!!THIS IS A LOW CELL SERVICE AREA. FOR THAT REASON, DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO FIND THE CACHE ARE BELOW. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO DOWNLOAD THE CACHE AND THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE VISITING, AS THERE IS A DIFFICULT BUSHWACK REQUIRED FOR THIS ONE!!
SNYDER FALLS
Snyder Falls in two different perspectives: firstly, visiting in early summer 2021 when hiding this cache, a torrent of white water crashing 15 feet into a turbulent punchbowl. Then, my first visit to the falls in October 2020, a calm and beautiful splashing falls that collects in a vibrant turquoise pool.
“...Snyder falls is a beautiful 15-foot aquamarine plunge hidden deep in flat, stream-scoured sandstones. The rocks channel the entire flow of water into a cut 6 feet wide, then drop it into a deep aqua-colored pool…”
- Marc Conly, Waterfalls of Colorado
This is the second falls featured in the series that is "official," meaning it is mentioned prominently on maps and recognized by the USGS. After visiting so many of these "official" and "unofficial" waterfalls scattered around the state, I am so confused why a waterfall like this is marked on maps, while something like Coors Falls (#4 in the series) is classified as a rapid of all things (and is also considerably taller and more powerful.) But I digress. Snyder Falls is still stunning, as it is definitely more unique than a lot of falls I have seen, with its gorgeous aquamarine punchbowl and facinating orange cliffs. South Fork Lake Creek forces itself through a massive log jam and squeezes through a narrow entryway, before fanning diagonally 15 feet off of a small cliff. This falls has one of the largest seasonal differences I have yet to see in a waterfall, as shown with the picture above. In spring, an aggressive Snyder Falls reveals itself, and crashes loudly despite its small size. In fall, a calm and demure Snyder Falls turns amazingly picturesque, as it trickles and flows into an amazingly vibrant pool that contrasts intensly with the orange sandstone cliffs that line the banks of the creek. In any season, this falls is worth visiting, but for some amazing photos, I definitely recommend the late summer/early fall time period to visit this place. Plus, the bushwacking may be a bit easier then!
About that bushwacking part: this is a very hard one to get to! Especially when the trees/bushes have leaves, prepare for an intense bushwack with entirely no trail or waypoints. The photos will be a great resource!! There are numerous beaver ponds and small streams that are hidden by the foliage here, and a slip into one is very easy to do on accident. Both times I have made it to the falls I have scraped my knees and torn holes in my clothes, as well as gotten wet/muddy. Luckily I have not fallen into one of the beaver ponds, but I have gotten way too close! It's a fun adventure!! Just be prepared, and I promise it is worth it!
Here's how to get there! Your trek starts now!
HOW TO FIND:
Many resources say to start farther down the road and to bushwack to South Fork Lake Creek. Yeah... don't do that! Start at the pullout mentioned in the waypoints tab, and cross the highway carefully to another small dirt pullout. You could park there, but getting back on the road from this small pullout is dangerous and very bumpy (from experience).
Cross the second pullout to the eastern side.
Follow a social trail that parallels the highway for a bit. Don't get used to it!
The trail will fade on and off, but will quickly disappear. This is the start of the bushwack.
After 1000 feet of bushwacking, paralleling the side of the highway all the while, locate these two downed aspens. Cross over to them. Beware of the ponds!
At the two downed aspens, cross a small stream and bushwack further up the slope to the rocks above.
Go alongside the rocks and you will run into the creek, and of course, Snyder Falls!
Snyder Falls. This view will be visible after emerging from the rocks.
Locate these twin pair of trees downstream from the falls. This is the cache's location.
Another ammo can! Have fun!
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!