!!Service in this area is very minimal! Directions on how to locate the cache can be found below! It is recommended that you save these directions on how to reach the base of the falls/locate the cache as this area can be dangerous. Be careful out there!!

AGNES VAILLE FALLS

“...the surrounding chalky cliffs are very sheer and the rock is rotten...the falls’ gorge gets sunlight only in the middle hours of the day, when the sun is directly south…” 

- Marc Conly, Waterfalls of Colorado

Agnes Vaille Falls - Photo by OutThere Colorado

Sharp chalk cliffs line the southern side of 14er Mount Princeton, carved by thousands of years of eroison and weathering. Deep in the side of Cascade Canyon, a falls lies among the cliffs here. Dropping 75 feet into a basin shaped by flash flooding and snowmelt, Agnes Vaille Falls is a beautiful gem that requires a short but difficult hike to see. 

Named after Agnes Vaille, a famous Colorado mountaineer and climber, who was very prominent in both the climbing community and Colorado Government. She passed away on January 10, 1925 after a failed ascent of Longs Peak's diamond route, a climbing route known for its impressive difficulty. A snowstorm knocked her off of the diamond, where she fell and eventually froze to death before help could arrive. Her memory is remembered both here, at Agnes Vaille Falls, and the Agnes Vaille shelter, a stone cabin that provides refuge on Longs Peak's keyhole route, the standard way to climb the mountain. 

!!IMPORTANT!!

While attempting to find this cache, be wary of rockfall potential and flash floods. Both can be unexpected and deadly. The chalk cliffs of this area are loose and a strong gust of wind could send a boulder down the canyon. Likewise, an afternoon thunderstorm could turn into a flash flood that may be extremely dangerous. If conditions are bad, TURN AROUND. The falls will be here for awhile longer. The chances of either of these scenarios are extremely rare, but it is important to watch out for. 

Winter conditions could inhibit the ability of making it to the cache location. Because of this, it is recommended to search for this cache during April - November, when snow and ice are less of a concern. The falls can still be visited during winter, however, and make for a really cool natural ice sculpture!

Despite these warnings, the falls are a beautiful and wonderful destination! So, don't forget to have fun while adventuring through the area. It's totally worth the possible risk.  

HOW TO FIND THIS GEOCACHE

This area used to be closed to all foot traffic, though the restrictions were lifted recently. Once again, rockfall potential is high, so double check handholds and footings on rock. 

You are looking for a large, metal ammo can. Inside are a large logbook, pencils, and plenty of swag.

The Trail

There is a trail that leads the majority of the way to the base of the falls, though it may be hard to discern. Because of this, use these pictures to guide your journey.

Starting out on trail. Go left from the trailhead. The trail is very well defined at first, and has many benches as well as signs that tell you about the area.

At the trail junction, follow signs for falls. The trail won't last for much longer like this.

At the sign for the Agnes Vaille Falls viewpoint, turn right. You can't actually see the falls from this area, so the sign is very misleading!

Descend a very steep slope immediately after the sign. This will go to the creek. Be careful of footing here.

Cross the creek at any location you see fit. There are a lot of different options and none of them are too difficult. After this crossing, you will want to stay on that side of the creek and follow it all the way up. The trail is spotty but there is a pretty good social trail. Be sure to stay on this side.

After following the east side of the creek for a little while, Agnes Vaille Falls will come into view. At this point, you will see a small boulder field at the base of the falls. Rockfall potential is highest here. Move around the pair of large boulders shown to get closer to the base. 

Finding the Cache

Once you've made it around the boulder field, the hardest parts are over. Locate the hole in the rocks shown. A small scramble is required to reach this area, but isn't too bad. This hole is the cache location.

A closer look at the cache location. It is secured in by a log and a few rocks. Please secure the cache exactly like it was hidden. This will allow for it to be found for years to come! Of course, while you're here, take some photos of the falls and take in the scenic views of Mt. Princeton to the north and Mt. Antero to the south. 

This is one of the CO Waterfall Series caches, inspired by worldwaterfalldatabase.com and Marc Conly, author of Waterfalls of Colorado. Other caches in this series can be found here!