About McElmo Falls
McElmo Falls is a named waterfall in Montezuma County, Colorado, located about 2.6 miles southwest of Cortez. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Cortez 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°19′10″ N, 108°36′57″ W (37.31940, -108.61590). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Hartman Canyon (valley, 0.3 mi) and Crow Canyon (valley, 0.5 mi).
Weather at McElmo Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at McElmo Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
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 McElmo Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
McElmo Falls holds a 1.0 average from 2 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of McElmo Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Hartman Canyon — valley, 0.3 mi
- Crow Canyon — valley, 0.5 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 37.31940, -108.61590. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is McElmo Falls located?
McElmo Falls is in Montezuma County, Colorado, about 2.6 miles southwest of Cortez. Its coordinates are 37.31940, -108.61590 (37°19′10″ N, 108°36′57″ W).
What town is closest to McElmo Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Cortez, CO, about 2.6 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
Which USGS topographic map shows McElmo Falls?
McElmo Falls appears on the USGS Cortez 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.