NPS Photo by Sally King

Upper Falls in Autumn

THERE WAS AN ATTEMPT TO REMOVE FERAL CATTLE FROM THE FALLS TRAIL AREA DURING THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 18. SOME CATTLE WERE TOO WEAK TO MAKE THE CLIMB UP THE TRAIL AND DIED. YOU MAY ENCOUNTER THEIR CARCASSES IF YOU HIKE BELOW LOWER FALLS.

The Falls Trail starts at the end of the Backpacker's Parking Lot near the visitor center. The trail descends 700 vertical feet in its 2.5 mile length passing two waterfalls and ending at the Rio Grande. A beautiful trail in any season, this trail is not cleared of snow in the winter. There are steep dropoffs along the trail and places where hikers must hop the creek. Keep children close at all times and watch for wildlife. Take plenty of water. Water from the creek should not be drunk without first treating it.

THIS TRAIL IS NOT ACCESSIBLE TO WHEELCHAIRS OR STROLLERS.

The Falls Trail was affected by several flashflood events between August, 2007 and August, 2008. Several bridges were destroyed and the trail was washed out in many places. Several times trail crews, some paid and some volunteer, have worked to repair the damage. Now, there are only a few reminders, including one bridge that remains out, of the devastation caused by these short-term but powerful events.