Treasure Falls

Treasure Falls is a 170-foot plunge waterfall on Fall Creek in Mineral County, Colorado, just below Wolf Creek Pass in the San Juan National Forest. It can be seen from its own parking area beside US 160, and a short trail climbs to a deck at the foot of the drop.

The falls

Fall Creek leaps off the mountainside in a single plunge. Lidar measurements indicate a drop of about 170 feet; earlier surveys gave 105 feet, and trail signs show 100 feet. At the base the spray drifts across the viewing platform, and rainbows often form in the mist.

Getting there

The parking area sits on the east side of US 160, about 16 miles east of Pagosa Springs, with restrooms at the trailhead. Treasure Falls Trail #563 starts on the left side of the parking lot at about 8,500 feet and climbs through forest on dirt switchbacks: route descriptions give 0.3 mile one way with 325 feet of gain, or a quarter mile to the bridge, typically taking 30 to 45 minutes round trip. Admission is free. The trail was in good shape in May 2026. The site is managed within the San Juan National Forest; see the Forest Service page.

When to go

The falls are reachable year-round. In winter the cascading water freezes into a blue ice formation, still visible from the parking area.

On site

The trail branches at several junctions to three viewpoints: Valley View, reached by a spur to the left; a footbridge across the creek facing the falls; and the Misty Deck at the base, where spray reaches visitors. The right-hand trail is the steeper climb, and a primitive branch can be difficult on the descent. Hikers should stay on the path rather than cutting across switchback loops, and use care on slick surfaces in the splash zone. Dogs must be kept on a leash.

History and name

The falls take their name from a local legend of a treasure of gold buried in the mountain above them.

Nearby

Wolf Creek Falls is about 2 miles away, Camp Creek Falls about 2.1 miles, and Upper Wolf Creek Falls about 3.7 miles. Pagosa Springs is the nearest town.

Distances are straight-line.