Elk Falls (Staunton State Park)

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Elk Falls (Staunton State Park) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
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Elk Falls (Staunton State Park) Banner.jpg

‌
Difficulty:‌3C1 II (v3a3 I)
Raps:‌1, max ↨120ft
Metric
Overall:3h ⟷10.5mi
Approach:1.5h ↑1097ft
Descent:45min ⟷556ft ↑200ft
Exit:1.5h ↑552ft
Red Tape:‌No permit required
Shuttle:‌None
Vehicle:Passenger
Rock type:Granite
Location:
Condition Reports:

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Weather:
Best season:
June-Sep
winterspringsummerfall
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Regions:
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Introduction[edit]

90' Elk Falls is called out as the highest waterfall near Denver that was mostly unknown until the park opened in 2013.
https://dayhikesneardenver.com/elk-falls-best-waterfall-near-denver-opens-to-the-public/

Cut the time of the 10.5mile out and back by riding a mountain bike for the approach.

Elk Falls is also ice climbed in winter:
https://www.mountainproject.com/route/110006634/elk-falls

Approach[edit]

Staunton State Park is well known and well-trailed for hiking, climbing and mountain biking.
Ride the very easy Staunton Ranch (SR) Trail to the Bugling Elk (BE) Trail to Elk Falls Pond.
Then take the connector Chimney Rock (CR) Trail to a dismount area near the Elk Falls (hiker only) Trail.

Mountain Bike Project has a good map and details on this and other riding in the park: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/922946/staunton-state-park-full-clockwise-loop

  • Staunton State Park Map

    • Descent[edit]

    Walk clockwise around Chimney Rock where the Elk Falls Trail begins to descend into switchbacks. Several rock climbing routes are bolted as you negotiate rocks above the marsh and get into the rocky creek bed.
    Fixing a 120' rope to a pine tree on Canyon Left, will provide good access for this single 90' waterfall.
    Beware any hikers below. Except for the distance, this could be suitable for beginners with supervision. The Canyon Left Pine tree anchor places the rappel line just to Rappeler's Right of the main flow.

    • Elk Falls Pond
    • Chimney Rock Trail
    • Top of Elk Falls
    • 90' Elk Falls

    Exit[edit]

    A 1min easy scramble brings you from the bottom of the Falls back to the trail. Walk back up and retrieve your rope and/or anchor to leave no trace.

    Red tape[edit]

    Staunton State Park requires a State Park Pass or a $7 day use fee.

    Beta sites[edit]

    Trip reports and media[edit]

    Background[edit]

    Credits

    Information provided by automated processes. KML map by (unknown). Main photo by (unknown). Authors are listed in chronological order.

    In all habitats live animals and plants that deserve respect, please minimize impact on the environment and observe the local ethics. Canyoneering, Canyoning, Caving and other activities described in this site are inherently dangerous. Reliance on the information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. There is no warranty as to accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information provided on this site. The site administrators and all the contributing authors expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss or injury caused, in whole or in part, by its actions, omissions, or negligence in procuring, compiling or providing information through this site, including without limitation, liability with respect to any use of the information contained herein. If you notice any omission or mistakes, please contribute your knowledge (more information).

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