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Berthoud Falls

Berthoud Falls at Arapaho National Forest near Empire, Colorado is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back walk that features the tumbling waterfall known as Berthoud Falls.

This short walk begins on the eastern side of US-40 at the coordinates provided and follows the dirt path as it leads to Hoop Creek. Located just a couple-hundred feet from parking is the tumbling waterfall, Berthoud Falls. Berthoud Falls cascades down the mountainside, within Hoop Creek, at over 50-feet tall along a sloping grade. The waterfall is comprised of many small cascades within the creek and even continues on the opposite side of the small stone bridge that spans the creek. This short walk is a great roadtrip stop along US-40, but shouldn't be considered a hike.

Parking
Visitors will find a parking turnout at the coordinates provided, located on the east side of US-40 west of Empire, CO. The turnout is large enough to fit a half-dozen vehicles as of June 2024.

Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and should be cleaned up after.
Explore 5 trails near Empire, CO

Know Before You Go

  • Berthoud Falls is a readily accessible, 0.1-mile walk to a 50-foot cascading waterfall in Arapaho National Forest near Empire, Colorado.
  • The "trail" starts from a parking turnout on US-40 and quickly leads to Berthoud Falls via a short dirt path to Hoop Creek.
  • It is a dog-friendly site (leashed pets) and appropriate for a quick stop rather than a dedicated hike.
Interactive topographic map for Berthoud Falls located in Empire, CO. Click the "View Map" button to load GPS coordinates and trail markers.
Get directions
Distance
0.1 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Type
Out-and-Back
Est. Time
5 min
Elev. Gain
34'
Rating
0.0
Added
June 05, 2024
Updated
July 03, 2024

Weather Forecast

This Afternoon
High 14°F
Patchy Blowing Snow
Tonight
Low 3°F
Patchy Blowing Snow
Wednesday
High 21°F
Patchy Blowing Snow
Wednesday Night
Low 7°F
Light Snow Likely And Areas Of Blowing Snow
Thursday
High 11°F
Light Snow Likely And Areas Of Blowing Snow
Thursday Night
Low 5°F
Chance Light Snow
Friday
High 14°F
Chance Light Snow
Friday Night
Low 8°F
Slight Chance Light Snow
Saturday
High 20°F
Slight Chance Light Snow
Saturday Night
Low 10°F
Partly Cloudy
Sunday
High 22°F
Sunny
Sunday Night
Low 12°F
Partly Cloudy
Monday
High 26°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Snow
Monday Night
Low 13°F
Chance Light Snow
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Total Change
34'
Ascent
34'
Descent
34'
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Features

Vista / Lookout Point
Dogs
Waterfalls

Points of interest

  1. Parking

    39.784104, -105.78374
  2. Main Trailhead

    39.784148, -105.7837

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Dirt

Trip Reports (Reviews)

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0.1 miles / 0.2 km
June 05, 2024
Nice waterfall stop along a roadtrip on US-40. Minimal walking to take in views of the waterfall or the nearby mountains.
Hiking
No community routes found. To add your own hike as a Community Route for this Trail guide, leave a Trip Report with an attached GPX file.

Popular categories

Scenic mountain view representing vista trails
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Scenic gorge of cascades representing waterfall trails
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Rugged mountain terrain representing summit trails
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