Waterfall Hero Hikes: Browns Creek Falls (Salida)

Browns Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall on its namesake in Chaffee County, Colorado. The waterfall is located in the Salida Ranger District of San Isabel National Forest.

Hike Length: 5.8 miles
Estimated Time: 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Salida Ranger District of San Isabel National Forest
Trail Users: Hiking
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around the waterfalls are very slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 38.67216,-106.16149
Waterfall GPS: 38.65066,-106.19240

Directions:

From Buena Vista, head south from on US-285 for about 9 miles and turn right on County Road 270. In 1.5 miles, go straight through the 4-way stop to get on CR-272. Continue 2 miles and turn left to stay on CR-272. Drive 1.6 miles and the trailhead parking will be on the right.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the trailhead parking, hike Browns Creek Trail (#1429) as it climbs up along Little Browns Creek. In about 1.5 miles, the trail joins the Colorado Trail for a little ways, then splits to the right and begins following Browns Creek upstream. In about 3 miles, look for a split where a spur trail to the left leads to the waterfall.