Judd Falls Circle

About

Judd Falls is a short, moderate hike in the Gunnison National Forest, located roughly 8.5 miles north of Crested Butte near the town of Gothic. The trail leads to a scenic waterfall and offers views of Gothic Mountain and wildflowers. The route is popular and highly trafficked, so hikers should stay on the marked path to avoid disturbing the nearby Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory testing sites. Access is via the Copper Creek Trailhead. A lower parking lot is accessible to two-wheel-drive vehicles, while a higher lot is available for high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles. The trail is pet-friendly and open year-round. In summer, free bus service may be available to the trailhead. The hike is generally considered easy to moderate, with a total elevation gain of approximately 450 feet. The trail surface transitions from a wide dirt road through aspen forests to narrower, rocky terrain. Hikers should expect a round-trip distance of about 1 to 2.3 miles depending on the starting point and specific route taken, with an estimated duration of 45 minutes to 2 hours.