Trail Report: Treasure Falls Trail
Treasure Falls Trail is a short, scenic hike located near Pagosa Springs, Colorado, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of a 105-foot waterfall nestled in the San Juan Mountains. This family-friendly trail is just 1 mile round-trip, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels
Treasure Falls Trail, San Juan National Forest, Pagosa Springs, CO
- Distance: 1 mile round trip
- Elevation Gain: 225 feet
- Difficulty Level: Easy (great for the whole family)
- Duration: About an hour if you plan to oooh-ahhh at the falls
- Best Seasons to Hike: Summer and early autumn
- Trail Type: Out and back
Overview
Treasure Falls Trail is a short, scenic hike located near Pagosa Springs, Colorado, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of a 105-foot waterfall nestled in the San Juan Mountains. This family-friendly trail is just 1 mile round-trip, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels, with a manageable elevation gain of under 300 feet. The trail winds through a lovely forest and leads to an overlook where you can feel the mist of the cascading falls up close. Open year-round, Treasure Falls is especially popular in summer and early autumn when the water is roaring and forest is green as can be!
Trail Info
From the parking area, you'll find the trailhead for this short hike on the left side of the lot and waterfall. You may notice what looks like a footpath on the right side of the lot, but please be advised that is a disused trail that is now a restoration area. Please only hike the signed trail on the left side of the parking lot.
- This trail is in great shape and for the most part is a dirt trail that's soft with pine needles underfoot. It gets icy as can be in the snowy months, so be sure to bring traction if you're hiking this in late autumn through spring.
- It can get extra slick as you arrive to the falls, so definitely use caution as you approach; especially in winter!
- This is a part of the National Forest, so dogs must be kept on a leash at all times if they are not trained to obey voice commands. Remember, keeping dogs reigned in is a great way to practice Leave No Trace.
- Remember not to cut the handful of switchbacks- it degrades the trail over time which can lead to a pretty bad hiking experience.
Trail Highlights
Being a short hike, the main highlight of the Treasure Falls Trail is of course beautiful Treasure Falls! On the way to the falls, you may encounter squirrels, jays and chipmunks. In summer, wildflowers pop all over the forest floor.
There is a lovely foot bridge at the end of this trail that is great for family photos and selfies alike!
Tips
- Safety considerations: Be aware of your surroundings. This area is home to majestic mountain lions and black bears.
- Parking details: Large, free parking lot.
- Restroom: There is no restroom at the Treasure Falls Trail.
- Permits, fees, or restrictions: Nothing to worry about for this trail!
- Camping: No camping allowed at the trailhead. Plenty of camping nearby.
Recommended Gear
- Hiking boots or trail runners
- Trekking poles if you want to give your knees a break
- Small backpack
- A bottle of water
Conclusion
The Treasure Falls Trail is a great bang-for-your-buck trail that the whole family can enjoy. It's right outside of Pagosa Springs, so hit it on your way to or from town. It's a lovely way to soak up some nature before you soak up the hot springs in town.
