Round Trip Distance: up to 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 8105 - 8288 feet
Cellphone: 0-3 bars
Time: 45 mins.
Trailhead: Treasure Falls
Fee: none
Attractions: Scenic waterfall
Treasure Falls is located east of Pagosa Springs, Colorado along US Highway 160 at the base of Wolf Creek Pass. The mountain from which the scenic 105 foot waterfall flows is known as Treasure Mountain and has an interesting story that goes with its name. As the legend goes, back in the late 1700's when the area was under Spanish control there was a group of several hundred Frenchmen that came along and are said to have found a considerable amount of gold. Unfortunately, all but two of them perished due to conflicts with the Indians, bad weather and disease.
To get there drive 15 miles east of Pagosa Springs on Highway 160 where there will be a large parking area on the right that can accommodate vehicles pulling trailers when it isn't too busy.
The waterfall is viewable from a wheelchair accessible observation point at the parking area.
Those that would like to get a closer look at the waterfall will find a primitive trail that climbs around the right side of the creek and a somewhat more developed route that climbs up to the falls on the left side of the creek.
The more developed trail has a wide smooth path with a number of switchbacks to make it a little easier.
Along the way there are a few interpretive kiosks with interesting tidbits of information.
Both trails come together at a bridge that spans the canyon a little below the falls.
The bridge provides one of the best views of all 105 feet of Treasure Falls.
Continuing up the trail on the left side of the falls will take you to Misty Deck where you will have an unobstructed view of the falls. During the early summer months when there is more water flowing down the cliff you can feel it spraying off of the rocks.
Of course, being this close to the waterfall makes it difficult to fit it all into the frame even with a wide angle lens.
