How to see Colorado’s most iconic waterfalls

There s something magical about a waterfall the roar of rushing water fueled by snowmelt the cooling mist and lush vegetation thriving around it Related epic waterfall road trip itineraries in Colorado Colorado s waterfalls are summer showstoppers tucked into canyons tumbling over cliffs or splashing into hidden swimming holes Particular require a rugged hike while others are easily accessible With Memorial Day this weekend melting runoff from the mountains and summer road trip season on the horizon here are Colorado s the majority stunning waterfalls Fish Creek Falls is minutes from downtown Steamboat Springs Photo by Jennifer Broome Special to The Denver Post Fish Creek Falls Stunner in Steamboat Height feet Best viewing Early summer Just minutes from downtown Steamboat Springs this is one of Colorado s the bulk accessible and spectacular waterfalls A quarter-mile paved path leads to an overlook with a phenomenal vantage point For a closer experience take the half-mile moderate trail to the base For a more challenging adventure consider hiking to Upper Fish Creek Falls Pro tip Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and the best photo lighting An -mile round-trip hike crosses bridges over creeks and winds through aspen groves alpine meadows and past smaller cascades before reaching South Willow Falls the multi-tiered waterfall in Eagles Nest Wilderness Photo by Jennifer Broome Special to The Denver Post South Willow Falls Silverthorne s Sensation Height Approximately feet Best viewing Mid-July to early August for wildflowers This secluded waterfall is a worthy trek The -mile round-trip hike crosses bridges over creeks and winds through aspen groves alpine meadows and past smaller cascades before reaching the multi-tiered waterfall in Eagles Nest Wilderness Because of the distance and elevation gain on this moderately challenging trek you ll be rewarded with solitude and pristine scenery Pro tip Pack bug spray and plenty of water for this long hike Rifle Falls A Triple Waterfall Wonderland Height feet Best viewing Late spring through summer This fairytale-like setting features three cascading waterfalls tumbling over a limestone cliff An easy -mile walk leads to the base where mist and lush greenery create a tropical feel Indulge your spelunking spirit by exploring multiple caves including a -foot room A flashlight is required for that exploration Pro tip Arrive early to avoid crowds in this popular state park Seven Falls Broadmoor s Summer Beauty You can climb the -step staircase alongside the seven cascades for an up-close view or take an elevator to Eagle s Nest viewing platform Photo by Jennifer Broome Special to The Denver Post Height feet cascades Best viewing Early summer or evening for illuminated falls These cascading falls in Colorado Springs have wowed visitors since An -mile walk through South Cheyenne Canyon dubbed The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado through South Cheyenne Canyon leads to these iconic falls Climb the -step staircase alongside the seven cascades for an up-close view or take an elevator to Eagle s Nest viewing platform At the top hike to Midnight Falls or Inspiration Point for a stunning view Make a reservation at Restaurant and marvel at the mesmerizing glow of the illuminated falls for a magical summer evening Pro tip Book tickets in advance and wear sturdy shoes as the stairs can be slippery Paradise Cove A Double Delight Height - feet Best viewing Hot summer afternoons Located near Cripple Creek Paradise Cove is in Guffey Gorge This -mile hike leads to a secluded swimming hole with two cascading waterfalls surrounded by towering rock cliffs It s a short but rocky hike including switchbacks to the cove Cooling off in the crystal-clear water is worth the effort on a hot day It s also a great wildflower hike Pro tip Arrive early or visit late afternoon for fewer crowds Bridal Veil Falls is Colorado s tallest free-falling waterfall Photo by Jennifer Broome Special to The Denver Post Bridal Veil Bear Creek and Cornet Falls Telluride s Terrific Trio Bridal Veil Falls Height feet Bear Creek Falls Height feet Cornet Falls Height feet Best viewing Early summer As the state s tallest free-falling waterfall Bridal Veil Falls steals the show as it plunges feet into a picturesque box canyon Admire the falls from town or hike to the top of the falls for a dramatic view Instead of hiking the rugged road take the steep -mile Bridal Veil Trail About three-quarters of the way up don t miss the spur trail to see another waterfall and swimming hole Not quite as strenuous the -mile round-trip hike to Bear Creek Falls takes you to an -foot waterfall tumbling over rugged cliffs into a picturesque basin For an easier option Cornet Falls is walkable from downtown Telluride The -foot waterfall tumbles over a striking red rock amphitheater creating an impressive scene It s a half-mile round-trip hike Pro tip Late afternoon is best for photos and fewer crowds Bear Creek Falls is a great wildflower hike in mid-July to early August Box Ca on Falls Ouray s Thunderous Roar Box Ca on Falls one of Colorado s majority dramatic waterfalls roars down a narrow quartzite gorge Photo by Jennifer Broome Special to The Denver Post Height feet Best viewing Early to mid-summer In Ouray nicknamed the Switzerland of America is one of Colorado s majority dramatic waterfalls -foot Box Ca on Falls roars down a narrow quartzite gorge A -foot walk immerses you in its thunderous roar and drenching spray Lower and Upper Cascade Falls are nearby offering easy and rugged hiking options for more waterfall views Pro tip Visit during morning sunlight for misty rainbows Visible from U S near Pagosa Springs Treasure Falls is roadside waterfall accessible by a -mile trail Photo by Jennifer Broome Special to The Denver Post Treasure Falls A Roadside Surprise on Wolf Creek Pass Height feet Best viewing Early to mid-summer When driving over Wolf Creek Pass on the west side near Pagosa Springs make a quick stop at Treasure Falls Visible from U S near Pagosa Springs this roadside waterfall is accessible by a -mile trail leading to the aptly named Misty Deck where you feel the spray of this -foot waterfall According to legend there s a chest of gold buried nearby Now that s a refreshing road trip break Pro tip Bring a rain jacket the mist is refreshing but chilly Colorado s waterfalls offer spectacular summer adventures from roadside wonders to hidden gems Whether you re looking for a refreshing escape or a more challenging scenic hike these cascades showcase the sheer beauty of Colorado s wild landscapes