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Brown's Creek Falls (Browns Creek Brown's Lake Brown's Creek Falls Waterfall Waterfalls)
Hiking Trail
Hard
5.9 mi
1,003 ft
A scenic hike to a roaring waterfall nestled in a gorgeous mountain canyon.
Waterfalls are relatively few and far between in Colorado, making the few scenic waterfalls that do exist a massive draw to hikers from all across the state. Brown's Creek Falls is one such popular cascade, with a moderately challenging—but very attainable—hike required to reach the falls.
The initial climb up the Brown's Creek trail is quite steep, with blocky rock steps and boulder-filled sections. As the trail gains small ridges, beautiful views open up of the Arkansas Valley below.
Once on the Colorado Trail the grade mellows out significantly, providing easier walking.
After turning off the Colorado Trail and back onto the main Brown's Creek Trail, the singletrack crosses a few streams and then breaks out into a jaw-dropping alpine valley, with steep-sided mountains rising on both sides. Jones Peak and Tabeguache Peak tower over the left side of the valley, with Mount White on the right.
After some easy walking, a left turn off the main trail will bring you to the waterfall itself. This roaring cascade splashes down through a cleft in a rocky canyon wall. While the falls are spectacular all year 'round, they're especially impressive when they're running fast and full in the spring as the snowmelt from the mountains high above finds its way down to the Arkansas River far, far below.
For a longer hike, continue beyond the falls for several more miles until you reach Brown's Lake just below treeline—one of the most scenic alpine lakes you'll ever lay eyes upon. Written by Greg Heil
Waterfalls are relatively few and far between in Colorado, making the few scenic waterfalls that do exist a massive draw to hikers from all across the state. Brown's Creek Falls is one such popular cascade, with a moderately challenging—but very attainable—hike required to reach the falls.
The initial climb up the Brown's Creek trail is quite steep, with blocky rock steps and boulder-filled sections. As the trail gains small ridges, beautiful views open up of the Arkansas Valley below.
Once on the Colorado Trail the grade mellows out significantly, providing easier walking.
After turning off the Colorado Trail and back onto the main Brown's Creek Trail, the singletrack crosses a few streams and then breaks out into a jaw-dropping alpine valley, with steep-sided mountains rising on both sides. Jones Peak and Tabeguache Peak tower over the left side of the valley, with Mount White on the right.
After some easy walking, a left turn off the main trail will bring you to the waterfall itself. This roaring cascade splashes down through a cleft in a rocky canyon wall. While the falls are spectacular all year 'round, they're especially impressive when they're running fast and full in the spring as the snowmelt from the mountains high above finds its way down to the Arkansas River far, far below.
For a longer hike, continue beyond the falls for several more miles until you reach Brown's Lake just below treeline—one of the most scenic alpine lakes you'll ever lay eyes upon. Written by Greg Heil
Route and Elevation
Segments
Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
---|---|---|---|
Parking lot to CT | 1.42 mi | 646 ft | 8.6% |
Browns climb to the CT | 1.34 mi | 587 ft | 8.2% |
CT to Parking Lot | 1.41 mi | -650 ft | -8.7% |
Browns Descent from CT | 1.31 mi | -577 ft | -8.3% |