Hiking Piedra Falls in Pagosa Springs (2024 Guide)
If you’re looking for a beautiful waterfall that is off the beaten path and requires minimal hiking effort, Piedra Falls is a must-see in Pagosa Springs.
This massive 100 foot waterfall roars down the volcanic cliffs and rocks and is as photo-worthy as any other waterfall you’ll find in Colorado’s back-country.
My favorite time to visit Piedra Falls is during spring when the waterfall is at its peak, with icicles and snow covered trees framing the falls so picturesquely.
PIEDRA FALLS
Location | Pagosa Springs, CO
Distance | 1.0 mile (out & back)
Time Needed | 30 min
Best Time to Visit | April-August
Dog-friendly | Yes
Directions to Piedra Falls Trailhead
From Highway 160, head north on Piedra Road (#631) about 17 miles to the junction at Sportsman’s Supply.
From here you will go right to continue on the Middle Fork Road (#636) for two miles. Next, you will veer right to take East Toner Road (#637), and follow it to the end where you will see a large dirt parking lot just in front of the river.
You do not need a high-clearance or 4x4 to get to this trailhead. If you feel confident driving on the dirt part of Piedra Road (past Turkey Springs) then you will be fine driving to the trailhead of Piedra Falls.
Know Before You Go
Make sure to check the Pagosa Ranger District Road status before driving to the Piedra Falls Trailhead as roads 636 and 637 do not open until mid-April and close around October.
Best Time to Visit Piedra Falls
April - July: Once for the forest service road opens (around mid-April) this is the best time to see Piedra Falls at it’s peak flow and still surrounded by icicles! From mid-May to early July the falls are still flowing strong and a must-see.
August - October:The waterfall starts to lessen around August-October but it is still worth seeing.
November - March: Unfortunately the forest service roads are closed during these months due to heavy snowfall and the trail cannot be accessed.
Hiking Piedra Falls
Once you enter the dirt parking lot, you will notice the trailhead starts toward your left if you are facing the river.
You will be weaving alongside the Piedra River your entire way until you get to the base of the falls.
During spring, the beginning of the trail gets taken over by a small stream so follow the stream to stay on path.
I would also recommend using the All Trails app to make sure you are staying on the trail.
It is a very short half mile hike to the base of the waterfalls, but it is also a very stunning and serene trail along the way. Just like most of Pagosa Springs, the forests are kept in pristine condition, allowing the Ponderosa Pines to flourish in size and color.
We originally hiked Piedra Falls in late April and the Piedra River was barely above freezing. Once we got down the last hill and the short scramble over rocks to the base of the waterfall, it was truly jaw-dropping.
Seeing the waterfall with full force, raging down the rocky terrain and only being able to hear the loud blasts of water bounce off the volcanic rocks and into the Piedra River is something only John Muir could effortlessly describe.
Also, because we went so early in the season, the waterfall was surrounded by trees covered in icicles and snow caves buried inside the falls. That sight alone is my number one reason I recommend hiking this trail right when the forest road opens during mid-April.
Summer is the probably the busiest time of year for this waterfall as the population of Pagosa Springs doubles with tourists. If you coming during this time, I would recommend going on a weekday or early morning on the weekends.
The advantage to hiking to Piedra Fall during summer is that once the turbulent spring falls have simmered down and temperatures are their peak, you can go for a dip near the base of the waterfalls where the wading pool is formed.
Please be cautious as going under or anywhere close to this powerful waterfall. The current is much stronger than you think and can easily hold you under.
Hopefully you get the chance to hike this short but worthy waterfall hike while visiting Pagosa Springs! It is hands down one of my favorite remote waterfalls in all Colorado!
