Nellie Creek Falls Trail

The trail begins along Nellie Creek Road (County Road 23/FSR #877). This road is known for being rough, extremely narrow, and often requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. If you don't have a suitable vehicle, it's recommended to hike the road to the trailhead. The initial section is a gentle climb but features occasional loose, embedded boulders.

While the trail is listed for jogging, continuous jogging presents significant challenges. The initial 0.8-mile stretch to Nellie Creek Falls is the most 'jog-able' part, though it's still a rough, rocky road. Beyond the falls, the route becomes narrower and much rougher, with creek crossings and potentially boggy sections, making continuous jogging difficult. The broader trail, especially towards Uncompahgre Peak, involves steep, rocky gullies, loose rock, and high-altitude conditions, making it primarily a challenging hiking route.

The terrain varies significantly. Initially, you'll be on a rough road with loose, embedded boulders. As you continue past Nellie Creek Falls, the path narrows and becomes much rougher, featuring two creek crossings and potentially boggy areas in wet conditions. Higher sections, particularly towards Uncompahgre Peak, involve steep, rocky gullies, switchbacks, loose rock, and eventually alpine tundra, with some areas requiring 'Class 2' scrambling over loose rock.

The trail offers captivating views. You'll find the two-tiered Nellie Creek Falls nestled among aspens, with the sound of powerful water. Look for industrious beavers and enjoy the vibrant fall colors if visiting in autumn. As you climb, you'll get increasingly expansive vistas, including spectacular views of Uncompahgre Peak. The trail winds through meadows, spruce-fir forests, and eventually reaches alpine tundra, offering views of other 13,000-foot peaks. Wildflowers like Mountain Strawberry and Western Red Columbine are visible, especially in mid-June and July.

The best time to visit is typically from mid-June through early October. Mid-June and July are ideal for seeing wildflowers, while late September to early October offers stunning fall foliage with the aspens. Always be prepared for high-altitude weather changes, even in summer, and check conditions before you go.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly as it is located within the Uncompahgre Wilderness. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users. Please remember to pack out all pet waste.

The Nellie Creek Falls Trail is located within the Uncompahgre Wilderness, which is part of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Generally, there are no entrance fees or permits required for day hiking in these areas. However, if you plan to camp overnight in the wilderness, specific permits may be necessary. Always check the latest regulations on the USDA Forest Service website for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests before your trip.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Nellie Creek Meadow Road.

This trail is notable for several reasons: it serves as the primary access route to the Uncompahgre Peak Trailhead, a critical path for hikers aiming to summit one of Colorado's prominent 14ers. It offers exceptional scenic beauty, from the charming Nellie Creek Falls to breathtaking panoramic views of Uncompahgre Peak. The trail also showcases diverse ecosystems, transitioning from forested areas to high-elevation alpine tundra.

Given the trail's challenging terrain and high-altitude environment, you should pack essentials like plenty of water, snacks, sturdy hiking boots, layers of clothing (even in summer), rain gear, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a map and compass or GPS device, and a first-aid kit. If you plan to access the trailhead via Nellie Creek Road, ensure your vehicle is a high-clearance 4WD.