No one can take a Rocky Mountain road trip and not take the time to hike to Treasure Falls. It is one of the most phenomenal waterfall hikes in Colorado. You will find this beautiful waterfall right off Route 160. It is approximately fifteen miles to the northeast of Pagosa Springs.
Love Hiking and Waterfalls? Don’t Miss a Hike to Treasure Falls
You must arrive early at the trailhead because parking is limited. The summer months are the most crowded and you may find yourself leaving and returning a couple of times before finding a spot for your car.
Treasure Falls is one hundred five feet tall and has a spray like a horsetail. This waterfall is only a half-mile from the parking lot. This is perfect if you do not have a lot of time for waterfall hikes during your Rocky Mountain vacation. You can easily make the trek to the falls and back again in less than an hour.
I must warn you that this hike is steep. The incline will slow you down a little, so be prepared. I recommend stopping at both observation decks. Each one offers unique views of the rushing water. Blowout is the first deck and it is to the right of the trail. Misty Deck is the other deck. That is the one that is closest to Treasure Falls. There are signs to that observation deck and is often more crowded.
When to Go
While summer is the best time to visit Treasure Falls, winter brings a new perspective. It is common for the water to freeze into a long stream of ice. It is best to use traction on your snowshoes or boots if you want to see the ice formation.
Helpful Tips for Hiking to Treasure Falls
- Wear hiking boots – The trail can get muddy at certain times of the year and ice and snow are everywhere during the winter.
- Take pictures from both observation decks and other vantage points
- Bring some water during the summer and hot cocoa during the winter
The hike to Treasure Falls is not the only waterfall hike you can do during your Rocky Mountain road trip. There are many other waterfall hikes you can take in the Rocky Mountains and Colorado. I can add as many of them as you want to your next family vacation. Ready to see what else you can do on a Rocky Mountain vacation? Check out what’s possible here.
So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary that includes a hike to Treasure Falls or to visit another destination?
If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.
Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.