Explore Nellie Creek Falls

Lake City, Colorado

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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Details

Distance

0.8 miles

Elevation Gain

300 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jason Hatfield

A small but photogenic falls tucked in the mountains near Lake City, Colorado. Make sure to visit in the fall when the surrounding aspens start turning a vibrant gold.

Nellie Creek Falls is a beautiful little falls, up County Road 23. The waterfall is surrounded by a forest of aspens leading up the valley. To get to the falls take the northern route of the Alpine Loop from Lake City towards Engineer Pass. In about 5 miles you come to Nellie Creek Road on the right. The waterfall is just under a mile up the road, which you'll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for or just hike along the road.

There really isn't anywhere near the falls to park and the road is very narrow. The best place I found was a couple of pull-outs before the falls next to a disused BLM sign. If you continue up the road 3 miles you'll reach the trailhead for Uncompahgre Peak, the tallest fourteener in the San Juans. There are some great viewpoints along the way so make sure to take your time.

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Features

Chillin

Photography

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Forest

Scenic

Waterfall

Reviews

Nita Wilkinson

Explore Nellie Creek Falls

07/02/17

4×4 only, or hike. Beautiful senery & winding Roads with a lot off runoff springs & waterfalls. Beautiful Autumn Color with Aspen trees. Short trip up leaving lots of time to explore.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Explore Nellie Creek Falls

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Capture Fall Foliage and Whitmore Falls on Engineer Pass

Hike Redcloud and Sunshine Peaks

Drive Cinnamon Pass

Drive Engineer Pass

Backpack to Wetterhorn Basin

Explore Animas Forks

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