Eureka Gulch Falls

Eureka Gulch Falls is a four (or more)-tiered waterfall located in a narrow canyon along the South Fork Animas River just above its confluence with the main fork of the Animas. The majority of the falls appears to be difficult to view at best, with the two largest tiers of the falls tucked deep enough in the canyon that access on foot may prove to be extremely problematic if not outright impossible. The lowest of the three tiers, a cascading fall of approximately 25-30 feet in height, can be accessed by hiking up the canyon from the site of the former Eureka Mine, now converted into an informal camp area - though this will only be possible during periods of low flow in the later summer and autumn months when the volume of water in the river is greatly reduced. The South Fork Animas River drains from a moderately sized basin, covering approximately 7-1/2 square miles. No permanent glaciers or ice feed into the river, but a half-dozen small lakes are present which will help to ensure a more consistent flow of water in the stream once the seasonal snow has melted off. During the spring and early summer months, expect to see the volume of the river swell to boisterous levels which very well may prevent accessing the falls up close (if not entirely), but by September the flow should be stemmed enough that walking up the rocky streambed to the base of the falls is relatively easy (though perhaps not quite so easy if one doesn't wish to get their feet wet).