Silver Falls can be seen near the old historic Silver Falls Forest Service Guard Station. To view this scenic waterfall, travel east on U.S. 160 for approximately 10 miles from the San Juan River Bridge in Pagosa Springs. Then turn right (east) on East Fork Road (#667) toward the East Fork Campground. Travel up the East Fork of the San Juan River for approximately 8 miles. Above the road on the north side (left), you will see the old guard station. Due to a major landslide in early 2008, East Fork Road has remained closed to all vehicular traffic. Call the U.S. Forest Service, Pagosa Ranger District at (970) 264-2268 to determine its status, before heading there.

To reach the base of the falls, hike up past the building for about 1/8-mile. During the early spring, there are two stream crossings that must be driven through. These can be difficult during high water. The last two miles of road cross private land. Please respect the rights of the land owner and remain on the road.

Treasure Falls takes its name from Treasure Mountain, an area rich in folklore and stories of a large buried treasure. Most accounts suggest that a fabulous treasure chest of gold was buried in the area after a group of Frenchmen were “waylaid” by either Spanish or Indians. Whatever the circumstances, Treasure Falls offers the visitor a breathtaking treasure of scenery.

The falls can be seen by driving east on U.S. 160, approximately 15 miles from the San Juan River bridge on the east side of Pagosa Springs. Along the highway, there is a large parking area with a well-maintained trail leading to the base of the falls. The walk up to the falls can be seen from the highway, and there is good opportunity to take photographs from the highway, as well as from the overlook bridge at the base of the falls.

This tall, narrow waterfall can only be visited after the high water season. It is located at the confluence of Lean Creek and the Middle Fork of the Piedra River. To reach this location, drive out on Piedra Road, the same as directed for Piedra Falls. However, once on the Middle Fork Road, continue to its end (approximately 5 miles). Park in the Forest Service campground and then follow an abandoned road on the west side of the river up to the wilderness boundary. At the end of the road, there are several old “fishermen” trails up the Middle Fork of the Piedra River. Follow these until you reach the falls on the right side of the river (approximately 1 mile). There are scrambles over ledges and one location where you have to walk in the river where the water is wall-to-wall between the base of the cliffs. This is the reason the visit should be made after the high water runoff. This trip is not for the timid, nor should it be made before late July or early August.

This waterfall not only is unnamed, but the stream on which it is located remains unnamed. This fall is significant in that it has the largest vertical drop of any waterfall in the Pagosa District. A visit to this fall is a wilderness adventure. It is reached by hiking approximately 10 miles up the Williams Creek trail in the Weminuche Wilderness. When you reach Squaw Pass trail, turn west for about 3 miles. We do not advise a one-day trip, but rather an overnight backpack.

The road leading to Elwood Pass is for 4-wheeling only. To view the dashing cascades of Elwood Creek, drive up the East Fork Road, as described for Silver Falls. Approximately 1 mile past the falls, the Elwood Pass Road branches to the left where the main road turns to the right. From this junction up, the route is along a primitive road. There are many steep grades and bottomless mudholes. Near the confluence of Elwood Creek and the East Fork of the San Juan River, you must ford the San Juan. During high water, this is a most difficult task, if not impossible. Once across the river, the road climbs steeply out of the canyon bottom. From high on the mountain slope, you can view the Elwood Cascades. This trip is suggested for late summer or fall colors. This trip is best when the aspen leaves are turning to shimmering gold. Drive with caution! This is recommended for only experienced 4-wheelers. The road is difficult even when dry.

One of the most popular waterfalls in the Pagosa District of the San Juan National Forest is Piedra Falls, located where the East Fork of the Piedra River meets the Weminuche Wilderness boundary. This waterfall crashes over volcanic cliffs in two large steps. The fall is reached by driving west from Pagosa Springs on U.S. 160 to the top of the hill. At the crest of the hill, turn right on Piedra Road (CR 600). Approximately 17 miles northwest on this route, turn right on Middle Fork Road (#636), near the little store. Continue along the Middle Fork Road for about 2 miles. Take a right on the East Toner Road. Follow the East Toner Road (#637) to its end near the irrigation diversion about 8 miles east of Middle Fork. Leave your auto and follow the path upstream to the base of the falls. A note of caution — The East Toner Road is not graveled and has numerous slick sections during wet weather.

On its course from the high country to Navajo Reservoir, the Piedra River cuts through many layers of rock. Perhaps the most spectacular is the one location where the river slices through the metamorphic rocks of the Precambrian geologic time period. The Second Box Canyon is deep, narrow and rugged with wall-to-wall water in most places through the depths of the canyon. Character of the river has resulted in names like snare, rattrap, dilemma and snarl being given to the powerful rapids. To visit this canyon requires either a backpack trip or a horse. The canyon is reached by driving out on the Piedra Road (see directions for Piedra Falls). Approximately 1/2-mile past the Piedra Bridge, the Piedra Trail and parking lot is located on the left side of Piedra Road. Follow the Piedra downstream to Sand Creek. The Second Box Canyon starts on the down-river edge of the large meadow at the confluence of Sand Creek and the Piedra River.

Spilling hundreds of feet over a precipice of dark volcanic rock, Fourmile Falls makes an interesting destination in the Weminuche Wilderness north of Pagosa Springs. Accessed by a short and easy hike.

Injury in remote areas can be the beginning of a real emergency. Accidents can ruin your trip; guard against them. Getting stuck or sliding your vehicle off a primitive road can result in a large expense.

Before you set off, take time to study the area, weather conditions and distances.

Drive carefully on the narrow winding mountain roads. Always remember that another vehicle may be coming around the sharp curve. Do not attempt fording streams during high water season.

Near the base of all waterfalls, the rocks, steep slopes and soil is continually wet because of the spray and mist. Climbing cliffs and scrambling around the base of waterfalls is hazardous. Experienced rock climbers generally avoid rock climbing in waterfall areas. Have good lug-soled footwear when hiking.

Take care while walking along streams or crossing them. Watch out for undercut banks that could give way under your weight. Steep slopes that end at the water’s edge should be avoided. When crossing a stream, watch your footing. Look out for drop-offs, deep holes, slippery rocks, soft mud and quicksand.

Mishaps are rare, but they do happen. Know what to do if one should happen. Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it. If a serious injury occurs and help is needed, contact the Archuleta County Sheriff at 264-2131.