It’s worth it to continue another quarter mile up to Black Lake with its combination of glassy reflections, craggy backdrop, and Black Lake Falls tumbling off the distant cliffs. Some travelers bring out their bikes, while others hike or even run the final stretch. Just a 15 minute drive from Pagosa gets you to the trailhead. This hike takes place on a 4×4 road, so if you have a high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle, you can skip the hike and drive up. Once you reach the lake, the trail becomes a boardwalk suspended above the crystal-clear blue-green water, with multiple waterfalls pouring directly into the lake. The hike starts at McGraw Ranch, which dates back to 1884 and is now managed by the NPS. While Colorado contains hundreds, if not thousands of waterfall hikes, the following list focuses on 21 of the finest — and most well known. As such, this hike takes some planning and you won’t have the place to yourself. Of course, that’s when the waterfall is most exciting to look at, though. Our family went November 22nd 2020. Be smart and know your limits. If you’re looking to turn this into a backpacking trip, consider heading another 2.2 uphill-miles to Fourmile Lake. An old coal mining town turned ski town, Crested Butte is tucked high on the southern shoulder of the Elk Mountains. Plan to share the trail and falls with your fellow humans, and you’ll have a blast. While not nearly as tall as the nearby Bridal Veil, Bear Creek Falls is still a stunner. Calypso Cascades comes up quick, just another third of a mile past the junction. Eventually some meadows open with grander views into the basin above. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. Indeed, you can’t park at the end of these streets, but parking is available at Gazebo Lake in the town center, with part of the hike taking place on the town’s roads. Continue another third of a mile to this grand destination. Fort Collins is right up there as one of the state's best getaways for a classic taste of Colorado life. Park maps are available to help you navigate the trail system. It’s a wonderful place to spend an adventurous vacation, especially if you’re wanting to head off into the legendary Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness to the north. 3 Must-Hike Breckenridge Waterfalls 1. At the junction with the Wasatch Trail, Bear Creek Falls is visible up ahead in the distance. Hiking Waterfalls in Colorado includes detailed hike descriptions, maps, and color photos for more than 125 of the most scenic waterfall hikes in the state. Get lucky and come during a wet summer and you’ll enjoy an equally awesome display. The creek below the falls is explorable, which makes it easy to entertain the kids while the adults enjoy the view. Another few switchbacks and you’ll reach the shore of the Loch, perched in a glacial valley 10,000 feet above sea level. It’s one of the most unique waterfall experiences you can have here. Enjoy this pleasant set of cascades and then continue the same direction on the trail. As you should be doing on every hike, please follow “leave no trace” ethics and help keep this place clean. The Thomas Trail connects the two trailheads, so we recommend doing this as a loop, starting from the Thomas Trailhead side. Waterfalls are just the beginning! Whether you’re in the market for a lung-buster of a hike or a ple The hike itself is indeed easy, but also crosses through some beautiful aspen forest, meadows with mountain views, and even a few small ponds. It is, after all, the tallest waterfall in Colorado and falls into an expansive canyon. You can drive pretty far up, but after a certain point, no more vehicles are permitted. Let it be known, Bridal Veil is the most overused and cliche name for a waterfall, period. Power up 1,000 feet in a little over a mile and the view of the 20-foot tall Bridal Veil Falls is all yours. This famous waterfall hike is near Glenwood Springs. Most famous for its proximity to Hanging Lake (we’ll get there shortly), Glenwood Springs is an awesome mountain town tucked in a high valley along I-70. And I’m not just saying it’s awesome for the hell of it — the town was hailed as the 5th best place to live in America by Outside Magazine in 2015. There’s no better way to experience the natural beauty of the state than to stay in one of Montana’s yurts. The route passes Mills Lake and Jewel Lake, a couple more high-altitude gems. She is the head writer and editor for TravelBoulder.com. Although Colorado doesn’t have an ocean, it does have thousands of miles of rivers and many alpine lakes, which often contribute to dramatic waterfalls. But it’s family-friendly and Seven Falls is a spectacle to die for. Fun fact: You can actually fly directly to the Telluride area (Montrose) from Denver. However, we recommended taking the short trail above Helen Hunt Falls leading 0.6 miles uphill to Silver Cascade Falls. As waterfalls go, it’s easier on the eyes than most. Now, the first third of a mile is on paved bike path, so pay attention. Waterfall Hikes. The hike stats above reflect the paved walk from the shuttle to the falls and back, but there are indeed more hiking options once at Seven Falls: a 0.35 mile loop to Midnight Falls, a 1.5 mile loop to Inspiration Point, or a 3 mile loop incorporating both Midnight Falls and Inspiration Point. We’ve also broken the list out into seven regions with collections of great waterfalls: Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver, Colorado Springs, Telluride, Pagosa Springs, Glenwood Springs, and Crested Butte. There’s nothing worse than hearing about an “amazing” waterfall only to hike 16 miles off-trail to some dinky cascade. Telluride is perched in a high-altitude basin on the north-west side of the San Juan Range. If you’re planning on going during the summer and fall seasons (May to October), you’ll need an advance reservation. The occasional large-scale fall is visible from the road, too. For the most part, this hike is just a nice stroll through pine forests, but be on the lookout for Elk Falls Pond, a small but idyllic mountain lake at the intersection of the Bugling Elk and Lion’s Back Trails. The Broadmoor’s Seven Falls has long been a beloved tourist attraction in Colorado Springs, welcoming guests from all over the country. It’s another short day hike that requires only a parking fee to access. The photo was taken at Slaughterhouse Falls near Aspen, and Denver himself stands upon a rocky outcrop in the foreground. Another mile up the trail sits Ouzel Falls — the hike’s climax — a clean and photogenic 40-foot beauty. Don’t be fooled though, this is still a highly popular hike. Rocky Mountain High: Colorado’s Best Waterfall Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park. Of course, there’s also room for family-friendly adventures, like the short hike to Judd Falls. ... Colorado River Trailhead — Region 1 - West Side, known for moose & big meadows On the west side of Trail Ridge Road across from the Timber Lake Trailhead, about 9.6 mi north (east) of … The secret’s out! Perched in the Front Range of the Rockies high above Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park... Denver. This is a rare experience where you can experience a waterfall from underneath it. It’s hard to even call this one a proper hike as the falls are located a very short walk from the visitors center. Near Grand Lake, the Adams Falls Trail on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park features beautiful Colorado waterfalls. If the stream isn't flowing at the trailhead it's not likely there will be any falls to see at the end. Colorado’s “2nd” state song goes on to speak of forests, streams, alpine lakes, even an eagle in flight. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. This is our favorite waterfall hike in southern Colorado, near the Great Sand Dunes National Park in San... Rifle Falls. And like Hanging Lake, many a waterfall lover answer the siren’s call. This hike doesn’t end at the water. Like most CO waterfalls, it flows best with snowmelt during late spring and early summer. Reach the trail’s end at the top of a cliff for an impressive view of Judd Falls careening through the forested canyon below. It’s also a popular area to go four-wheeling. Another Pagosa area fall, Piedra Falls is also an easy, family-friendly hike, but in a more remote location. Also note that the road goes all the way to the top of the cliff where you can access the lip of the falls, but it’s worthwhile to leave the road before the final cliff and explore the base of the falls too. If you decide to hike to the falls, start at the Valley View Parking Area near the old Pandora Mill. There are some surprisingly spectacular waterfalls hidden in the nooks and crannies of Colorado’s state and national parks, just outside our Mile High City. You’ll even pass Bridal Veil Falls along the way. And rather than walking on a 4×4 road, this is more of a trek up into the backcountry. Be careful; this part may not be safe for children, as the current can move swiftly, especially when runoff is high in the early summer. While we can only imagine the singer-songwriter’s connection with this place, but we can at least say this: waterfalls are awesome and Colorado has a shit-load of them. At 1.3 miles in, be sure to hang left at the junction to stay on the Wild Basin Trail. The Top 9 Things to Do in Telluride, Colorado, The 7 Coolest Colorado State Parks to Visit, 50 States, 50 Staycations: The Best Staycation in Every State, The 18 Best Places to Go Swimming in Colorado in the Summer, The 14 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in New Zealand, The 10 Best Hikes Along the California Coastline, Your Trip to Colorado: The Complete Guide, Top Natural Attractions in the United States, These are the 7 Best Places to Go Camping in Colorado, 14 Unique Things to Do in the Fall in Colorado, Tripsavvy uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. The first time I drove from Arizona to Colorado, I pulled into Pagosa Springs and said “Now this is Colorado.” It’s a quaint town with a million dollar backdrop. If you are like me, most of the Centennial State waterfalls that you have visited have been via foot (a la hiking), which is still memorable but nowhere near as majestic as seeing it with Wilderness Aware Rafting’s Colorado Horseback Trail Rides: If you are like me and enjoy reaping huge benefits with minimal work, you are going to love today’s post. Perched in the Front Range of the Rockies high above Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park contains an insane concentration of waterfall hikes. There are many stunning views along this hike, but a highlight is Jasper Creek Waterfall — often not as packed as many of the other waterfall destinations, due to the difficulty. Even without the waterfall at the end, this is a stunner of a one-miler. This park is busy on summer weekends, so getting ahold of an annual pass will help beat the line at the gate. The good news is this lengthy entry keeps this waterfall from being completely overrun by other travelers. The falls are a popular hiking and picnicking area with the star of the show being a beautiful 35 foot waterfall. All the online resources have conflicting information, but according to our calculations it’s 2.5 miles one-way to the top of the falls. Just drive to the end of the box canyon in Telluride and look up. You can even make it into a loop with the Anderson Trail without adding mileage or trouble. Clocking in at almost 10 miles roundtrip, many will call this a strenuous hike, but beauty literally every step of the way makes it worth it. That means there are tons of folks just chomping at the bit to find an awesome waterfall hike nearby, whether they’re Denver locals or tourists. We’ve got you covered with a trio of solid ones, all within an hour drive of downtown Denver. Hikers can even walk behind Sprouting Rock Falls. The hike to Zapata falls is a great option if you are visiting or camping in the Great Sand Dunes National Park. If you see a piece of trash on the ground or in the water, be a dear and pack it out. 0.3 miles. The trail is short but can be a bit rigorous. Jasper Creek spews a lovely, peaceful waterfall along the way (with a short diversion off the trail to get the full glimpse). Come in late spring or early summer to see it raging, or get a mellower experience in late summer when the flow decreases and it splits into twin cascades. Camping here allows for exploration above the treeline, like the scramble up to Spectacle Lakes (and a gnarly outlet waterfall) or the off-trail excursion to Chiquita Lake. The second largest city in Colorado outside the Denver area, Colorado Springs sits along the edge of Front Range below the iconic dome of Pike’s Peak. The 13-mile hike is considered “moderate” in difficulty, so best not to drag your kids along. It’s a pretty cool waterfall, and the views back down the valley toward the Loch (and beyond) make it extra special. Start at the Lawn Lake Trailhead, but make sure to turn left onto the Ypsilon Lake Trail approximately 1.2 miles in. Home to almost three million people, the Denver metro area is both the most populated city and largest travel hub in Colorado. To reach the shore of Ypsilon Lake and the nearby falls, it’s a 4.2 miles slog uphill through dense forest. Among the easiest-to-reach waterfalls in the park, don’t expect to have Alberta Falls to yourself. More ambitious hikers can continue 3.2 miles further to reach Timberline Falls or Ribbons Falls even higher in the wilderness. It was nice but wish they would have turned on more water to the falls that day lol. The magnificent terrain is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls and hikes that also lay a perfect backdrop for camping and picnics. Rugged volcanic rock makes up the canyon walls here, and Piedra is a brilliant-looking chute spilling from a cleft of dark basalt. It takes most hikers about an hour each way. Be grateful this one’s even an option as the trail was closed for 5 years following a flash flood in 2013, reopening in June 2018. It’s less than a mile round trip, featuring sweeping views of the sand dunes and San Luis Valley. Most require a little extra effort and curiosity to reach, but it is well worth the final reward. The reward is two waterfalls and the lake. Here's where to stay during your next visit. They also mean amazing waterfalls—some of the best in the world. There’s plenty of other nice hikes in the vicinity too. Just a 40-minute drive from Pagosa Springs, this is an accessible wilderness excursion that’s doable as a day hike or a backpacking trip. All the elevation gain happens in the last mile or so, once you’ve turned right from Cow Creek Trail onto the split-off to Bridal Veil. Beyond the city’s western edge, there’s no shortage of mountain scenery — including a triplet of beautiful waterfall hikes. It’s a short 100-yard walk, and this is a popular one so expect company. We 100% recommend setting this up as a backpacker to make the trek worthwhile and enjoy the Ypsilon area to the maximum. Parking is limited so come early and have a plan B in case you can’t find a parking spot. Discover the top waterfall hikes in Colorado The breathtaking scenery in Colorado constitutes of various streams, waterfalls and rivers. The park’s sheer number of hiking trails makes these waterfalls more accessible than anywhere else in Colorado. Hike through shaded areas of aspen and conifer before coming upon Adams Falls, just 0.3 miles from the East Inlet Trailhead. Have you ever experienced one of Colorado’s amazing waterfalls via horseback? Elk Falls is the park’s crown jewel, though it’s buried deep in the park’s reaches. And for those in the know, the San Juan Range is Colorado at it’s finest. As such, Telluride is home to a trio of diva-status waterfalls, plus a whole heap of lush and gorgeous alpine scenery to explore. That’s not insanely steep, but enough to get your heart pumping and lungs sucking air. Jake is a bearded, flannel-loving tree-hugger with a passion for the natural world. The tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado can be seen with no hiking. Hell, you could pick a trail at random and be hard pressed not to see a waterfall. “He climbed cathedral mountains, he saw silver clouds below. But fear not, the Coyote Trail is here to offer further exploration of the cliffs and their associated caves above the falls too. There are multiple routes you can take to Elk Falls, but straying from our recommended route will result in a longer, harder hike — as long as 17 miles in length. Easy walk from close to downtown with a great waterfall (seasonal) From the trailhead simply follow the trail along the stream as it leads you up to the falls. Colorado is known for its high, dry, climate—the Centennial State sees an average of just over 16 inches of annual rainfall. The easiest way to do Maxwell is via the upper trailhead, but many hike variations up to 4+ miles in length are possible, or even a shuttle from the upper to the lower trailhead. Rocky Mountain National Park: This national park is in many ways the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The hike to the 80-foot Cornet Falls is Telluride’s easiest waterfall hike, and starts right in town at the Jud Weibe Trailhead. Situated in a unique state park, Rifle Falls actually combines a waterfall experience with caves that you can meander through. Enjoy the Sights and Sounds of Waterfalls near Denver that Only a Short Distance to Hike To Short hikes ... Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. The waterfall itself is a stunner. Explore all the activities Seven Falls … So avoid busy holidays and visit this trail early in the morning, when visitors are few and the heat is milder. The falls tend to lose flow toward the end of summer, so shoot for late spring or early summer if you want to see it raging. These 9 Breathtaking Waterfalls Are Hiding Near Denver. The Lion’s Back Trail will spit you out at the Elk Falls Overlook, standing on a clifftop overlooking the tall, double-tiered beauty. Even with the extended exploration, this is easy hiking, so bring the kids, the grandparents, and your couch-potato Uncle Fred too. By using Tripsavvy, you accept our. This famous waterfall hike is near Glenwood Springs. After the requisite stop at Alberta Falls, this route continues steadily uphill through mixed conifer forests. In the past the trail was notorious for being pretty rough (due to overuse), although it was recently improved and widened, so hopefully it stays in better shape in the future. Definitely more of hike than Boulder Falls, but still an easy one, this is a exceedingly popular family-friendly outing. Check out more of our hiking guides featuring the most epic hikes and places to explore in Colorado. With rugged, iconic peaks like the Sharktooth towering overhead, this high-altitude lake is a destination of it’s own. In winter, the falls are lit up with rainbow lights, adding a touch of festivity to the granite chambered ice sculptures. In the State of Colorado alone, there are at least five falls named Bridal Veil, not to mention the many others worldwide, none more famous than the one visible at Yosemite National Park’s Tunnel View. “ The (roughly 2 hour) trail has steep steps, open meadows with flowers, dense woods of tall pines and Aspens, water falls, and vast mountain vistas of the neighboring mountain bluffs and peaks. So gauge your ability, time and adventure scale and pick your favorite waterfall hike. And God knows the spirit of John Denver wants you to go take a hike out to a great waterfall every now and then. A geographer by education, he’s worked as a park ranger with the National Park Service, a tour guide at the Grand Canyon South Rim, and a docent at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West. But stay out of the lake. Except for the occasional thunderstorm, Colorado summers have a reputation…. Treasure Falls splits between a cleft in a jagged cliff and drops gracefully 105 feet. A fee had long been required to visit Seven Falls, but you must now park at 6 Lake Avenue at the Broadmoor Resort and take a mandatory shuttle to the trailhead. From the Front Range to the West Slope, Colorado boasts beautiful waterfalls. For the first two miles, the hiking is deceptively flat and easy. Like all other other easy hikes on the list, this one is popular so come early. Please stay on the trail, carry all trash and dog waste out with you, and leave this beautiful place better than you found it so others may continue to enjoy. Home to almost three million people, the Denver metro area is … Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. While it’s possible to scramble around and gain a closer vantage, be careful. It’s hard not to love Rifle Falls. Who says all good things require hard work? From Crestone to Telluride, Grand Junction to Steamboat Springs, Walden to Westcliffe, Hiking Waterfalls in Colorado will take you through state and national parks, forests, monuments and wilderness areas, and from popular city parks to the most remote and secluded corners of the state to view the most spectacular waterfalls. In order to access it, you have to wade across Zapata Creek — in the often frigid water. The crystal clear Hanging Lake, surrounded by greenery, appears to be almost hanging off the edge of the cliff, hence its name. There is plenty of snow all year round, but in spring, the snowmelt results in particularly impressive waterfalls. Behold, the most over-developed waterfall hike in Colorado! The most direct route to the falls includes three of the park’s trails: Staunton Ranch Trail, Bugling Elk Trail, and Lion’s Back Trail. Help protect this breathtaking formation so people can enjoy it for years, and make sure you "leave no trace" of your trash. The trail crosses a boggy area after Jewel Lake, adding to the challenge. Additional Info: Rocky Mountain Hiking Trails. The lack of precipitation helps preserve a well-kept secret: Coloradans have access to waterfalls galore. The Devil's Thumb Pass is an adventurous full-day hike that’s not far from the bustling city of Boulder. South Mineral Creek Falls Reached via the South Mineral Creek Campground, hikers will trace South Fork Mineral Creek... 2. The trail steepens for the next three-quarters of a mile up to Catamount Falls, your real destination. Once you leave Boulder Street and hit the trail, it’s only a half mile to the viewpoint for Crystal Falls, a small but nice cascade. Located in the southwest of Colorado, Pagosa sits on the southern footsteps of the eastern San Juan Mountains, far away from Denver in a quiet yet stunningly gorgeous corner of the state. Pick your steps carefully. Helen Hunt Falls is very popular, so go early for the best chance at parking, and always expect a crowd. Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls, drops 365 feet into a box canyon that is also home to the charming mountain town of Telluride, known for its epic skiing and festivals.Bridal Veil Falls can be reached via a short but steep 1.8-mile hike that gains 1,200 feet in elevation on rocky terrain.
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