An Easy Hike to Piedra Falls in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

When in Pagosa Springs Colorado, a hike to Piedra Falls is a must do. 

Piedra Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in the Pagosa Springs area. This beautiful waterfall is gushing through volcanic cliffs in two steps. Typically it is accessible May through November. 

You won’t be able to see Piedra Falls from the parking lot like Treasure Falls on the other side of Pagosa Springs. From the trailhead to the falls you will hike about ½ mile, around 15 minutes walk. 

It’s an easy trail, but the road to the trailhead is challenging. It is mostly dirt and gravel. The last part of the road – East Toner Road, 7.5 miles, graveled – is the worst one. We drove a minivan, and how I wish we had a truck. There are areas where you have to stop whenever someone comes from the opposite direction. And, do not even attempt this road in wet weather or early season conditions.

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Where is Piedra Falls?

Piedra Falls is located in the San Juan National Forest north of Pagosa Springs. There are two ways to get to the falls. The fastest route takes around an hour to drive, while the other one is around 10 miles farther and 45 minutes longer.

How to get to Piedra Falls

From Pagosa Springs Area Visitor Center go to US-160 W/Main St/Pagosa St/San Juan St. and drive west for about 2.8 miles (5 min.) Then turn north to Piedra Road (CR 600/FS 631) and drive for about 17.8 miles until you get to the junction of Sportsman’s Campground/Supply. Leave the Piedra Road, make a right on Taylor Ln (FS 635) for a few yards, then turn left onto Middle Fork Road (FS 636). Drive for about 2 miles, then take the first road to the right, East Toner Road (FS 637). Continue driving for 7.5 miles to the end of the road. Trailhead elevation is 8,419 feet.

Piedra Falls Hike

From the parking lot, go left towards the woods. You won’t see any signs, but you will see a wide wash area, very rocky, that will be muddy after the rain. Walk over it and you will see a sign pointing you to a passage in the woods. You will walk under tall trees where the sun sometimes finds its way to shine on you. So, it’s a good idea to put on sunscreen before you start the walk.

After the rocky part, the trail is mostly hard dirt until you get to the waterfalls. A few yards before you get to the falls, the trail is a little beat up and washed out. It’s not hard, but you need to be careful with your steps.

When you hear the waterfall’s sound, you can go straight following the passage to see the waterfalls from above. You will need to scramble a bit to get to the picture spot. Or, you can go right to see the waterfalls from the bottom. You can always make your own way from above to the bottom though. Just be careful!

There are woods between rocks that people like to use as the platform for pictures. Be careful when you stand here because a wrong step will take you to the water.

Once you are done enjoying the falls, go back the way you come.

Can you swim in Piedra Falls?

Honestly, I don’t know the answer. I didn’t see any sign about swimming in the falls during our visit. But I did see people get wet like they just did swimming. Maybe there’s a swimming area somewhere along the stream. But, I didn’t see people swimming in the pool where the water falls. It doesn’t look safe anyway.

However, I did see two sisters cast their rod to the pool. They told me they came to Piedra Falls every summer for fishing. Again, I do not know if fishing is allowed there.

Anyway, it’s good to bring towels and water shoes in case you want to play in the water along the stream. Children will love it there, as well as your fur baby. 

Our trip to Piedra Falls was a few days after the 4th of July, and the water was running stronger through volcanic cliffs. We arrived early in the morning, and there weren’t too many visitors around the falls. But we saw lots of people on our way back to the car. So, you better start early when planning a trip to Piedra Falls. 

Have you been to Piedra Falls before? Let me know what you think about the falls by leaving a comment below.

If you haven’t been to Piedra Falls, save and pin the following image for your future reference.

Colorado is one of the beautiful states in America with plenty of waterfalls. If you like chasing waterfalls on your road trip, check out the following articles:

– Driving the Million Dollar Highway in Southwest Colorado

– Driving the Silver Thread – Colorado Scenic Byway 

– Guide to Crested Butte Summer Activities

– Colorado One Week Unplanned Itinerary