Colorado
10 Gorgeous Waterfalls To Visit In Colorado
The state of Colorado is an outside lover’s paradise because of its extremely numerous terrain. Situated within the western portion of the US, Colorado boasts deserts, arid canyons, and the beautiful Rocky Mountains containing quite a few rivers and waterfalls.
Through the spring and summer season months, when the snow is melting off the mountain tops, there are some completely beautiful waterfalls to go to in Colorado! I’ve been “chasing waterfalls” in Colorado ever since I used to be slightly woman, and consider me after I let you know, the spring and summer season months are my absolute favourite time to see them.
Since Colorado is dwelling to a whole lot of waterfalls, you actually don’t need to go far to search out one. Whereas a number of the Colorado waterfalls require strenuous hikes to get to them, there are a number of waterfalls in Colorado which can be easily-accessible for everybody. With that in thoughts, let’s dive into a few of my favourite waterfalls to go to in Colorado.
1. Seven Falls, Colorado Springs
Situated simply exterior of Colorado Springs is the fabulous Broadmoor Seven Falls. Certainly, these falls are a significant vacationer attraction, however they’re nonetheless effectively price a go to!
The scenic strategy to the falls is named “The Grandest Mile of Surroundings in Colorado.” That is because of the naturally-formed field canyon that Seven Falls calls dwelling. The water from the falls tumbles some 181 toes down the canyon in seven totally different areas, therefore the identify Seven Falls.
There are 224 steps resulting in the highest of the falls, or for those who would moderately, there may be additionally an elevator constructed into the mountain that may take you to the highest. As soon as on the high of Seven Falls, you’re greeted with spectacular views of Colorado Springs and the encircling space.
Professional Tip: Seven Falls can get very crowded. I’d advise arriving very first thing within the morning or late within the afternoon to try to keep away from a number of the crowds. Please test their web site for hours and ticket costs.
2. Fish Creek Falls, Steamboat Springs
The spectacular Fish Creek Falls in Steamboat Springs is one other waterfall in Colorado that’s simply accessible. There’s a wheelchair-accessible, half-mile paved path that results in the bottom of the falls.
The falls create a thunderous sound as they pour over the mountainside, tumbling 280 toes into the Yampa Valley under.
In case you are up for extra of a hike throughout your go to, you’ll be able to hike to Fish Creek’s higher falls. Take word although, the path positive aspects over 1,600 toes in elevation and takes about 3 hours to finish the round-trip hike.
Professional Tip: Whereas Fish Creek Falls is beautiful any time of 12 months, I like to recommend visiting within the spring when the snow soften is at its peak.
3. Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride
Bridal Veil Falls is Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall. The water of Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride drops over 365 toes into the field canyon under. It’s really a panoramic website!
To entry the bottom of the falls, head east by way of Telluride on Colorado Avenue. Simply previous the Pandora Mill on the left, you will note a dust highway marked “County Street.” This highway provides you with entry to the 1.8-mile path to the falls. Do word, although, that this hike positive aspects 1,200 toes in elevation with a rocky terrain.
Professional Tip: You probably have a four-wheel-drive automobile, then you’ll be able to skip the hike and simply drive to the falls!
4. Bear Creek Falls, Telluride
One other one of many beautiful waterfalls to go to in Colorado is Bear Creek Falls in Telluride. After climbing (or biking) an easy-to-moderate 2.5-mile one-way hike, you’re greeted with a stunning waterfall tumbling down the jagged rocks.
Bear Creek Falls is just about 70 toes excessive. Whereas not the biggest waterfall, it’s nonetheless a favourite. The hike by way of Bear Creek Reserve is gorgeous, particularly within the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.
Professional Tip: As one of the vital fashionable trails in Telluride, you would possibly need to get right here early to do that hike. The path can get fairly crowded with households because the day progresses.
5. Field Canyon Falls, Ouray
Nestled inside the charming small city of Ouray, guests will discover the unimaginable Field Canyon Falls. A go to to Field Canyon is really exhilarating as you stroll on the metallic walkway by way of the canyon to stand up near the falls.
Field Canyon Falls drops 285 toes with gushing pressure because of the water from Canyon Creek being tightly compressed into the canyon. The water rushes by making a deal with in your senses as you hear the roar and really feel the mist in your pores and skin.
The falls will be seen from a number of areas. This consists of the decrease path, which is a 500-foot-long stroll alongside a suspension bridge that will get you up near the falls. Take word that the bridge is slippery and customarily at all times moist. It additionally comprises stairs, so proceed with warning. One other choice to view the falls is to take the Excessive Bridge Path. This path takes you up 200 toes in a half-mile round-trip hike that features stairs.
Professional Tip: In the event you plan to go on the decrease path and stand up near the falls, chances are you’ll need to put on a rain jacket. Each time I’ve visited, I’ve gotten moist. Please go to their web site for essentially the most up-to-date info on hours and ticket costs.
6. Helen Hunt Falls, Colorado Springs
Helen Hunt Falls situated in Colorado Springs’ North Cheyenne Canyon Park is a simple hike from the park’s customer heart. Dropping 35 toes from the rocks above, Helen Hunt Falls is at its peak in the course of the spring months when the snowmelt is highest off the mountains.
Winter is one other nice time to go to these Colorado waterfalls as they’re usually frozen in the course of the winter months. The frozen waterfalls create a magical feeling when surrounded by white snow.
Professional Tip: In the event you choose an extended hike, then do the out-and-back hike from the Strasmore Customer Heart and observe the Decrease Columbine Path for 4 miles till you attain Helen Hunt Falls.
7. Forsythe Falls, Boulder
In case you are on the lookout for a simple hike to one of many beautiful waterfalls in Colorado, then it’s best to positively think about Forsythe Falls in Boulder. The round-trip hike is simply over 2 miles however is comparatively straightforward regardless of some uneven terrain.
When you arrive at Forsythe Falls, you’re greeted with a pleasant 25-foot waterfall that cascades into an attractive clear blue lake under.
Professional Tip: This waterfall is greatest seen in Could or early June when the mountain snowmelt is at its peak. In case you are visiting at different occasions of the 12 months, you’re more likely to see only a trickle.
8. Alberta Falls, Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park
You will discover Alberta Falls about 12 miles from downtown Estes Park inside Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
To entry the falls, you’ll hike about 1.7 miles on Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The terrain is pure and uneven, however the elevation acquire is just 200 toes, making it a comparatively straightforward hike. When you arrive at Alberta Falls, you’re greeted with a 30-foot waterfall that splashes down into Glacier Creek under.
Professional Tip: That is a particularly fashionable hike in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, so that you positively need to arrive early to beat a number of the site visitors on the path.
9. Treasure Falls, Pagosa Springs
Whereas driving on Freeway 160 from South Fork to Pagosa Springs, you will note Treasure Falls. Dropping water from 105 toes, Treasure Falls was named after a legend that stated the mountain contained gold.
Whilst you can simply view the falls out of your automobile, Treasure Falls is effectively price getting near. You are able to do so by climbing the simple half-mile path to the falls. The path is a pure path, so there may be uneven terrain to navigate.
Professional Tip: The car parking zone to entry the trailhead is small, so arrive early if you wish to guarantee you may have the chance to hike the path.
10. Rifle Falls State Park, Rifle
Falling 70 toes over a stunning limestone cliff are the three separate falls that make up Rifle Falls in Rifle Falls State Park. Situated within the northwest nook of Colorado, within the city of Rifle, these falls are simply accessible because of the 0.1-mile handicap-accessible walkway that results in them. In fact, in order for you slightly extra of a hike so as to get to the falls, then you’ll be able to take the 1.5-mile round-trip path to the falls.
Standing on the base of the falls, trying up on the moss-covered rocks because the mist from the falls hits you within the face, is sort of an unimaginable expertise. Rifle Falls is unquestionably one of many beautiful waterfalls to go to in Colorado.
Rifle Falls State Park additionally affords campsites and picnic tables so that you can get pleasure from throughout your go to.
Professional Tip: In case you are feeling adventurous, try the caves beneath the falls!