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LakeQuality

Updated July 2026

North Clear Creek Falls

Hinsdale County, Colorado — about 85 ft, mid-height.
North Clear Creek Falls, a waterfall in Colorado
North Clear Creek Falls, Colorado · Jane Nearing from Richardson, US · CC BY 2.0

North Clear Creek Falls plunges roughly 85 feet (often cited as 100 feet) over a basalt rim in the Rio Grande National Forest, between Creede and Lake City. A paved access road and short, wheelchair-accessible path lead to an observation overlook above the gorge.

Height
85 ft
Type
Plunge
Access
Roadside
Trail
0.2 mi out-and-back
Elevation gain
Not documented
Best season
summer
Land manager
Rio Grande National Forest (USFS)
Watercourse
North Clear Creek

Before you go

Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Rio Grande National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.

Graded lakes within 25 miles

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Frequently Asked Questions

North Clear Creek Falls drops about 85 feet. That makes it the 253rd-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 63% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.

The North Clear Creek Falls Observation Site reaches it about 0.2 miles (out-and-back), rated easy. The nearest town is Creede. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Rio Grande National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions.

summer. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.

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Sources

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