About Bessies Falls
Bessies Falls is a named waterfall in Garfield County, Colorado, located about 30 miles northwest of Gypsum. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Ripple Creek 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 40°00′02″ N, 107°16′44″ W (40.00054, -107.27894). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Himes Peak (summit, 0.8 mi), Big Fish Lake (lake, 1.0 mi), and Doris Lake (lake, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is South Fork Falls, 13 miles to the southwest.
Weather at Bessies Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Bessies Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Bessies Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Bessies Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Himes Peak — summit, 0.8 mi
- Big Fish Lake — lake, 1.0 mi
- Doris Lake — lake, 1.1 mi
- Florence Lake — lake, 1.2 mi
- Boulder Lake — lake, 1.3 mi
- Lake of the Woods — reservoir, 1.7 mi
- Lynx Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
- Big Fish Creek — stream, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 40.00054, -107.27894. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Bessies Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bessies Falls located?
Bessies Falls is in Garfield County, Colorado, about 30 miles northwest of Gypsum. Its coordinates are 40.00054, -107.27894 (40°00′02″ N, 107°16′44″ W).
What town is closest to Bessies Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Gypsum, CO, about 30 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Bessies Falls?
The closest is South Fork Falls (13 mi southwest). Others within reach include Bridal Veil Falls (28 mi), Rifle Falls (32 mi), and Morgan Creek Falls (38 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Bessies Falls?
Bessies Falls appears on the USGS Ripple Creek 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.