Palisade Creek Trail & Heath Falls
DESCRIPTION:
Overnight trips are best. Scenic descent to most spectacular segment (sorry Giant Gap fans) of the North Fork American. Two great waterfalls plus the Royal Gorge dwarf everything else.
Spectacular Heath Falls is on private land; enjoy the limited view from the overlook trail spur and don’t trespass to the falls itself.
Second falls is shortly downstream of the footbridge that arches the river over a sheer granite notch. Still other falls carve their way downriver until finally taking a rest just above Sailor Flat Trail. There are no trails through the Gorge.
Camping on public land has been limited to minimize fire risks.
The euphoric feelings of the Gorge can energize and sustain most of us on the long hike back up -- as long as we don’t try it mid-summer and mid-day. The trail continuing to south that used to ascend to Soda Springs county road was severely damaged by a landslide and is no longer passable. Shucks!
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6400’-4520’ |
|
DIRECTIONS:
To Palisade Creek Trail & Heath Falls
Topographic Maps: Soda Springs, Royal Gorge.
Turn right (south) onto Soda Springs Road (D) and follow 0.8 mile to Pahatsi Road (not labeled on map). Turn right (west) and continue past end of pavement at 0.2 mile where road becomes Kidd Lakes Road. This rough road is best traveled with high clearance vehicles. Follow to end of road about 4.0 miles driving by access roads to Palisade Lake (no public access) and Kidd Lake (see Lakes & Reservoirs).
Trailhead lies on the north side of Cascade Lakes. From there the trail crosses the dam of the larger (east) lake heading south.
ACTIVITIES:
Fishing (Rating: Good)
There are lots of pools to try your luck in. Few people try it. Fish like it. But it's a long hard haul back out of the canyon. Keeping any fish fresh would be a challenge. Easy solution: Dine on fresh fish that evening.
Hiking: Backpacking (Rating: Exceptional)
It's too far down, and then too far up to do this in one day. Although some do.
There is a delightful camping spot on Palisade Creek just before it dumps into the North Fork American River. You have your personal campside pool to cool off in after a day on the trail or scrambling around in the Royal Gorge.
