Colorado + waterfall hikes?! Does it get any better?! Colorado is this Texas girl’s favorite getaway. And, you know I love a good waterfall. Here are some of the best Colorado waterfall hikes! Happy planning!
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Table of Contents
Waterfall Hikes in Colorado Map
These waterfall hikes are spread all throughout the great state of Colorado. Use this map to help plan the perfect Colorado waterfall road trip (just promise to bring me along!)
The Best Colorado Waterfall Hikes
Let’s dive into the most breathtaking waterfall hikes in Colorado. These day hikes are some of the best in the entire state (and that’s hard to do- Colorado is jam-packed with some GEMS!)
Psst: With great beauty, comes great popularity. Be sure to check which of these hikes need a reservation to ensure a stress-free experience!
1. Alberta Falls (RMNP)
- Location: RMNP
- Length: 1.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-friendly?: No
Alberta Falls, located in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, is the perfect waterfall hike for all skill levels.
The hike to and from the waterfall itself, a 30-foot cascade down a rocky gorge, is a great option for beginners, at just 1.6 miles long roundtrip and 226 feet elevation gain. To reach the waterfall, the trail winds along Glacier Creek and through an enormous grove of aspens. Come fall, these trees burst into a spectacular hue of gold.
Alternatively, if you’re up for more of a challenge, there are plenty of more difficult hikes that you can combine with the Alberta Falls Trail, such as Mills Lake or the Sky Pond hike, both of which take you past some of the most beautiful lakes in the park.
One important thing to note about Alberta Falls, though, is that it’s located along Bear Lake Road. Accordingly, in addition to paying an entrance fee to Rocky Mountain National Park ($35 per private vehicle per week), you’ll also need to snag a special Timed Entry Permit, specifically for the Bear Lake corridor, in order to drive to its trailhead from mid-May through late October, from 5 AM to 6 PM. You can pick up a permit at recreation.gov.
As experienced by Jess of Uprooted Traveler
2. Cascade Falls (Ouray)
- Location: Ouray, Co
- Length: 0.3 mi
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog-friendly?: yes
Cascade Falls is a waterfall in Ouray Colorado that can be reached with a short hike right from town. The trailhead has a few parking spots, but because Ouray is so small, you can easily walk there from anywhere in town.
Once you’re on the trail, it’s incredible how quickly you find yourself away from town and in the middle of nature. The short trail is wooded and peaceful, and it’s a short walk next to the creek until you get to the waterfall.
Cascade Falls is a beautiful waterfall that tumbles down the rocky cliffside, and you can get close to the base of it, or hike up the trail to the left to walk behind the waterfall! You can also extend the hike by taking the Ouray Perimeter Trail, which goes all the way around town, and takes you to truly breathtaking views of the mountains.
Once you’re done hiking, grab a bite to eat at the Ouray Brewery or at Goldbelt Bar & Grill!
As experienced by Anna of Anna Tee
3. McCullough Gulch (Breckenridge)
- Location: Near Breckenridge
- Length: 3.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog-friendly: Yes (on leash)
McCullough Gulch is a beautiful and slightly challenging hike near Breckenridge. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is particularly spectacular in the summer when wildflowers are in bloom.
The final ascent to the waterfall is steep but rewarding, providing a perfect spot for a picnic or a refreshing break. If you are up for it, you can continue along the trail for another 1.5 miles or so!
After your hike, be sure to spend some time checking out the charming town of Breck! I loved visiting the famous Troll!
Important! If visiting in the summer months, you will need to make a reservation to park or ride the shuttle (from June 15 to September 15, 2024). The road closes in the off-season and will add an additional 2ish miles to your hike.
4. Ouzel Falls from the Wild Basin Trailhead (RMNP)
- Location: Wild Basin Trailhead in RMNP close to Allenspark
- Length: 5.3 miles out and back
- Difficulty: 984 elevation gain for moderate difficulty
- Dog-friendly: Pets are not allowed on any of the RMNP trails
When you plan waterfall hikes in Colorado, be sure to include a hike to Ouzel Falls where you’ll encounter 3 falls in 3 miles! Jackpot!
You’ll first pass Copeland Falls after 3/10 of a mile. It is an easy and beautiful waterfall perfect for young families. Then, continue hiking for 1.5 miles until you reach Calypso Cascades. If you visit in the spring with the runoff, the Cascades are powerful and spread from one waterfall to another cascading down the mountainside. Ouzel Falls is only 0.9 miles further and a definite must-see waterfall as well.
Parking for this hike is busy in the summer months. You will need to make a reservation to enter the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park. You can use your America the Beautiful National Park pass or simply pay for a 1-day fee to enter the park.
Plan to spend the afternoon in Estes Park (about 30 miles away) and enjoy some homemade fudge or ice cream. You deserve a treat after hiking and visiting the waterfalls!!
As experienced by Jolayne Kline of Just Wander More
5. Hanging Lake Trail (Glenwood Springs)
- Location: Glenwood Springs, CO
- Length: 3.1 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 1,187 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog-friendly?: No
Hanging Lake Trail is located just east of Glenwood Springs, in the heart of Glenwood Canyon. It’s one of the most popular (and beautiful) waterfall hikes in Colorado!
The hike leads to a mountain lake that appears suspended over Glenwood Canyon. The steep portion of this moderately challenging trail stretches 1.2 miles each way. With an elevation gain of almost 1,200 feet, the trail can be quite steep and rocky. There are plenty of stopping points to catch your breath.
The reward is spectacular—a stunning, crystal-clear lake perched on top of a cliff, with Bridal Veil Falls cascading into it. After relaxing at Hanging Lake, walk just a few minutes further uphill to Spouting Rock, where you can walk behind the waterfalls.
Access to Hanging Lake requires a timed entry permit, which costs $12 per person in summer and $10 per person in winter. Permits are available online and include a parking fee. It’s a good idea to book in advance, as daily visitor numbers are limited.
Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the afternoon heat. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks and wear sturdy shoes.
After your hike, consider unwinding at the Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs. For a unique place to stay, the historic Hotel Colorado offers charming accommodations. For a bite to eat, try the Riviera Scratch Kitchen, a local’s favorite, serving scratch cuisine.
As experienced by Sonia of Carey On Travels
6. Fish Creek Falls (Steamboat Springs)
- Location: Steamboat Springs
- Length: 4.7 miles round trip (to the upper falls)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog-friendly: Yes (on leash)
Fish Creek Falls is a popular hike in Steamboat Springs that offers two impressive waterfalls. The lower falls are easily accessible via a short, paved path, making it perfect for families and those looking for a quick visit.
For a more challenging hike, continue on the trail to the upper falls, which provides a more secluded and rewarding experience with stunning views of the cascading water and surrounding forest.
After your hike, be sure to spend some time relaxing at Strawberry Park Hot Springs. It’s one of my favorite experiences in all of Colorado!
Important! The trail is currently closed past the bridge (you can still see the falls). It is expected to reopen July of 2024.
7. South Clear Creek Falls (Crede and Lake City)
- Location: halfway between Creede and Lake City on Hwy 149.
- Length: 1/2 mile out and back.
- Difficulty: easy with a steep part at the end.
- Dog-friendly: Yes
When driving the Silver Thread Colorado Scenic Byway, most visitors overlook the South Clear Creek Falls. It is a stunning, powerful waterfall where you can get up close and personal. It is also a favorite spot for beginner ice climbers during winter.
The hike to the waterfall is short, about 1/2 mile out and back. It starts from the Silver Thread Campground with switchbacks down towering cliffs to a viewpoint.
Then, a steep trail from the overlook leads you to the base of the falls and South Clear Creek. You will scramble on loose gravel when going down and up from the viewpoint. If you are afraid of heights, you may stop at the viewpoint. But the most beautiful view of the falls is from the base.
There is no fee for entering the falls. Follow the sign to the day-use area upon entering the Silver Thread Campground. The fall is not widely known, so there is a chance you will be by yourself when visiting it.
From here, continue four miles north to the North Clear Creek Falls. You can see the falls from the parking.
As experienced by Umiko of Two Worlds Treasures.
8. Horseshoe Falls (RMNP)
- Location: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Length: 1,850 feet from trailhead
- Difficulty: Easy, accessible hike with paved trail
- Dog-friendly: No, dogs are not allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park on the trails
This is a short, paved trail with a big reward at the end. The paved trail is 1,850 feet long from the parking area and leads to the Horseshoe Falls overlook. It’s a nice wide trail with one wooden bridge that crosses the water.
Located off the road to Endovalley, Horseshoe Falls is off the Alluvial Fan trailhead. The Alluvial Fan is a beautiful cascade of water flowing down through a boulder field. It was created in 1982 when the Lawn Lake dam area above gave way, making a sudden flood of boulders and water.
If you take the Endovalley road a bit further, you may catch a moose sighting or two, especially if visiting during the shoulder season.
You’ll need a U.S. National Parks pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park and a timed entry pass if visiting from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend. These can be obtained via recreation.gov
As experienced by Lisa of Marking the Map
9. Helen Hunt Falls (Colorado Springs)
- Location: Colorado Springs
- Length: 0.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-friendly: Yes (on leash)
Helen Hunt Falls is an easy and popular hike located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park in Colorado Springs. The trail is short and well-maintained, making it accessible for hikers of all ages and abilities.
The falls are named after Helen Hunt Jackson, a 19th-century poet and writer and you’ll quickly realize why this is a favorite stop for visitors! It’s a perfect dog-friendly activity to add to your Colorado Springs bucket list!
For those looking for a bit more adventure, the trail continues to Silver Cascade Falls, offering additional beautiful views. And, do not forget to save time to explore the nearby Garden of the Gods park!
10. Bridal Veil Falls (Telluride)
- Location: Telluride, Colorado
- Length: 2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy by Colorado standards, although out-of-towners rate this a moderate hike
- Dog-friendly: yes, on leash. (note: the via Ferrata is not dog-friendly)
As a long-time Colorado local it’s really tough to find breathtaking waterfalls in Colorado. But Bridal Veil Falls checks a lot of boxes!
Located in the heart of Telluride, this iconic falls is a must-see. Most people opt to hike to the base of the falls, which is very easy (by Colorado standards). The hike is mostly along a dirt road which doesn’t provide the most natural experience. For a better hike, consider Bridal Veil Falls as a stopping point and continue your hike to Blue Lakes nearby. This route is more difficult, but you can snag two iconic spots in one hike!
If you’ve got an adventurous spirit, one of the best ways to catch stunning views of the falls is to take the Telluride via Ferrata. This technical trail follows a cliff and utilizes metal rungs and a cable to go across. If you have climbing experience and proper gear, you can do it on your own. But if not, it’s best to hire a guide for this high-flying adventure!
Keep in mind the parking fills up here during the summer by mid-morning, so you’ll want to get an early start.
You’ll also want to remember that dangerous afternoon thunderstorms plague Colorado every day in the summer, so plan your hike accordingly.
As experienced by Meg of Fox in the Forest
Colorado Waterfall Hikes recap!
There ya have it! 9 of the very best waterfall hikes in Colorado. From short and sweet walks to rocky and steep trails, the reward is always worth it! Do you have a favorite waterfall hike in Colorado? I’d love to add it to my neverending bucket list!
More Colorado Resources
After you are all waterfalled-out (is that even possible?), you should most definitely check out more of Colorado. Here are some of my favorite adventures and itineraries!
- Dog-friendly Colorado Road Trip
- One Day in Denver
- Rooftop Bars in Denver
- Best Boulder Hikes
- Fun Denver Date Nights
- 19 Colorado Towns to Visit
- 28+ Things to do in Idaho Springs
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