South Mineral Creek Falls

A short way upstream from where South Mineral Creek meets Clear Creek is the picturesque two-step cascade known as South Mineral Creek Falls. The bottom tier of the falls drops another 20 feet into a little valley about 100 feet farther downstream, bringing the total height of the falls to roughly 55 feet. The upper tier drops about 35 feet into a vast blue lake. Trees surrounding the creek partially block views of the two tiers of the falls collectively from being completely clear, but a view from the route that is framed by boughs allows visitors to see both tiers at once.

The South Fork of Mineral Creek empties into a basin that is about 9 square miles in size and is entirely located at or above the 10,000 foot elevation mark. Although this branch of Mineral Creek does not receive any lake input, its high elevation guarantees that heavy winter snowfall will maintain the creek's water level over the course of the year, and sporadic shoulder season snow will keep the stream flowing when the temperature is cool enough.

Location: San Juan County, Colorado