Hiking Treasure Falls in Pagosa Springs
One of the most beautiful and easily accessible waterfalls in Colorado is Treasure Falls in Pagosa Springs. You can view the waterfall right from the parking lot, but we highly recommend hiking the short half-mile loop for the best views and experiencing the misty viewing deck.
During Spring, Treasure Falls is at its peak and you’ll be amazed at how powerful this 105-foot tall waterfall is as it rages down the San Juan Mountains into Falls Creek.
Although, if you get the chance to the frozen version of Treasure Falls during winter, it is also quite a unique sight to be seen.
Whether you are just through Pagosa Springs or staying for a while to enjoy this charming mountain town, make sure to take the quick stop to see Treasure Falls as I promise you will not be disappointed!
TREASURE FALLS
PAGOSA SPRINGS
MILES | 0.6 miles
ELEVATION GAIN | 196 ft
TIME NEEDED | 30 min
BEST TIME TO VISIT | April-June
DOGS ALLOWED | Yes on leash
Best Time to Visit Treasure Falls
April - July: If you want to see Treasure Falls at its peak flow than you’ll want to go in spring, but keep in mind the full trail loop may be packed full of snow until May.
August - October:The waterfall starts to lessen around August-October but the full trail loop is accessible at this time.
November - March: It is another beautiful view if you go during snowfall, but keep in mind it is not recommended to hike the trail, especially without micro spikes. The waterfall is frozen usually from November to February and the parking lot may be full of snow.
Legend of Treasure Falls
Back in the 1700s Frenchman started to immigrate into the San Juan Mountains as they were panning for gold and were supposedly very successful as well.
During this time, Spain and France were also fighting over the Southwest region of Colorado. At some point, the Frenchman were attacked by Spain and their Native American allies, but before surrendering they were said to have hidden their gold in three different locations near this “great water fountain.”
Multiple people have tried to find the Frenchmen’s hidden treasure over the centuries, but none have yet to claim success (at least to the public).
Directions to Treasure Falls Trailhead
Parking lot at Treasure Falls Pagosa Springs
Take Highway 160 East from downtown Pagosa Springs for about 15 miles. You will see the fairly obvious parking lot on your right shoulder (east side of the highway). If you start to go up the switchbacks toward the pass you’ve gone too far.
There is parking for trailers and larger RVs in the lot, and these spots run parallel to the highway.
Hiking Routes - Treasure Falls
From late spring to early fall, this trail is a loop so you can start the 0.6 mile trek via the Main Trail or the Primitive Trail.
While the elevation gain is minimal at 196 feet, it is still a very short distance up so don’t underestimate the steepness of the trail.
Primitive Trail is still covered in snow late April, but Main Trail is open.
If you are hiking from November to April, the trail may be covered in snow and inaccessible unless you have microspikes and are an experienced hiker.
If you are going during late-Spring to Summer when the trail is uncovered, I would suggest hiking counter-clockwise. Start by hiking up the Primitive Trail and then down the Main Trail as the Primitive Trail side is steeper and narrower (less risk).
The best viewpoints are at the bridge halfway point where you will be directly in front of the base of Treasure Falls and then the view from the Misty Deck (bring your rain jacket).
Treasure Falls Map
View and download the hiking trail from All Trails
Tips - Hiking Treasure Falls Pagosa Springs
View of the Misty Deck and closest point to the waterfall.
We have hiked Treasure Falls during the spring when only the Main Trail was open and in the summer when the full loop was open. I’d say the most ideal month to hike this trail is May when the full loop is open and the falls are most abundant.
If the Primitive Trail isn’t covered in snow, start your hike on this trail (right side of parking lot if facing the falls) since it is a steeper and narrower trail. I’d rather save my knees and feel safer if I fall.
Don’t worry though if the Primitive Trail is still covered in snow, you won’t be missing out on much and still will see the best viewpoints by hiking the Main Trail only.
Because of the steep terrain and slick rocks, I recommend wearing hiking shoes or hiking boots with a nice grip.
If you go up the Primitive Trail, a quarter-mile in you will get to a river stream crossing.
Although the stream has always been low enough for us to cross, please be safe and turn around if the stream is too high to cross.
You’ll notice there are a few hidden offshoots from the trail before you get to the bridge, we’ve taken these steep paths and I can attest it is better to just stay on the trail and wait for the views from the bridge.
Depending on the time of year or day, the bridge may be full of viewers, but usually people are respectful and take their few pictures and leave.
If you can time it just right and hike on a clear day about an hour before the sunset, you will have the best chance to experience a rainbow in front of the falls. Something truly magical to see!
Rainbow at the base of Treasure Falls
I honestly think the bridge has the best views of the waterfall and also from here you can look the other way out over the San Juan Mountains, but also don’t miss the extra 1/10 of a mile to experience the Misty Deck!
Definitely make sure you have a great rain jacket during spring and early summer because you will get wet on the Misty Deck!
As you start to walk down the Main Trail to your car, you’ll notice it is a nice wider trail of switchbacks.
There is an overlook trail that shoots out near the base of the Main Trail, but I think the best view of the San Juan Valley is a mile up the road at the Wolf Creek Pass Overlook. Definitely worth the extra 2-minute drive if you ask me.
View from Wolf Creek Pass Overlook
Hopefully you enjoy this trail as much as we have over the years! It truly is spectacular to see any time of year, even if it is just a glimpse from the parking lot.
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