Updated July 2026
South Mineral Creek Falls
South Mineral Creek Falls (South Fork Mineral Creek Falls) is a two-tiered waterfall dropping roughly 55 feet into a blue pool in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. The flat out-and-back trail of about 0.8 miles starts near the South Mineral Campground.
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 San Juan National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
South Mineral Creek Falls drops about 55 feet. That makes it the 393rd-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 43% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The South Mineral Creek Falls Trail reaches it about 0.8 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 114 feet of elevation gain, rated easy. The nearest town is Silverton. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with San Juan National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions.
Summer (Jun-Sep). Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More Colorado waterfalls
- Adams Falls · 55 ft
- Alberta Falls · 30 ft
- Bear Creek Falls
- Booth Falls · 60 ft
- Box Canyon Falls · 285 ft
- Bridal Veil Falls · 365 ft
- Bridal Veil Falls (Hanging Lake)
- Cascade Falls (Ouray) · 270 ft
Sources
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