A Guide to Waterfalls in the San Juan Mountains 


Nellie Creek Falls

near Lake City, Colorado

Looking between the aspens - Experience the captivating charm of Nellie Creek Falls! This two-tiered waterfall, nestled among the vibrant aspens along Nellie Creek Road, is a symphony of colors and sound. Though smaller in size, the falls exude a mighty presence, with water roaring as it cascades from one step to the next. Enveloped by the lush greenery of the surrounding forest, the falls offer a mesmerizing display of nature's power and beauty, captivating all who venture near.

Description:  

Even though the falls are smaller in size, I could still feel the power and roar of the water as it fell from one step to the next and down the creek beside me.

This is a two-tiered waterfall tucked away in the aspens on Nellie Creek Road/County Road 23. The road is accessible by foot or 4WD vehicle. It is .8 of a mile to the waterfall if you hike from the bottom of the road (1.6 miles round trip). If you continue  past the waterfall, you will encounter two creek crossings and end up at the Uncompahgre Peak trailhead. There is a small parking lot and restrooms by the trailhead. There are also several dispersed camping spots all the way up the road. The road to the trailhead is a little over 4 miles.


Directions:

Drive from Lake City on HWY 149, turn northwest on 2nd street, then turn left on Bluff street and follow the signs to the Alpine Loop/County Road 20. Continue west on County Road 20 for 4.4 miles. On the way, you will pass the ghost town of Henson.


At the Falls: 

There isn’t really a place to park along the 4WD road near the falls, but there are some camping/pull off spots before you get to the falls.

Experience the captivating charm of Nellie Creek Falls! This two-tiered waterfall, nestled among the vibrant aspens along Nellie Creek Road, is a symphony of colors and sound. Though smaller in size, the falls exude a mighty presence, with water roaring as it cascades from one step to the next. Enveloped by the lush greenery of the surrounding forest, the falls offer a mesmerizing display of nature's power and beauty, captivating all who venture near.

Click the pictures below for more!