Fourmile Falls
Discover the majestic Fourmile Falls and Falls Creek Falls on a scenic hike through Colorado's San Juan Mountains. Experience diverse landscapes and b...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Strongest water flow
Fourmile Falls
Best Time
Strongest water flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the majestic Fourmile Falls and Falls Creek Falls on a scenic hike through Colorado's San Juan Mountains. Experience diverse landscapes and breathtaking cascades.
"This trail is a true treasure! The hike is moderate with a lot of inclines! The views are so worth the climb!"
🥾 Bring a Hiking Stick
Essential for navigating the trail, especially the strenuous uphill sections and the return trip.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on this moderate to strenuous hike, especially during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fourmile Falls
Trailhead Y, take left
The first and most accessible waterfall, offering a beautiful spray from its top. A must-see on the trail.
Falls Creek Falls
Steep hill climb after returning from Fourmile Falls
Viewable from a distance after a short, steep ascent, this waterfall is a dramatic sight in a rock-walled basin.
Scenic Forest & Meadow Trail
Enjoy the journey through diverse landscapes, from dense forests to open meadows, with chances to spot wildlife and wild raspberries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Length & Difficulty
Best Time for Water Flow
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Bring a Hiking Stick
Essential for navigating the trail, especially the strenuous uphill sections and the return trip.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on this moderate to strenuous hike, especially during warmer months.
⬆️ Prepare for Inclines
The trail has significant uphill sections, so be ready to work your legs. Save some energy for the return! +1
🗺️ Follow the Trail Markers
Pay attention to trail junctions, especially the 'Y' where you'll turn left for the first falls.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Bring a Hiking Stick
Essential for navigating the trail, especially the strenuous uphill sections and the return trip.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on this moderate to strenuous hike, especially during warmer months.
⬆️ Prepare for Inclines
The trail has significant uphill sections, so be ready to work your legs. Save some energy for the return! +1
🗺️ Follow the Trail Markers
Pay attention to trail junctions, especially the 'Y' where you'll turn left for the first falls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Fourmile Falls and its companion, Falls Creek Falls, often describing the hike as a true treasure with rewarding views. While the trail is noted for its moderate to strenuous inclines and potentially longer-than-advertised distance, the scenery and the dramatic waterfalls make the effort worthwhile for most. Some mention the possibility of seeing wildlife and enjoying wild raspberries along the path.
"Beautiful drive out on a well maintained dirt road. Plenty of parking and there was also a parking lot for people trailering their horses. Well maintained trail with gorgeous views everywhere. Did not see a whole lot of wildlife and maybe that's because it's hunting season. You can see both sets of falls from a distance if you pay attention along the trail. There's a Y that you will want to go to the left for the first falls that you can walk right up to. It's beautiful as it sprays out from the top. As you come back down, you can go up the steep hill for a little over 100 yards and view the other falls from a distance. Grab a hiking stick as you start the trail. It seemed a little more strenuous coming back to the parking lot, so save some gas in your tank. Lots of logs that you can sit for a rest along the trail."
Ron Mersinger
"This is a beautiful hike. It's a bit of up and down but worth it for the falls. We were fortunate as the two falls were flowing as if it was spring run off. That is due to recent record breaking rain storms"
Jean Robinson
"Adventurous single track trail through forest and meadow, back into a steep rock-walled basin that leads up to two gorgeous waterfalls - Fourmile and Falls Creek - essentially right next to each other!"
Brian Baker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is accessible via a drive on fire service roads, which are generally well-maintained dirt roads. Some sources mention a 15-mile drive.
While described as well-maintained, it's a dirt road. High-clearance vehicles might be preferable, especially after inclement weather.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the trailhead, including a lot for horse trailers.
No, the drive takes you to the trailhead, and you will need to hike to reach the waterfalls.
The drive is scenic, passing through forests and meadows, but it is on unpaved roads.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Fourmile Falls is a natural attraction and does not require an entrance fee or ticket.
As a natural outdoor area, Fourmile Falls is accessible during daylight hours. There are no set operating hours.
The trail is generally accessible year-round, but winter conditions may make it difficult or impassable. Best visited when snow has melted.
Typically, no permits are required for day hiking at Fourmile Falls. Always check local regulations before your visit.
There is no admission fee to access Fourmile Falls. It's a free natural attraction.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Hike times vary, but expect around 3 hours for the hike in and 2.5 hours for the return, totaling about 5.5 hours round trip. Some report it taking longer due to the strenuous nature.
The hike is considered moderate to strenuous due to significant inclines and some steep sections. +1
You can walk right up to Fourmile Falls. Falls Creek Falls is viewed from a distance after a steep climb.
Restroom facilities are not typically mentioned at the trailhead or along the trail. Plan accordingly.
Due to the length and inclines, it might be challenging for absolute beginners. Experienced hikers with good stamina will enjoy it more.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The area around Fourmile Falls offers great close-up shots. For Falls Creek Falls, find a stable vantage point after the steep climb. The trail itself provides scenic forest and meadow backdrops.
Morning light can be beautiful for the forest and meadows. Midday sun can be harsh, but the waterfalls themselves are impressive anytime. Consider the direction of the sun for your desired shots.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the waterfalls and the surrounding landscape.
No specific restrictions are mentioned. Enjoy capturing the natural beauty responsibly.
You can capture close-ups of the cascading water, wide shots of the falls within their basins, and scenic views of the forest and meadows along the trail.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Fourmile Falls Trail
Pay close attention to trail markers, especially at a 'Y' junction where taking the left path leads to the first waterfall.
Key Takeaways for the Trail:
* Length: Be prepared for a hike longer than the advertised 6 miles, potentially up to 9 miles round trip.
* Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, with significant inclines.
* Terrain: Mix of forest, meadows, and steep rocky sections.
* Navigation: Follow trail signs carefully, especially at junctions.
Experiencing the Waterfalls
Falls Creek Falls, located nearby, requires a bit more effort to appreciate. After descending from Fourmile Falls, a steep, short climb leads to an overlook where you can admire this waterfall from a distance.
* Fourmile Falls: Easy access, up-close spray.
* Falls Creek Falls: Requires a short, steep climb for distant views.
* Best Viewing: Late spring to early fall, or after significant rainfall for maximum impact.
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