NF 502-1 Phoenix Park Waterfall

Total Miles 2.2
Technical Rating
3 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall
Trail Type High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

This trail forks off of the upper end of East Willow Creek Road. It starts out a little rocky, but once you leave that section, the road becomes more dirt with a few fun stream crossings. The trail ends at an old cabin with the falls trailhead. About a 3/4 mile hike to the falls, uphill at the end. No cell service. Beautiful scenery.

Photos of NF 502-1 Phoenix Park Waterfall

Difficulty

The trail is moderate in the beginning with a lot of rocky sections. Then it becomes dirt, with a few rocks and several stream crossings.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

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Matthew
Jun 16, 2026
Open
Trail is definitely rough and bumpy but not very technical. I would recommend to someone wanting to get some experience. No risk of tipping and only about 2 sections with large rocks where a stock rig would have trouble. I have a JKU lifted 3" on 37s and did not drag on anything so maybe at least a moderate lift with 35s is doable. Its really just the 2 sections on the trail that have the large rocks the rest can be done in a stock jeep or small truck.
Jeff Engle
Jun 09, 2026
Open
YouTube videos and the rating of 3/10 by Onx are completely wrong. It’s 1.5 miles of very rough terrain almost rock climbing at times. Then .5 miles of smooth road. We hit bottom of our Jeep several times. Had to get out and spot our route. I’d suggest 35s or more on a Jeep or only side by sides with good skid plates. Waterfall okay but beaver pond next to it was cool
Jason Zoller
Jul 20, 2025
Open
Trail has been significantly eroded and I would call this trail difficult for full sized vehicles. We were in a 200 series Land Cruiser with roof rack full of stuff. There are some stretches where passing any oncoming vehicle would be impossible and backing up would be hard in either direction. There was fun section, that was a large rock field with water coming down it.
Jacob Gale
Jul 18, 2025
Open
Should be rated a 4 or 5. This trail has deteriorated rapidly in the last five years which I think is great. This area of Colorado has needed a good technical trail. Great trail for newer enthusiasts wanting to try some technical trails. Right before the first water crossing there is a very tight turn with very large boulders in the middle and two trees close to the passenger side, any rigs with roof top tents and campers need to be extremely careful on this turn. I’d say this trail is at the very limit of a stock Tacoma or rubicon with a skilled driver/spotter. Remember put the rocks under your tires not your engine!
Steel Turner
Jun 23, 2025
Open
Took the SXS and 4-wheeler up from creede. Trail is in good shape but definitely some erosion. Lots of off camber through the creeks and deep water crossings. Not a trail for a novice rider by any means. But a great ride if you’re looking for a challenge
Zack Permenter
Oct 03, 2024
Open
Very rough through the first mile or so with some eroded areas and tight offcamber switchbacks.
Tyler B
Sep 05, 2024
Open
The trail has been driven and and eroded, the overview of this trail does not match the current conditions. There are several ravine crossings that will challenge your vehicles articulation and traction, creek crossing was about 2.5ft deep.
Garrett Sackett
Aug 12, 2024
Open
Russ foust
Jul 22, 2024
Open
Matt Barnes
Jul 20, 2024
Open
Nick Robertson
Jul 12, 2024
Open
Neat trail. Beautiful falls at the top. I would not agree with the “easy” rating as this was more technical than stony pass and engineer pass. No adjacent drop offs like those passes, but lots of loose rocks, ruts and off camber situations.
Cody Wilde
Jun 25, 2024
Open
Dayna Hancock
Jun 24, 2024
Open
Loose rocks with ascend and descend hills. Certainly more difficult than an easy trail in my opinion.
James Ford
May 26, 2024
Open
Caleb Arnold
Oct 09, 2023
Open

NF 502-1 Phoenix Park Waterfall Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • High Clearance

NF 502-1 Phoenix Park Waterfall Map

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