Waterfalls of Pagosa Springs, CO
Located in southwest Colorado between Mesa Verde National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park, this little town contains two of the top 15 waterfalls in the state.
Mountain Landing Suites & RV Park
There are not a lot of options for camping close to town, so we opt for a full-service RV park. We don’t often choose RV parks but this one is small, close to the stores, and offers laundry and showers.
Piedra Falls
Scenic Drive
Our first morning out we follow a scenic drive into the San Juan Mountains on our way to see Piedra Falls. The views along the way are incredible: working ranches, trailheads, mountains, rivers, and forest. What more can you ask for?
Piedra Falls Trail
Once we reach the trailhead, we load up the water packs and begin following the trail through the trees. There are many other people here, but it’s not surprising as the day is sunny with only a few clouds and the temperature is perfect.
Along the trail we also find another small fall, more of a seep really. I’m not sure if this is here all the time or if we’re seeing it due to the mountainous rainstorm yesterday.
Piedra Falls
Ranked among the top 15 waterfalls in Colorado, Piedra Falls doesn’t disappoint. This two-tier, 40-foot waterfall has pools at the base that visitors can wade in on hot summer days.
You can see and hear a video of the falls on our YouTube channel by clicking here.
Piedra River Overlook
On the way back we find a pull-off with a short trail to an overlook. Following the trail takes us to the edge of a cliff with amazing views down into the Piedra River Valley as well as O’Neal Creek and beyond.
We spend the remainder of the day doing chores around camp and watching the FIFA World Cup.
Treasure Falls
For Father’s Day, this morning we head west to see Treasure Falls. The parking lot is packed but we find a spot and head over to the viewing area. This fall is reported to be 105 feet tall with a 170-foot drop.
We then head up the trail for a better view. The trail is 1/2 mile with 200 feet elevation change.
Lower Observation Point
At the lower observation point, we find a nook that blocks the sun and provides a great view of the falls.
Upper Observation Point
At the top of the trail, we find “Misty Lookout” where we can feel the cool spray coming off the falls.
To see and hear Treasure Falls for yourself click here.
Wolf Creek Valley Overlook
After leaving Treasure Falls, we head a few miles further west up the hill to the San Juan Overlook. This spot provides an incredible view into the Wolf Creek Valley.
Downtown Pagosa Springs
After taking in the view, we head back down the hill for a wonderful lunch at one of the local microbreweries along the river in downtown Pagosa Springs. As a special for Father’s Day, all Dad’s receive a free pint of beer.
After lunch we walk along the river and through town for an ice cream. Normally these are the types of towns I love to take photos of. But this one is undergoing a major road project and is currently not very photogenic.
Next stop… Great Sand Dunes National Park
