Waterfall · Chaffee County, Colorado

The Falls

Waterfall about 6.1 miles southeast of Buena Vista, CO.

Illustrated featured image for The Falls in Chaffee County, Colorado

About The Falls

The Falls is a named waterfall in Chaffee County, Colorado, located about 6.1 miles southeast of Buena Vista. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Buena Vista East 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 38°46′22″ N, 106°03′45″ W (38.77277, -106.06252). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Tie Gulch (valley, under 0.1 mi), Sugarloaf Mountain (summit, 1.0 mi), and Arnold Gulch (valley, 1.4 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Agnes Vaille Falls, 9.9 miles to the west.

Weather at The Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

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Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at The Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

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Sunset
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Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.

Nearest Stream Gauge

Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...

Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.

Map and Directions

The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of The Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of The Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Tie Gulch — valley, under 0.1 mi
  • Sugarloaf Mountain — summit, 1.0 mi
  • Arnold Gulch — valley, 1.4 mi
  • Bald Mountain Gulch — valley, 1.5 mi
  • Ruby Mountain — summit, 1.6 mi
  • Bald Mountain — summit, 1.7 mi
  • Coal Kiln Gulch — valley, 1.9 mi

Before You Visit

  • Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
  • Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
  • Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
  • Download offline maps and save the coordinates 38.77277, -106.06252. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near The Falls

Photo of Snyder Falls near Leadville, CO

Snyder Falls

Leadville, CO · 29 mi northwest
4.4 (7)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The Falls located?

The Falls is in Chaffee County, Colorado, about 6.1 miles southeast of Buena Vista. Its coordinates are 38.77277, -106.06252 (38°46′22″ N, 106°03′45″ W).

What town is closest to The Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Buena Vista, CO, about 6.1 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near The Falls?

The closest is Agnes Vaille Falls (9.9 mi west). Others within reach include Bedrock Falls (19 mi) and Snyder Falls (29 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows The Falls?

The Falls appears on the USGS Buena Vista East 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.