors should consult local maps or trail resources for accurate navigation.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park at a nearby trailhead or designated area. It is recommended to arrive early during peak seasons.
Elevation
5,171 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.604686° N, -108.949284° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Check weather conditions before visiting, as trails may become slippery or inaccessible during rain or snow.
Where to Stay
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
Echo Park Campground
6.2 miles away · 23 sites
Overview Echo Park Campground is located adjacent to the Green River. There are vault toilets, drinking water spigots (seasonal), and a self-pay station. This location has both first-come first-served individual sites and a group site: Individual sites. Individual sites are all first come, first served. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a first-come first-served site. Once on site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the R
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Triplet Falls, Colorado on SoakingSprings.
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Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints in Colorado may be nearby, but specific attractions are not listed.
Wildlife
The area may be home to typical Colorado wildlife such as deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of bears and other larger animals.
Nearby Waterfalls
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