Falls Creek (Pagosa Springs)

For other features with similar names, see Falls Creek (disambiguation)

Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 2.0 (1 rating)

‌

Difficulty:‌4B III R (v5a2 V)

Raps:‌3, max ↨405ft

Metric

Overall:	7.5h	⟷7.4mi
Approach:	3h	⟷4mi	↑2225ft
Descent:	3h	⟷0.6mi	↓831ft
Exit:	1.5h	⟷2.8mi	↓860ft

Red Tape:‌No permit required

Shuttle:‌None

Vehicle:Passenger

Rock type:Volcanic Conglomerates, Sandstone and Mudflow Breccia

Location:

37.4428, -107.0433

Search nearby locations

Condition Reports:

(log in to submit report)

Weather:

Weather forecast

Waterflow

Best season:

July-Sep

winter				spring				summer				fall
Dec	Jan	Feb		Mar	Apr	May		Jun	Jul	Aug		Sep	Oct	Nov

Regions:

Download: KML / GPX | Open in CalTopo | Printable Map

Upload new version

Introduction[edit]

Hiking to Fourmile Creek Falls (275') and Falls Creek Falls (405') is a popular 3 mile out and back summer hike from the trailhead near Pagosa Springs.

Falls Creek Falls is the larger of the two waterfalls, but requires a longer hike and a tougher off trail uphill approach to get into the canyon. Falls Creek Falls has a walk off at 310', but requires the full height of 405' for the pull.

Once complete, the return is easy on the same approach trail, or a short hike on trail reaches the top of Fourmile Creek Falls (275').

Many challenges come with big rappels such as this including not being able to see the rappeler from above and rigging appropriate friction for a smooth descent.

21 Aug 2021 Low
2 Jun 2018 Moderate-Low

Approach[edit]

Hike the Fourmile Creek trail from the parking lot for 3.4 miles to the remaining foundation of The Steel Bridge, as marked on the USGS map layer. Continue on the left side of Fourmile Creek (looking upstream) until Upper Fourmile Falls comes into view.

Upper Fourmile Creek Falls

For another 0.65 miles, head steeply uphill following game trails when possible and target the saddle due west of remaining foundation of The Steel Bridge. Drop down the opposite side into Falls Creek and follow Falls Creek downstream to R1.

Descent[edit]

downclimbing in Falls Creek above R1
R1: 130'
R2: 75'

R1: 130' from a pine tree on Canyon Right to protect several shorter cascades

R2: 75' from a tree in Canyon Center

Falls Creek Falls
R3: 405' from a tree on Canyon Right, a walk off is possible at 310', but requires the full height of 405' for the pull
Beware hikers at the base of Falls Creek Falls below

from the top of R3 Falls Creek Falls
walking off to rappeler's left at 310'
rappeler on rope
from the bottom of R3 Falls Creek Falls, 405'

Exit[edit]

Once on the ground after Falls Creek Falls, hike back to the parking lot via the same approach trail or hike to the top of Fourmile Falls if adding another waterfall descent to the day.

Red tape[edit]

Beta sites[edit]

Trip reports and media[edit]

June 2018: visited by Ira Lewis and Lisa Purdy Lewis

Aug 2021: descended by Ira Lewis, Chris D'Amico and Mike Gulsvig

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).