Norris Creek

Norris Creek is a long waterfall with hundreds of feet of elevation loss, but is not very narrow or committing and only forms a few slabby waterfalls. The biggest waterfall is the final Norris Creek Falls with at least a 100' rappel if bypassing the flow. Caution: The final narrow chute of Norris Creek Falls had more water volume than was anticipated for the exploration in mid August. Access is largely via the Rainbow Lakes Trail. The return is off trail through deadfall and talus fields. Slide Lake has a long rock slide waterfall of interest further up the trail.

Drive: from Walden, CO drive CR22 18.5 miles west to the Rainbow Lakes Trailhead Hike: 2.85 miles to an elevation of 9800' and depart the trail to the north. Trace the shoreline east of Lower Rainbow Lake.

Hike next to Norris Creek until the waterfalls below. R1: 100' for the rappel on Canyon Right out of the flow. Rappelling on Canyon Left is more in the flow and may require a longer rope.