Hike Browns Creek Falls
Details
Distance
6.3 miles
Elevation Gain
850 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Alyssa Aaron
This is a fun scenic hike that leaves you with mountain views for the first half, an alpine forest for the second, and a waterfall to finish it up!
You can access several trails from this point and you even run across the Colorado Trail. To get to the waterfall you will be following the maps and trail signs to Browns Creek Trail/Browns Creek Falls. It is also labeled as Trail 1429 on the maps.
Start by turning west onto County Road 270 which is just a few miles south of Nathrop, CO on US 285. As you head straight County Road 270 turns into County Road 272. Approximately 3.5 miles from the highway you will turn left and go south for another 1.5 miles until you reach the Browns Creek Trailhead. It is well marked and has restroom facilities.
Soon after starting you will reach a cattle gate, go through it and be sure to close it behind you. Now you will initially be hiking up hill where the trail will take you up in elevation quickly but it's never very steep. As you climb keep a look out behind you for some great views of the Arkansas River Valley as well as the eleventh highest peak in Colorado, Mount Antero.
There is an intersection at about 1.4 miles where you will be hiking on the Colorado Trail. Here you will turn left to follow the Colorado trail for 0.3 miles. Shortly after hiking the Colorado trail you will have to cross "Little Browns Creek." Not too far passed this spot is a place to register to help the forest service keep track of trail usage.
From here the trail basically flattens out through the woods. Once you spot a tiny sign labeled "Falls" with an arrow pointing left you're almost there. Continue up the hill for a short distance and enjoy the falls.
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Details
Distance
6.3 miles
Elevation Gain
850 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Leave No Trace
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We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.