South Clear Creek Falls is hidden away in Southwest Colorado between Lake City and Creede. The falls require a short, 900 foot trek to reach. Like most waterfalls in Colorado, the best time to go is from spring to early summer.
The Silver Thread Campground offers ten sites situated around a single loop, within a few hundred feet of the waterfall. The campground stays open until snow physically closes access, depending on winter road conditions. First come, first serve.
Getting There
The falls are about an equal distance between Lake City and Creede. From Creede, take Colorado 149 for 23 miles and take a right at the Silver Thread Campground sign.
Depending on which direction you are coming from, north or south on CO 149, you’ll probably want to hit North Clear Creek Falls before or after these falls, which is the bigger of the two and has an overlook from the parking area.
Both waterfalls are located in the Rio Grande National Forest and on the Silver Thread Byway.
Fishing can be found close to the campground in South Clear Creek and at Brown (2mi), Hermit (4.5mi) and Pearl (8mi) Lakes. Take FS Rd 515, directly across from the campground to access the lakes.
The South Clear Creek is a tributary to the Rio Grand River which originates nearby. The Rio Grande Reservoir is 15 miles away.
Details
Address: Highway 149, Creede, CO
Season: Year-round (spring/summer best)
Fees: Free