Stats, trail tips and important information regarding this trail are located at the bottom of the blog post. Unless explicitly noted, all pictures in this blog are owned by me and should otherwise not be used without expressed written consent.

Fourmile Falls was added to the list after doing research on the trip and chatting up locals. One of the advantages to keeping a fungible list is that you can change it based on what you hear from the people who know the area the best.

This was part of a summer road trip: Austin (TX), Buena Vista (CO), Ouray (CO), Telluride (CO), Pagosa Springs (CO) and Santa Fe (NM). This wasn’t the typical two-week or more fall road trip we typically take. But nine days in the middle of the summer was perfectly fine.

The hike started with a brief rainstorm so we waited in the parking lot. Surprise rain showers seem to be normal for this mountainous area during the summer.

It didn’t take long for the rain clouds to go away and we were trailblazin’. The first of the hike is root’y but not too far into the hike you begin to see the beautiful mountain views…

And there’s another creek crossing and Howie is a-okay with that 🐶…

One spot that I unfortunately did not photograph was a pretty wide creek crossing. Super cool. And if you’re careful you can probably keep your feet mostly dry. There are logs and rocks to traverse.

We then walked through a meadow brimming with wildflowers and began to see the waterfalls at a distance…

And here’s Howie and I walking through the meadow…

How do you get a better view? Well, just keep hiking. Lol …

And even closer…

You get very up close and personal with Falls Creek Falls (it reminds me of Hickory Nut Falls near Lake Lure (NC))…

And because pictures do not do it justice, here’s the video of Falls Creek Falls straight from my YouTube channel…

We grabbed a snack at this spot. Then we noticed some hikers gliding in a controlled manner through the rock scree. Apparently, there’s a way to get to the second waterfall (Fourmile Creek Falls) from the first, but it’s a huge pain in the butt – rock scree combined with a very high-grade hill makes for a tough route. If you backtrack (close to where Excellent Photo Spot photo was taken), the official trail taking you to the second hike is there. It’s a steep climb but easier (and short). It won’t be long before you’re at the viewing point to Fourmile Creek Falls (and the end of the trail)…

This looks so iconic Colorado, doesn’t it?

On the way back, I had to snap a photo of that picturesque wildflower meadow. Such a beautiful, iconic Colorado summer hike.

Total Distance/Time: 6.86 miles in 3 hrs 10 min
Calories Burned: 2,039
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Trail Features: Waterfalls, alpine forest, mountain views, wildflowers, meadows
Best Time to Hike: July-August

Difficulty Rating: 7.5/10
Trailhead Coordinates: 37.409498, -107.052725
Trail Tips:

• Popularity: The trail is out in the middle of nowhere, but it still appears to be a popular hike. Get there earlier if possible to avoid the crowds.
• Difficulty. This hike isn’t necessarily difficult but the distance means you’ll burn quite a few calories. Bring plenty of water or a water filter/purifier bottle.
• Wet Feet. There are multiple creek crossings on this hike and you will likely get your feet wet. Wear appropriate footwear (or bring water shoes).
• Route Options: Once you get to the first waterfall, there’s a shortcut to the right that takes you up to the second waterfall. I would recommend against that route. It’s full of rock scree and going down means you’ll likely be on all fours. The official trail to the second waterfall requires you to backtrack a few hundred feet.
• Rooty-Rocky Start. There are quite a few roots and rocks in the first .5 miles of the hike (as to a lesser extent throughout the hike). I’d recommend having food ankle support or walking poles if you deem necessary.