Second attempt (prior attempt discussed in another trip report; couldn't find the turn-off).
This time, thanks to comments on my other trip report and the very recent trip reports, we found the trail and stuck with it despite losing it and having so many obstacles to cross. I'd say at least two-dozen downed trees, some extremely challenging to get past. But we persisted despite contemplating turning around a few times, based on prior comments that others did it. Certainly not for the beginner hiker. We made it to the lower falls.
We could see upper falls, and based on photos seen online appear to be accessible somehow, but it wasn't obvious what the path was to get to the upper falls once you've reached the lower falls. Any suggestions on how to keep going? Just more of the same, and try to follow trail if there appears to be one, or just find a way, any way, to push higher up the hill?
We chose to turn around at the lower falls as it had already taken us much longer to get there than planned (1.5+ hours for the one mile from the Cripple Creek bridge) after getting a late start (only started at 3pm). So there will just need to be another attempt, with goal to reach the upper falls.
We were literally the only ones on the entire trail. Saw a couple of people at the Dingford Trailhead, but once we started on the trail, didn't see another soul, till we got back to the trailhead. So definitely a good choice if you want to get away from people. And if you don't want to do the technically difficult climb to Tin Cup Joe falls, then just stay on the Middle Fork trail, which does have a few downed trees, but significantly easier to cross than some of the ones on the falls trail.
I had our dog with us, German Sheppard/Border Collie mix. She totally surprised me with her ability to navigate through every obstacle. Only once it took her 4 tries to jump onto a fairly high log, but otherwise she always found a way to get past every obstacle. I was ready to turn around if any cross became too difficult for her, but she managed!
And road conditions, look at my other trip report where I provided a video to provide a sense of it. That hasn't changed.
Comments
Maddy on Tin Cup Joe Falls
You have to ford the creek just downstream from the lower falls to get to the east side. There was a ribbon on the opposite side of the creek a few years ago where the "trail" continues. It's not safe to cross when the water is running high. You have to scramble up a muddy incline after crossing. From here on the trail is fairly easy to follow but it is steep in places.
Posted by:
Maddy on Jul 06, 2020 06:56 AM
Dream Delay on Tin Cup Joe Falls
To reach good viewpoints of the upper falls, I climbed up the rocks on the far right of the lower falls. From there, I wasn't able to see a clear path up to directly reach the upper falls, so called it good.
Posted by:
Dream Delay on Jul 06, 2020 05:21 PM