Visiting North Creek Clear Falls

North Creek Clear Falls is located along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway in Hillsdale County, Colorado, about 30 minutes west of Creede.  The waterfall is a very popular stop for people driving along the byway. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and have a snack while enjoying the falls. 

North Creek Clear Falls drops more than 100 feet from the plateau. It’s fed by snowmelt from the San Juan Mountain Range. This water is extremely picturesque. Even the worst photographer can snap a few nice photos here! 

We visited on a late, early summer morning while driving along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway on our way to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. After a few hours on the road, this was the perfect spot to pull off and relax. A couple hundred feet from the parking lot at the observation area, you get a great view of the falls. There is also a short trail for those looking to stretch their legs. 

It’s open year-round but is usually snowed in between December and April. The parking lot is not huge and can get crowded in the summertime.  It’s worth the wait to check out; at least, we think so. We spent about half an hour there, enjoying the view with breakfast. 

There are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities nearby and along the scenic byway. If you happen to stop in Creede, make sure to check out the original grave site of Robert Ford, the man who killed famed outlaw Jesse James.