Guidebooks, keyed to numbered markers along the loop, are available at the Creede Visitor Center and various businesses. The 25-page guidebook with map costs $3.00. The loop road has some narrow stretches and steep grades that require caution. Check on road conditions during inclement weather. Several 4-wheel-drive roads lead off the tour route into less accessible terrain. Allow a minimum of 1 hour for the tour.

Encompassing 102 acres within Rio Grande County, the Beaver Creek Reservoir State Wildlife Area beckons as a captivating outdoor recreation area, renowned for its fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and camping opportunities. Its scenic expanse features sandy beaches and rugged shores. The historic Beaver Creek Reservoir Dam, with over a century of history, holds immense importance in the water management of the San Luis Valley. In the 2010s, notable enhancements were undertaken by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, followed with regular reservoir fish stocking ever since.

Giant Fir Tree

Hikers of all ages will enjoy the 1/2 mile hike up Cross Creek Trail 512 on the south end of the reservoir. This trail offers a straightforward hike through picturesque meadows and into the alpine forests, leading to the Rio Grande National Forest's largest fir tree. While it doesn't rival the towering redwoods of the west coast, this tree is a distinctive marvel within Colorado. Its stunted top hints at a past encounter with lightning, adding to its allure. The trail is ideal for hiking between May and November, while winter visitors can access it with snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Photo of Giant Fir Tree courtesy of the South Fork Silver Threaders; photo by Michael David Lick

To Get There

Go south of town on Hwy 160 and turn left on Beaver Creek Road. Follow this road for 7 miles to the Beaver Creek Reservoir. Fish, boat or just admire the scenery. Great creek fishing stretches below the dam for several miles. Continue on this road another 13 miles to Poage Lake. A short 1/4-mile hike gets you to the banks of the picturesque lake. Back-track to the turnoff, and the route also continues on to Summitville and loops back through Del Norte, for a full day’s trip.

Nearby Shaw Lake and Hunter's Lake

Depending on road conditions, you may choose to continue past Big Meadows for 3 miles to Shaw Lake. If you still have a few hours of daylight, drive an additional 11 miles to the parking area for a short walk into Hunter’s Lake. A nice 1-mile hiking trail circles the lake and gives fishermen access to the trout swimming in its waters.

Cross Creek Campground & Picnic Area Boating Site The Reservoir

This State Wildlife Area is a delight to campers, fisherman, hikers, and boaters alike, and is a state wildlife area, where deer, bear and moose are easy to spot.

To Get There

Take Hwy 160 southwest of town 12 miles and turn right on FSR 410 to Big Meadows Reservoir, a 600-acre lake with a spillway waterfall, boat ramp, fishing pier and amenities.

Nearby Shaw Lake and Hunter's Lake

Depending on road conditions, you may choose to continue past Big Meadows for 3 miles to Shaw Lake. If you still have a few hours of daylight, drive an additional 11 miles to the parking area for a short walk into Hunter’s Lake. A nice 1-mile hiking trail circles the lake and gives fishermen access to the trout swimming in its waters.

Campground & Picnic Area   Boating Site   The Reservoir

South Fork and the surrounding National Forest has a great deal of history to explore.

THE UTES: Prior to 1868, the Capote (Kapota) band of Ute Indians lived throughout the region of the southwest that includes the San Luis Valley. A hunting and gathering people, they called themselves “Nuche” or “Nuustiyu,” meaning “the people” or “the mountain people.” They were called “Yutas” by Spanish explorers, then “Utes” as the United States expanded. In the summer, the “Nuutsiys” lived in extended nomadic family groups, and often wintered in New Mexico orNorthern Arizona. The Utes made a treaty of peace with the United States in 1849. Shortly thereafter, settlers from New Mexico established several settlements in Colorado. In 1868, the Utes were removed to a reservation in western Colorado, until they lost their expansive reservation as a result of the Meeker massacre in 1879.

THE TOWN OF SOUTH FORK: Prior to the arrival of the railroad in 1882, South Fork was primarily known as a stage stop where passengers could stretch before continuing on to northern destinations. The railroad brought cheap and reliable transportation, allowing residents to profit from the area’s abundant resources. Saw mills sprung up to supply local timber to the ever-growing railways and surrounding mining districts. Cattle and sheep were introduced during these early years. In the 1870s, vegetable production, mainly cauliflower, lettuce, potatoes and peas, were the main agricultural resources grown between South Fork and Del Norte. In the latter part of the 20th Century to present day, the tourism industry proved most important to South Fork’s continued economic development. One of Colorado’s newest towns (incorporated in 1992), South Fork remains a regional hub for agriculture, timber, breathtaking scenery, boundless wildlife and family-oriented adventure!

MASONIC PARK: This was the first Masonic Park in the United States. The land was homesteaded in 1892, and consisted of 160 acres. In 1914, the San Luis Valley Masonic Association purchased the property to be used as an annual meeting place. After a bridge was built over the Rio Grande and a water system was installed, the park was platted and lots were available for sale to approximately 800 members.

BARLOW AND SANDERSON STAGE COMPANY: In 1874, the Barlow and Sanderson Stage Company’s line reached from Missouri to Del Norte but needed to continue west. Alonzo Hubbard was hired to build roads from Del Norte to Antelope Springs, and on to Lake City. Not only was it a passenger route for the company, it provided freight to the quickly developing mining areas. A few toll roads built by a young Russian, Otto Mears, also became part of this route. From Del Norte going west, the first stage stop was at the Edwin Shaw Ranch, famous for their hay and hospitality. Located at the present day Rest Area on Highway 160, the little cabin overlooking the Highway is part of the original ranch. The way station for changing horses was at Bunker Hill, a mile down the road. In 1883, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad had achieved building rail lines from Del Norte to Wagon Wheel Gap and on to Lake City, making the Stage Route obsolete. Parts of the Barlow / Sanderson road can still be seen along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway.

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC MISSION: By the 1870’s farmers and ranchers were well established in South Fork, having filed claims for their land under the 1862 Homestead Act. One of these pioneers, Jose Campos, would have descendants who were still farming his land in the 1930’s. For many years, the Campos family invited the mission priest to celebrate Mass services in their home amidst the wheat fields, until they donated the property for a church to be built. The Church was built in the early 1940’s where Mass services still continue today.

DENVER & RIO GRANDE RAILROAD
General Palmer: General William Jackson Palmer was a visionary who possessed unbounded enthusiasm for building railroads across the west. His tremendous energy brought the Denver & Rio Grande narrow-gauge line from Denver to Pueblo, and hundreds of miles of track across the San Luis Valley. These narrow gauge tracks (thinner by 1-2 feet) allowed rail cars to navigate the steep grades and sharp curves throughout the San Juans. Palmer’s D&RG routes ensured shipment of San Juan Territory resources throughout the western United States. Palmer became one of the richest railroad barons in America. 1883, Palmer’s rails stretched to Wagon Wheel Gap, home to his newly opened Hotel & Hot Springs Resort, which today is the 4UR Guest Ranch. Due to a crippling horse accident in August of 1907, Palmer himself did not get to visit the resort much. His vacation home still stands, and serves as the Ranch’s recreation hall.

D&RG Water Tower: In 1881, South Fork’s Denver & Rio Grande Railroad water tower signaled the arrival of the railroad to South Fork, and an end to the famous Barlow and Sanderson Stage Line. A wellspring from nearby Harper Mountain, located east of the present day structure, fed plenty of water to thirsty steam engines. The spring replenished the large tower, and a tin water spout was lowered to fill steam engines before the journey west to Wagon Wheel Gap or the Creede Mining District. The D&RG Water Tower was refurbished in 2002 with a Colorado Historical Society preservation grant.

D&RG Rail Line: By 1883, the Denver & Rio Grande Rail Line reached Wagon Wheel Gap, bringing tourists to a mineral hot springs resort owned by the Railroad’s founder. In 1891, it was extended to the mining towns north of South Fork to transport precious minerals and metals out of Willow Creek Canyon. Stringtown, Jimtown and Amethyst were thriving mining camps. Jimtown was eventually renamed Creede after Nicholas C. Creede struck silver and opened the Holy Moses mine. The D&RG Railroad shipped millions of dollars in high quality ore and minerals from these mines. The town of Creede was officially incorporated on June 13, 1892. It was the second town (Telluride, Colorado, being the first) to have electric lights along streets and in homes. This new phenomenon caused Cy Warman to pen this verse in his infamous poem about Creede: “Its day all day in the day-time And there is no night in Creede.”

WOLF CREEK PASS: In 1916 the automobile boom developed a need for a direct route across southern Colorado. The chosen route, known as the Spanish Trail/Grand Canyon Highway, followed along Wolf Creek. The route was funded by the Del Norte Commercial Club, the towns of Del Norte and Pagosa Springs, Rio Grande and Archuleta Counties, the State of Colorado, the US Forest Service and the US Government. The purpose was to benefit tourism in one of the most picturesque areas of Colorado. Monte Vista businessmen also worked with a federal grant to help improve the roads from Walsenburg to Durango. In August of 1916, the South Fork and Wolf Creek Pass was officially opened with a state-wide celebration.

Rio Grande County Museum & Cultural Center

Del Norte, Colorado. Exploring the history and culture of Rio Grande County and the Upper portion of the San Luis Valley can be experienced at the Rio Grande County Museum and Cultural Center. There are learning experiences for all ages. Native Americans and photos of “Rock Art”, fur trappers, Fremont’s Fourth Expedition, the settlers from New Mexico with the Mexican Land Grants and farmers, ranchers , loggers, merchants and the gold seekers who settled the area are all represented in exhibits and research.

The Museum Gift Shop offers a variety of books of local interest and some by local authors as well as showing art work of local artists. During the summer months, art shows by local artists are featured.

Summer Hours: 10am - 4pm Tues-Fri, 10am - 3pm
Saturday Admission $2. Free for Military
www.museumtrail.org/rio-grande-county-museum
rgmuseum@riograndecounty.org • 719-657-2847

Creede Underground Mining Museum

One of Creede’s most popular attractions, the Underground Mining Museum, comprises a series of rooms and tunnels blasted into the cliff face of Willow Creek Canyon at the north edge of town. Visitors receive a first-hand taste of the miner’s subterranean experience through a series of demonstrations and exhibits in shafts bored specifically for that purpose. Exploring both early silver mining techniques and more recent technology, the Underground Mining Museum provides a fascinating insight into a very important part of western Americana. An exhibit hall with minerals and artifact displays provides a colorful prelude to tours guided by experienced hard rock miners. Self-guided CD tours are available anytime, and guided tours are available by appointment in summer.

Summer Hours (May 24-Sep 13) • 10am - 4pm Daily
Winter Hours (Sep 14-May 23) • 10am - 3pm Mon-Fri
www.undergroundminingmuseum.com • 719-658-0811

Creede Historical Museum & Library

Housed in the Old Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Depot in downtown Creede next to Basham Park, the museum reflects the efforts of an active and dedicated local historical society. Creede’s first hand-drawn fire wagon, early pioneer utensils, a horse-drawn hearse, gambling equipment and devices, a large photo collection, early newspapers, and troves of memorabilia and other artifacts comprise the Creede Historical Society’s collections. The museum and library archives provide casual visitors, historians, and genealogical researchers with opportunities to examine the daily lives of the homesteaders, prospectors, miners, entrepreneurs, lawmen and notorious characters who helped shape Creede/Mineral County’s colorful history.

The Creede Historical Library is located in a small cabin next to the museum. The Library provides research information, books and photos of Creede, Mineral County and Western Colorado. The Library’s photo collection contains thousands of photos. To help archive and maintain the photo collection, copies of individual photos are sold for personal or publication use.

Museum Hours: 10am - 4pm Mon-Sat • 1pm - 4pm Sunday
Open Memorial Day to Labor Day
Library Hours: Open Year-Round • Thurs, 1 pm-4pm or by appt.
www.creedehistoricalsociety.com • 719-658-2004

While these are just a few of the historical sites in the area travelers may encounter numerous other abandoned homesteads, mining & logging camps in the surrounding mountains. In an area that can be traced back to the Ute indians, their is no guarantee what a traveler may find. One only has to keep an open mind, and eye in order to see the rich past, flourishing in the thriving communities of today.

Rock Climbing

Penitente stands as a haven for rock climbers. With its soaring cliffs and intricate rock formations, this canyon offers a diverse range of routes suitable for climbers of various skill levels. Penitente Canyon's allure lies in its varied rock types, from limestone walls to pockets and challenging overhangs, creating an exciting playground for climbers. The canyon's bolted routes cater to both sport climbing enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of the outdoors. More about Rock Climbing

History and Culture

Penitente Canyon's rich history intertwines with its geological wonders. History buffs will relish in the Native American and Spanish history of the area. Pictographs (painted panels) discovered there depict game drives and hunting expeditions, likely drawn by the Puebloan, Apache or Ute tribes. The canyon is named after Los Hermanos Penitentes, a secretive religious brotherhood that favored the Canyons in the 1880s for their solitude. The group practiced a blend of Catholicism infused with indigenous beliefs and traditions. The Penitentes were known for their rituals and acts of penance, often involving self-flagellation and reenactments of Christ's crucifixion during Holy Week.

When you visit, don’t miss the Virgin of Guadalupe painted high on a canyon wall, and the ruts of ox carts that remain from the Old Spanish Trail.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

Exploration in Penitente Canyon isn't limited to climbing alone. An extensive singletrack trail system is used by hikers and mountain bikers, traversing the stunning landscape and discovering the unique flora and fauna that call this canyon home. The entire recreation area’s over 7,000 acres is open to the public.

La Garita Natural Arch or "La Ventana"

La Garita Natural Arch, affectionately known as "La Ventana," stands as a majestic geological wonder and is said to be a sacred site for the Jicarilla Apache and Ute tribes. 

1 Day Itinerary: Experience the Power of Place

1. Grab breakfast in town before heading east towards the San Luis Valley. To take the “scenic route” east, turn off at the Ute Bluff Lodge onto CR 19, cross the mighty Rio Grande and follow the paved/dirt CR 15 as it snakes along the river, through scenic ranches and farmland for about fifteen miles. Consider a detour at the sign for Colonel Pfeiffer’s Grave, and visit the land granted to him by the Native Utes. Pass by Indian Head and other unusual and remarkable mountain outcroppings. Zigzag south-east-north just before getting onto Colorado 112 and travel north along the outer edge of the Valley for just over 2 miles. Follow the signs for Penitente Canyon and La Garita, and turn onto CR33/38A.

2. You will first take an 11 mile round-trip expedition to see the Arch, or La Ventana (spanish for “window”), one of southern Colorado’s most unusual natural formations. Note the interesting geology of the area: about 33 million years ago during a period of explosive volcanic activity, large amounts of volcanic debris and ash were ejected into the air. Heat and pressure formed the ash into very hard rock, and millions of years worth of erosion deteriorated the softer material, leaving behind what we see today! The Arch was carved out of a volcanic “dike” and you might notice the signs of weathering on nearby companion arches.

To see the Natural Arch: Take a left off of Rd 33/38A onto FS 660/Rd A32. Follow this road for 4.1 miles. Take FS 659/ Rd 35C and go another 1.6 miles north.  South Fork to the Natural Arch: aprox 1 hr drive.

3. Return to Road 38A and continue north-bound. Next up is Penitente Canyon, a designated Special Recreation Area with something for everyone!

For the sight-seer, hiker and history buff: Take the short hike up to see the Wagon Wheel ruts, a part of the Old Spanish Trail that served as a pack-animal route for traders traveling west to California in the mid-1800s. Wander throughout the unusual canyons in search of the San Luis Valley’s largest collection of pictographs. Most is the work of indigenous peoples who lived in the area 2,000 years ago, but a newer example is the faded blue Madonna high up on a rock face, reportedly painted by locals in the mid 1900s.

For the rock climber: Penitente Canyon is an internationally recognized climbing area, providing 60-70 incredible sport climbing routes. The unusual volcanic landscape (rock that eroded and cracked over time) not only created a mystical backdrop for recreation, but the smoothed and rounded rock-face provides good hand-holds! Learn More

For the mountain biker: 2 mountain bike loops offer a great opportunity to see the area. The B-loop is best for the beginner, while the A-loop is more fun for an advanced rider. Each route is less than three miles, and can also be hiked.

If you need a snack break, return to CR 38A and drive the short distance to the town of La Garita. Stop at the Cash Store, an old log cabin turned general shop. Visit the picturesque 1924 Catholic church that today houses the San Juan Art Center. Make your return trip via Del Norte. Consider a stop by the Rio Grande County Museum for more about the local heritage and make a note to ask about Colonel Pfeiffer, a well know and respected Indian Agent! Wander Grand Avenue’s antique shops and art galleries, and have dinner at the Historic Windsor Hotel.

The colorful old mining and logging camps of the Silver Thread Scenic Byway offer a wealth of history, while the surrounding Wilderness and National Forest lands serve up a huge dose of scenic beauty. Follow the Byway as it traces the routes of old toll roads, stagecoach lines and railways.

Grab breakfast in South Fork, and start the first leg of your trip at the old water tower, which serviced steam locomotives til 1956.

Hwy 149 then winds along the banks of the mighty Rio Grande. Catch a glimpse of an elk or deer as you travel by Coller State Wildlife area (where the Ute Indians set up their hunting camps). Marvel at the Palisade rock formations and take a quick peak inside Post Office Rock, where early settlers would leave notes for those in the mining camps.

Pass through Wagon Wheel Gap and travel on to the historic mining town of Creede. Browse art galleries on their dramatic main street and tour the Underground Mining Museum (yes, visitors enter mine shafts bored into the cliff face, wander through tunnels mined from solid rock, and visit with former hard-rock miners!). Continue up the canyon a bit for a spectacular view of the Commodore mines.

As you get back on Highway 149, Bristol Head Mountain looms ahead. You will loop around its southern side, and meet back up with the Rio Grande as it snakes its way through the outer rim of an ancient volcano. Travel by San Juan City, a former toll road stop, and begin climbing Spring Creek Pass. A bounty of natural wonders preside, including the sparkling and spectacular North Clear Creek Falls, the Slumgullion earth slide, and the shark-like fin of Uncompahgre Peak.

Spring Creek Pass is steep, and must be traveled carefully. These mountains can be unforgiving so be prepared before embarking on any journey. (Legendary John C. Fremont lost 1/3 of his men in 1848 here, and a quarter of a century later Packer cannibalized his companions in two ill-fated winter expeditions).

Take in the turquoise-colored Lake San Cristobal from a steep vantage point, and descend into Lake City. This picturesque town has over 200 buildings in the historic register. Stop for lunch and a walk around town.

Head out through the steep canyon walls of the Lake Fork, passing by The Gate, an impressive rock formation. This final leg of the trip takes you towards Gunnison, through widening valleys where successful ranching communities sprang up and prospered. End your trip crossing the Blue Mesa Reservoir (a hot-spot for trophy lake trout) and entering Gunnison, a former Ute Indian summer camp - turned ranching community / college town.

Your return trip back over Spring Creek Pass will be met with a spectacular view of the sun setting over the San Juan Mountains. Stop in Creede for dinner and a showing at the highly-acclaimed Creede Repertory Theatre, then return to South Fork where hospitality is a big as the west!

View Google Map

Silver Thread Byway Website

Pick up a copy of the
Guide Book
at the Visitor Center

Big Meadows State Wildlife Area

Big Meadows is located at the end of a turnoff along highway 160 on the way to Wolf Creek. It is a reservoir that encapsulates many beautiful aspects of the Weminuche Wilderness, perfect for recreational activities like hiking and fishing. This site has a trail wrapped around it for an easy hike called the Meadows Loop, while the Archuleta Trail extending past it 6.4 miles deep into the Weminuche Wilderness to Archuleta Lake provides a more intense and immersive hiking experience. Next to the reservoir is Big Meadows Campground, where picnic tables, campfire rings, and restrooms are located. Boats are permitted, though no wakes are allowed. Learn More

Coller State Wildlife Area

4.5 miles northwest of the town of South Fork is the Coller State Wildlife Area, a part of the upper Rio Grande that is widely accessible for fly fishing. There is accessible parking and restrooms throughout the stretch of the Rio Grande it covers.

https://youtu.be/oF3jXAw52tg?si=c0k_4arpk_pr2Bmw

Alberta Park Reservoir State Wildlife Area

Nestled to the east of Wolf Creek, Alberta Park Reservoir provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and fishing. The limit of fish you can catch is two.

A trip to Colorado wouldn't be complete without a four-wheel-drive adventure. Visit the abandoned mining town of Summitville, a Gold mine town that was inhabited off and on from the 1870s til 1985. Many of the buildings still stand today!

Historical Tour

Take Hwy 160 southwest from South Fork for 7 miles, and turn left on Park Creek Rd/FSR 380. Here is an area where Multiple Use Management of the Rio Grande National Forest’s Resources can be seen. A long-term contract was awarded by the Forest Service in 1954 to harvest 62 million board feet of timber. Ranches from the San Luis Valley also graze their cattle and sheep in these meadows. The efforts of many fishermen are often rewarded along the banks of Park Creek. After about 15 miles along this road you will have two choices:

Option 1. Turn left on FSR 330 and in 3 miles you will reach Summitville. Gold was discovered here in 1870 by a group of Midwestern friends who found their way to this remote section of the San Juans. The secret of “Wightman’s Gulch” quickly leaked out, and the following summer brought hundreds of prospectors to what became the largest camp in the district at that time. By 1885 Summitville had over 2,500 staked claims and a population of around 700. A post office, school, daily newspaper, and at least 14 saloons allowed miners to live here year-round, enduring some harsh winters.

The boom faded in the later 1880’s and the town was nearly abandoned by 1894. Some mines were reopened in 1935 and a significant amount of copper was extracted during World War II. The area had a $2,000,000 shot in the arm in 1985 when mining resumed with a new process for extracting ore. However, the company filed bankruptcy and Summitville Mine is now closed and in the reclamation process, as a Superfund Site. Don’t drink the water!

Option 2. Stay on FSR 380 and travel through picturesque Elwood Pass (which can be very rough) towards another abandoned mine site, Stunner. Continue on FSR 380 and eventually reach Platoro, 41 miles off Hwy 160. To return, follow the same route or go back to Summitville and follow FSR 330 to CR 14 (Pinos Creek) toward Del Norte. (See map on page 12)

Across the San Luis Valley and against the backdrop of rugged peaks, the Great Sand Dunes National Park provides a stunning sight to behold. Over 30 square miles of dunes appear as a “sea of sand” against the nearly vertical face of the 14,000-foot Sangre de Cristo Mountains. These unique dunes, created by the continuous work of water and wind moving sand, provide a recreation area unlike any other. Medano Creek flows seasonally at the base of the dunes, providing a place where visitors enjoy sand, water and sun in a spectacular mountain setting.

Climb the “High Dune,” nearly 700 feet above the valley floor, and sand board or “sled” back down! Before leaving the park, be sure to visit Zapata Falls. A half-mile hike leads uphill to an intriguing waterfall. If you wish to spend a little more time in the area, we recommend a stop by the Colorado Gator Farm, where you may view and feed over 400 gators as well as dozens of pythons, turtles, rattlers, iguanas, dragons, geckos, parrots, tortoises, and more.

Approximately 80 miles from South Fork  •  Learn more at www.nps.gov/grsa

This spectacular waterfall is located along the Silver Thread Scenic and Historic byway, between the towns of Creede and Lake City, Colorado. The 100+ foot waterfall is carved into the landscape of southwestern Colorado - cutting through cliff rocks to make one of the most scenic landscapes you'll see in Colorado. Indeed, it's most often referred to as 'the most photographed waterfall in Colorado.

This stunning waterfall requires no hike, and is wheelchair and handicap accessible. A rest stop with amenities overlooks the waterfall. Access is limited to snowshoers and snowmobilers from December-ish to April-ish.

South Clear Creek Falls

South Clear Creek Falls is half way between Creede and Lake City. You view the falls from the base, surrounded by towering rock walls. It's quite a sight to behold in any season! The trailhead is located on the back side of the Silver Thread Campground, and has plenty of parking. To see the falls requires a short 15 minutes hike (less than 1/4 mile) on a well-maintained trail. The walk is kid and pet friendly, and appropriate for most ages!

Treasure Falls on Wolf Creek Pass

When traveling over Wolf Creek Pass, visitors should stop at the scenic overlook just before the hairpin turns. A spectacular view of the West Fork of the San Juan River will inspire you to snap a selfie! A couple of switchbacks later, and you should pull over again at the large parking area. It marks the entrance to a hiking path leading to the base of Treasure Falls, a beautiful cascade that runs nearly all year, dropping grandly across the face of a rough volcanic cliff. The trail is about 1⁄4 mile, well maintained, and suitable for all ages!

Big Meadows Reservoir

Cascade Falls is a short 1/4 mile walk with a steep section at the falls. The hike is kid-friendly but may require navigating over some logs and rocks.The trailhead is located on the middle campground loop, near site #20. Parking is limited.

The Spillway Waterfall is located at the south end of the 600 acre lake, and begins under the bridge.