Most Beautiful Waterfall Hikes In Colorado

Abstract

• Colorado’s various landscapes supply one thing for everybody, from river canyons to mountain hikes and arid deserts.
• The state’s waterfalls are simply accessible and differ in issue, making them perfect for each novices and professionals.
• From the simply accessible Helen Hunt Falls to the difficult Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado presents a waterfall hike for each adventurer.

Colorado is a various state, landlocked and surrounded by numerous landscapes. The western U.S. state boasts diversified landscapes like no different in America. River canyons are nice for rafting, mountains excite hikers, and the arid desert attracts campers—it is uncommon to search out such variety in a single state.

Colorado is a well-liked state for mountain hikers with the Rocky Mountains being the state’s most iconic spot. They freeze over within the winter and soften in the course of the early spring and summer time. Snowmelt runs by way of the mountains and down into the waterfalls, making them a number of the most magical in Western America. Fortunately, a lot of the waterfalls in Colorado are accessible on foot.

Take a day or weekend to discover and hike the mountains and parks to find a few of Colorado’s greatest waterfalls. Novices and professionals are welcome on Colorado’s most magnificent mountain ranges and mountain climbing trails as the choice ranges from straightforward to arduous.

7 Helen Hunts Falls

Enterprise on a journey to essentially the most simply accessible falls in Colorado

Helen Hunts Falls is a well-liked mountain climbing path as a result of it is some of the simply accessible falls in Colorado. Park at North Cheyenne Highway, enterprise over the bridge, and veer off left earlier than witnessing the magical cascades. Or, you’ll be able to take an extended, extra strenuous hike that may take round 8 hours. It begins at Decrease Columbine Path and includes a 4-mile trek up a 1,000-foot elevation earlier than you attain the falls.

Helen Hunts Falls is spectacular throughout spring and summer time. The water quantity will increase as a result of snowmelt, making the 35-foot cascade some of the lovely among the many straightforward hikes.

6 St. Mary’s Falls Path

Expertise two fantastic waterfalls on the St. Mary’s Falls Path

On the St. Mary’s Falls Trail within the North Cheyenne Canon Park hikers get to witness two waterfalls. You would possibly stumble throughout extra if you happen to want to take an extended route towards Mount Rosa. Nonetheless, this path means that you can witness two fantastic falls in a single 5.9-mile hike. It makes for an ideal early morning Colorado hike with stunning views.

Beginning on the Excessive Drive parking zone, wind by way of Buffalo Canyon briefly the place you’ll be able to witness numerous chook species. Proceed previous the small creek till you’ve got hiked round 1.7 miles the place you may bump into your first cascade. After stopping for a water break, enterprise left once you attain the 3-mile mark (the appropriate flip will take you to Mount Rosa); St. Mary’s Falls is is lower than half a mile from this junction. Watch the cascade crash over the 300-foot granite wall earlier than returning to the Excessive Drive parking zone.

The waterfall nonetheless runs all through the winter. The trickle could be mild, however it’s nonetheless energetic. Expertise St. Mary’s Fall any time of yr, however carry traction boots within the winter.

5 Horsethief Falls

Horsethief Falls is gratifying any season

Not like different frozen-over waterfalls in Colorado, the Horsethief Falls hike is unbelievable in any season. These visiting in winter will want spiked snow boots, and the snowshoeing alternatives are superb.

All through the spring and summer time, Horsethief Falls sees unbelievable cascades from the snowmelt that runs down into the rocky pool beneath. Start the hike on the Colorado forest, a brief drive from Colorado Springs. The primary 2.4 miles of the two.6-mile hike is fairly straightforward, with only some steep slopes to be cautious of. While you attain the top, the hike turns into more durable for individuals who want to cross the flowing water. Nonetheless, the crossing is effectively price it as you’ll be able to take pleasure in a refreshing dip within the swimming holes and a picnic on a budget in one of Colorado’s most scenic spots.

4 Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is not a hidden gem, nevertheless it’s among the best and scariest hikes in Colorado. The Telluride Mountain Membership just lately accomplished the path and it now presents advance hikers the prospect to expertise some of the difficult routes within the state.

Subsequent to the settling ponds of the Idarado Mining Firm, you may begin your hike and snake by way of the path till you attain the falls. Bridal Veil Falls is not designed for novices or households, so count on fixed climbing previous scenic lookouts and thru forested areas. It is a 1.2-mile single-track path (round 2.9 miles general), which means hikers can solely go a method alongside the out-and-back route. Alongside the route, you may possible bump into random waterfalls. On the path’s finish, you may meet the 365-foot Bridal Veil Falls in all its glory.

Throughout the spring and summer time, the water crossing at Ingram Creek is hazardous, so proceed with warning.

3 Bear Creek Falls By way of Bear Creek Path

Select to hike or mountain bike by way of the Uncompahgre Nationwide Forest to the gorgeous Bear Creek Falls

The Bear Creek Trail is without doubt one of the hottest within the Uncompahgre Nationwide Forest, but the 325-acre protect is spacious sufficient to make any hiker really feel alone within the scenic environment. You would possibly even take into account it one of many quietest destinations you can visit in Colorado once you hear nothing however the wildlife.

Beginning your 2-hour and 25-minute hike on the finish of South Pine Avenue in downtown Telluride, journey by way of the Bear Creek Protect and luxuriate in aspen and pine groves for just a few miles earlier than you attain the unbelievable 80-foot cascade. Though the pool on the backside of the falls is rocky, you’ll be able to cautiously swim. Those that want to enterprise on for a sweat and extra out of doors journey can discover the Bear Creek cliffs on the Wasatch Path.

2 Treasure Falls Path

The family-friendly hike to Treasure Falls is effectively definitely worth the half-mile loop within the Rocky Mountains

Households can benefit from the Treasure Falls in the San Juan National Forest at any time of yr. The spring and summer time supply gentle climates, and the winter is nice for snowshoeing. Though the falls freeze in the course of the winter, trekking with spiked boots is enjoyable for all ages.

Scrambling is a part of the Treasure Falls Path, however the route is enjoyable and secure. The quick scramble and 0.6-mile-long path that results in the cascade are appropriate for kids. The family-friendly hike ends on the wonderous 105-foot falls. You may not have the ability to swim, however the leg-stretching path is effectively definitely worth the bonding alternative.

1 Seven Bridges

Journey throughout the seven bridges of North Cheyenne Creek to expertise the Seven Bridges Falls

Seven Bridges is a winding waterfall hike, good for folks of all ages. Start the hike on Gold Camp Highway, the place you’ll be able to park your automotive and kit your self up for a enjoyable, stress-free 3.41-mile hike throughout seven small bridges of North Cheyenne Creek.

While you attain the slim railroad mattress, you are headed in the appropriate course. Proceed southwest, and you may bump into the trailhead signal that reads Path 622. After this signal, the path is straightforward and straight the place you may meander west alongside the creek and throughout the seven bridges. You may witness the falling cascades as you wander by way of the North Cheyenne Canon Park. To return, merely observe the identical route again to the parking zone on Gold Camp Highway.