Agnes Vaille Falls – Nathrop, CO | Waterfall Hiking Trail

UPDATE: This trail has closed after a big rockslide and re-routed due to future potential rockslide danger.

Agnes Vaille Falls is nestled in the mountainside of Chalk Creek Canyon, south of Buena Vista. It requires a short, uphill hike to the falls. Since they are fueled mostly by snow melt, the best time to go is spring through early summer.

The trail is part of the San Isabel National Forest. It’s free to visit and open throughout the year. Wear good shoes as it requires a brief climb over a small boulder field to reach the waterfall. It’s about a half-mile hike, one way, with an elevation gain of 450 feet.

History

The falls are named after Anges Wolcott Vaille, who led an adventurous life in Colorado. She passed away during a winter ascent of Longs Peak. A Chalk Creek Canyon local, and friend, Jo Witchey, named the falls for Anges.

Getting There

Take Hwy 285 south from Buena Vista to Co Rd 162 (about 5 miles). The falls are located just west on County Road 162 from Mt Princeton Hot Springs. There will be a sign for Anges Vaille Falls on your right. It’s just over 8 miles from Hwy 285.

Fishing can be found close by at Chalk Lake, which is just west of the falls on Co Rd 162. If you keep going for 7 miles, you’ll run into Saint Elmo ghost town and a bunch of 4×4 roads, including Tincup Pass.