Venable Falls in San Isabel National Forest is one of the finer waterfalls in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Westcliffe, Colorado. The four-mile round trip gains 1,400 feet through the lower canyon terrain before reaching the falls at two miles. The surrounding wildflower hillsides make June and July visits particularly rewarding.
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Westcliffe are relatively undervisited compared to the Sawatch area further north, and the Venable trail reflects that: good infrastructure but light crowds that allow the scenic corridor to be enjoyed without fighting for a parking spot.
The Route
From the Schoolfield Road trailhead, the trail climbs Venable Creek upstream through mixed forest and open shrub terrain. Wildflowers cover the hillsides above the creek in late June, with a mix of asters, paintbrush, and columbine. The falls are visible at two miles as the creek drops over a series of rock ledges and plunges into the canyon below.
The falls have multiple viewing angles accessible from the trail. The main plunge is the most dramatic; additional cascades extend above it. Return on the same trail, or continue into the wilderness for a longer outing.
What to Expect
Late May and June are the most dramatic months for waterfall flow but also the wettest on the trail. July through August offers drier conditions with lower but still attractive falls. The wildflowers are at their best in late June and early July.
The trail receives moderate foot traffic by San Isabel standards but is not crowded even on summer weekends. The Westcliffe area is a low-key destination compared to the Aspen-Vail corridor of the northern Colorado mountains.
Nearby
Westcliffe, Colorado, is about 10 miles east and serves as the practical base for Sangre de Cristo hiking. The town's quality of life reputation and views of the Spanish Peaks and main Sangre de Cristo crest draw visitors year-round. The Wet Mountain Valley Scenic Byway along CO-96 offers some of the finest mountain driving in southern Colorado.
Leave No Trace
This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.