Phoenix Falls Hike

The trail to Phoenix Falls is a scenic hike located near Creede, Colorado. The trailhead is situated at the first switchback on East Willow Creek Road, with the initial portion of the hike following a four-wheel-drive access road. The route proceeds north, winding through a dense grove of quaking aspens along East Willow Creek. As the trail gradually climbs the valley, it opens into a large meadow at the base of the La Garita Mountains. Hikers must navigate multiple creek crossings, which may require using makeshift log bridges. Along the route, hikers can see summer wildflowers and an old mining cabin. The final 300 feet of the approach to the waterfall is steep and rocky. The hike measures approximately 2.5 miles one way (5 miles round trip) with an elevation gain of about 863 feet, starting at an elevation of 9,856 feet and reaching a maximum elevation of 10,614 feet at the base of the falls.