NF 502-1 Phoenix Park Waterfall

Much harder than a 3 closer to a 5 in places. Lots of boulders. Needed lockers in the wet parts.

Shows dispersed camping, didn't find any suitable sites for a large (Gazelle) tent. Rating should be at least 2 higher given the rocks several technical sections. Narrow, limited areas to turn around, let alone, pass another vehicle. Couple of steep sections that if wet and less capable tires, you'd have trouble getting up or staying in control going down.

This trail should be a 4-5 up to the falls. Rocky, large boulders 30” tire scraped skid plate a few times. Some very steep inclines over rock. SxS, RMAX2 1000 handled with aggressive tires. Wet rocks part of the trail, worse with afternoon rains.

We drove this trail in a stock 2026 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, and I think the current 3/10 rating understates the difficulty, especially for longer-wheelbase vehicles. The trail starts out fairly mild, but after the initial section it becomes consistently rocky with several larger boulders that required careful tire placement. We aired down to 11 PSI and still contacted our rock rails and skid plates several times. The biggest challenge was a very tight section where the trail squeezes between a large tree and rocks. With a midsize truck, we only had inches to spare. If you have a long-wheelbase vehicle, expect several tight turns that require multiple maneuvers and careful spotting. We chose to turn around before reaching the waterfall because the risk of body damage wasn't worth it for us. Drivers in stock SUVs or crossovers expecting an "easy" trail may be surprised by the technical sections.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

Very rough through the first mile or so with some eroded areas and tight offcamber switchbacks.

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.

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.