These falls are flowing during the spring snowmelt high above Crested Butte, Colorado. Take the road to Emerald Lake from Crested Butte along the East River, a fork of the Gunnison River. Just before the road narrows on its last mile or two before the lake, these falls can be seen to the east below Mount Bellview. Also, a very scenic view of the valley and Gothic Natural Area below towards Mt. Crested Butte at this same vantage point can be had and many wildflowers in bloom in June and July here. There is no trail to the falls. The area is known as the wildflower capital of Colorado. Arrive there before the snowfields below Mount Bellview have completely melted to get a view of the waterfall as it doesn’t last but a few weeks to make it noticeable from this viewpoint on the road to Emerald Lake. It is a very scenic spot so I chose it as a subject for a painting, and only have the photo from the painting of the waterfall. The trip a mile or two further up to Emerald Lake is well worth it while you are in the area. Beyond the lake it might be recommended only for four wheel drive vehicles. The wildflowers are in full bloom in June or July and by then, the tributary creek to East River may be only a trickle and you may not see a waterfall. A hike to the top of these falls is possible, and not recommended, as the view is better from below and there is not a trail to the falls and it is also a steep ascent with scrambling over rocks.
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