Elk Falls
Park County, Colorado
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- Park County, Colorado
- Access status
- Official route and distance documented
- The walk
- About 12 miles return from the main lots; about 8 miles from Lazy V lot
- Ground & access
- Long, rugged trail from about 8,500 to 9,200 feet. CPW says about 1,200 feet of elevation change; most hikers take 4 to 5 hours.
CPW gives the shortest route as Staunton Ranch Trail to Bugling Elk Trail, then Chimney Rock Trail to the Elk Falls Trail. The Lazy V lot, reached by a road about two miles from the visitor center, shortens the hike. Return the same way.
Plan your visit
Staunton State Park via Staunton Ranch, Bugling Elk, Chimney Rock and Elk Falls trails
CPW gives a 12-mile round trip. The Denver Gazette (2022, updated 2024) reports about 8 miles round trip from the newer Lazy V parking lot.
Long, rugged trail from about 8,500 to 9,200 feet. CPW says about 1,200 feet of elevation change; most hikers take 4 to 5 hours.
Where to start
Park lots, including the Lazy V lot with 135 spaces. The park often fills on weekends.
Timing & water
Current trail conditions not checked.
Before you go
Park entrance fee and pass amount not confirmed in the reviewed pages. Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Visitor informationVisit sources
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