Dry Creek Waterfalls

About

Dry Creek Waterfalls is a short, easy hike located in the Uncompahgre National Forest near Montrose, Colorado. The trail begins off Forest Road 524 and follows a rough, single-lane dirt road for approximately 0.8 miles to the waterfalls. The route is relatively flat and straightforward, typically taking about 24 minutes to complete. Visitors can park on both sides of Forest Road 524 after a few hundred feet, with space available for vehicles pulling trailers. The area is open year-round and remains accessible during winter months, though ice or snow may affect conditions. The primary feature is a series of waterfalls, with the final one being particularly impressive. Hikers can expect views of the San Juan Mountains, along with sagebrush and scrub oak vegetation. Pinyon pine trees are common near the water. The trail supports multi-use activity, and visitors may encounter bicycles, motorcycles, or four-wheelers despite signage discouraging car travel. Wildlife includes birds and occasional lizards, with the area designated as a Golden Eagle nesting site.