One of the more popular attractions in the Pagosa Springs Colorado area is visiting Treasure Falls. The falls are just off of Highway 160 at the base of the climb up Wolf Creek Pass. Only requires a 1/4 mile hike to reach the base of the falls. This is a great stop for families, kids and anyone interested in water falls.
Officially located in the San Juan National Forest within the San Juan Mountains in Mineral Country Colorado. Roughly a 25 minutes drive from downtown Pagosa Springs and just past the West Fork turnoff. It’s not necessary to hike to the base of the falls because they are viewable from the parking lot area. This is great for individuals that may not be able to make the 1/4 mile, 300 foot hike to the falls. The length of the falls measure 105 feet from top to bottom.
Popular year-round due to the waterfall freezing during the winter and after the snow melt runoff during summer. It is more difficult to hike to the base of the falls during winter with lots of snowfall on the ground, but still viewable from the parking lot.
Legends of Buried Gold in the San Juan Mountains
The waterfall is named after a local legend that states that a gold treasure is hidden in the area. Treasure Mountain received its name because of a story dating back to the late 1700’s. Two different versions of the story are most popular, but the gist is that French Explorers were in the area and found gold near Summitville. Because of Native Americans in the area, they stashed the gold in different spots in order to hide it safely. Maps were created of the stored gold thereby leading the mapholder to the loot. Legend states that the maps were real, but the French were not able to gather the gold due to troubles with the Native Americans. The legend now exists that buried treasure are in the San Juan Mountains at Treasure Mountain and hence the naming of the falls.
Directions to Treasure Falls from Pagosa Springs
A parking lot is available at the base of Treasure Falls
Photos of Treasure Falls
