Twilight Peak, Waterfalls & Cascades ~ Million Dollar Highway

Many people like to take a scenic drive on the Million Dollar Highway during the spring snow melt season just to enjoy the picturesque views of water cascading down the mountains. The timing for such a trip depends on the depth of the winter snow pack and how quickly the warm summer temperatures arrive in the high elevations. After a winter of severe drought, the early summer snow melt is minimal, so there will only be a small window of opportunity to see the cascading waterfalls that occur this time of year. On the flip-side, after a heavy winter when the deep snow pack lasts well into July, there will be more opportunities to watch the mountainside waterfall show. 

There is something soothing about the thought of water cascading down tall mountain slopes that helps those who lead stress filled lives to find some relief. The sheer beauty of the many waterfalls and cascades that only exist during the snow melt season certainly is mesmerizing and hours can be spent taking in the sights and sounds. 

There are plenty of good roadside spots to experience the cascades and waterfalls of the early summer snow melt season along the Million Dollar Highway in the San Juan Mountains. Some of the roadside overlooks have grassy meadows nearby that are perfect for an afternoon picnic, while other viewpoints are more like standing on a barren cliff. There are hiking trails that follow streams and this is where the best roaring cascades can be viewed. A telephoto camera or binoculars will help when viewing the distant waterfalls that roar down the steep mountainside, which are not easy to get to on foot while the ground is still soggy. 

Twilight Peak is one of many tall mountains in the San Juan National Forest that has a roadside overlook along the Million Dollar Highway. This is a good place to spend some time watching and listening to small waterfalls and cascades during the spring snow melt. Fresh pure water rolling down the mountains is what many people picture when they think of Colorado, so the venture will be like a dream come true!