Mellane, Evan, Aviana and my brother Chanse hiked up the Piedra River yesterday and explored the falls around the box canyon.  This is a great hike where you need to cross the river several times to reach the pools.   I had last visited the area back in 2006 before Mellane and I got married.  These falls can be accessed from the campgrounds at the end of Forest Service Road 640.

Below is a video showing me getting ready to jump off the rock walls into two deep pools.



:00   The beginning of the video shows me slipping on the slick rocks and injuring my hand.
:20   One of the three guys fishing the holes advised me to go up barefooted.
:35   Mellane, Evan and Katriel hanging out on the rocks.
:45   Me throwing my sandals to safety.
:56   Me misjudging my slide and sustaining my second injury, this one to my tail end which is very tender this morning.
1:31  Me sliding down into the second pool and checking out the fish underwater.

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On the way to the pools we met Pagosa native Jeremaih Steed and his friends who were camping and fishing the pools.  Jeremaih thought we were lost because there was no where else to go from there.  He was surprised the the box canyon was our destination.  “I didn’t think anyone else knew about this spot”, he said.  Below is a video of Jeremaih jumping into the lower pool.

2 Responses to Hiking Up To The Williams Creek Box Canyon And Jumping In

  1. Trisha Urban says:

    My husband and I will be staying at Sportsmans in July. This will be our second visit to your area. Can you please tell us the best way to hike to the “Box”. Also, we want to spend a day in a jeep. We did Engineers Pass, Animas Forks and Lake City last year. Is there a drive like that in your area. We are 60 and still like hiking and scuba diving. My husband wants to pack in a few miles and camp out one night. Of course, I will insist on taking photos all along the way and toting my fishing pole. We prefer peace and quiet, wildlife viewing and just the sounds of nature when sleeping. Wish we could find jobs in your area and just move in….I use to be a Main Street Manager, now work as admin assistant for Chief of Police – Del Rio, Tx. My husband is a librarian with the school district. Thanks so much. Trisha

  2. Hi Trisha. Thanks for writing. The best way to this box canyon that we have found is to travel to the end of Piedra Road (past Williams Lake and past Cimmarona Campgrounds) to the horse-friendly campgrounds along the Williams Creek. Walk to the end of the campground parking lot until you get to the river and turn left. We wear Teva sandals or a pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting wet because you have to cross the river several times.

    As for Jeep trails I recommend you visit Pagosa.com (our sister site) for the best information available on Pagosa outdoor activities: http://www.pagosa.com/adventureguide/pagosasprings/pagosa-springs-colorado-4wheeling/

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