West Fork Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About West Fork Falls
West Fork Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Colorado, known for its serene surroundings and lush vegetation. It is part of the West Fork of the San Juan River and offers visitors a peaceful retreat in nature.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 4.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to West Fork Falls follows the West Fork of the San Juan River, offering picturesque views of the river, forested areas, and the surrounding mountains. The trail is well-maintained but includes some rocky and uneven sections. It is suitable for hikers with moderate experience.
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 West Fork Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at West Fork Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during late spring through early fall when the trail is most accessible, and the waterfall flow is 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
Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as storms can develop quickly in the mountains. Carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be limited. Watch for slippery rocks near the waterfall.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Parachute Creek, 13.3 miles away, not on West Fork Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
7 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 25 years of record
4.48 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual 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 PARACHUTE CREEK AT PARACHUTE, CO. (21 km away).
Today
Moderate
7 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
7 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
7 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
7 cfs
5/10Sun
Moderate
7 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
7 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
7 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late June, peaking in May.
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 Parachute hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is West Fork Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
West Fork Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 51°F to 31°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 7 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 shows West Fork Falls dropping about 617 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 7,128 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 403 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 205 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 7,128 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 617 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning 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
West Fork Falls is located near Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Access is typically via the West Fork Trail, which starts from the West Fork Campground. The trailhead is accessible by car, but conditions may vary depending on the season.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the West Fork Campground, which serves as the trailhead for the hike to the falls. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
7,100 feet above sea level
Coordinates
39.629519° N, -108.161933° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the return trip. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be rocky in places. Bring plenty of water and snacks.
This trail sits at 7,100 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 28% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
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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.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 4.5 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Grand Vista Hotel Parachute
Western Slope Suites Parachute
La Quinta by Wyndham Rifle
Comfort Inn & Suites Rifle
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
Nearby attractions include Pagosa Springs, known for its hot springs, and the San Juan National Forest, which offers additional hiking and outdoor activities.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and various bird species. Be cautious of bears and other larger animals.
Cities near West Fork Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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