Go With the Flow

This is a land shaped by water and time—by glacial runoff carving canyons, alpine springs feeding creeks, and snowmelt setting whole mountainsides in motion. And while Colorado is best known for its jagged peaks and high-altitude adventures, its waterfalls are the quiet, powerful punctuation marks on the landscape. They don’t announce themselves from afar. They wait— hidden in canyons, tucked into forests, spilling behind rocks or from unlikely heights—ready to offer awe to those who seek them.

Some falls roar. Others whisper. Some are steps from a roadside pull-off; others demand commitment, sweat and elevation gain. All of them, though, offer something essential: perspective. A reminder of what endures, what flows, and what beauty looks like when it isn’t trying too hard.

Here’s your guide to some of the state’s most beautiful waterfalls—where to find them, when to go, and how to make the most of the journey.

HANGING LAKE & SPOUTING ROCK, GLENWOOD CANYON
East of Glenwood Springs, the cliffs of Glenwood Canyon hold a secret high above the river: Hanging Lake. This turquoise lake and its delicate waterfalls seem almost too pristine to be real. Water spills gently from mossy rocks into an emerald basin suspended on the edge of a cliff. Just a short stroll away, Spouting Rock erupts from the face of a limestone wall like a geyser, adding drama to the already mystical scene.

Getting there requires a 1.2-mile uphill hike on a rugged trail, and you’ll need to reserve a permit in advance—this place is protected for good reason. But if you want to feel like you’ve stumbled into a fairy tale, this is your moment.

Pro tip: Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and watch the sun rise through the canyon walls.

RIFLE FALLS, RIFLE FALLS STATE PARK

Short on time but still want maximum waterfall payoff? Head to Rifle Falls, a triple-threat waterfall that cascades 70 feet over a limestone ledge. With lush greenery and mist-drenched caverns behind the falls, the scene feels more Pacific Northwest than high desert. The park’s loop trail is only a half-mile, making it family-friendly and ideal for photographers.

What sets Rifle Falls apart—besides its triple cascade—is the system of small limestone caves behind and around the water. Bring a flashlight, or just embrace your inner child and wander into the shadows.

Pro tip: Camp at the nearby Rifle Falls State Park campground and enjoy the falls in the evening light, when the crowds thin and the cottonwoods whisper.

BRIDAL VEIL FALLS, TELLURIDE

Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls, plunges a jaw-dropping 365 feet down a sheer cliff at the edge of Telluride.

Visible from almost every corner of town, it’s a landmark in its own right—and one of the most iconic waterfall hikes in the state.

You can hike, bike or even four-wheel up to the base of the falls. The trail is steep and rocky, but the views over Telluride’s box canyon make the climb feel cinematic. At the top, the historic power plant that once supplied electricity to the town still stands, clinging to the edge like a steampunk fortress.

Pro tip: If you’re not up for the hike, simply ride the gondola in Telluride and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the falls across the valley.

NORTH CLEAR CREEK FALLS, NEAR LAKE CITY
Some waterfalls seduce you with subtlety. North Clear Creek Falls is not one of them. This beast of a waterfall drops 100 feet straight into a volcanic box canyon—and you don’t even have to leave the parking lot to see it.

Located between Creede and Lake City along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, this is one of the state’s most photographed waterfalls. There’s a short trail to a viewpoint and a picnic area that makes it a perfect stop on a high-country road trip.

Pro tip: In late summer, pack a picnic and linger—wildflowers often bloom around the canyon rim, and the golden hour light makes the falls especially photogenic.

ZAPATA FALLS, NEAR GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK
This one’s for the adventure-seekers. Zapata Falls isn’t the tallest or most showy on this list, but it might be the most memorable—because you have to wade through a creek and into a slot canyon
to see it.

Just south of Great Sand Dunes National Park, this 25-foot waterfall is hidden inside a chilly, echoing chasm. The 0.9-mile trail to the creek is manageable, but to reach the falls themselves, you’ll need to get your feet wet—literally. It’s like discovering a secret in the folds of a mountain.

Pro tip: Wear water shoes, bring a headlamp, and prepare to squeal (the water is cold).

OUZEL FALLS, ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
In the Wild Basin area of RMNP, the 2.7-mile hike to Ouzel Falls winds through lodgepole pine forests and past multiple smaller cascades before delivering you to a thunderous 40-foot drop into a rocky gorge.

Along the way, you’ll pass Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades—so it’s really a three-for-one deal. Wildflowers bloom in June and July, and moose sightings aren’t uncommon. The name

“Ouzel” refers to a small bird that swims underwater, so keep your eyes peeled.

Pro tip: Start early and pack a lunch. This trail is a classic for a reason, and it’s even better with a sandwich and a view.

FISH CREEK FALLS, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

One of the state’s most accessible showstoppers, Fish Creek Falls roars 280 feet down a granite wall just outside Steamboat Springs. A paved trail takes you to a lower overlook in just a quarter-mile, while a more challenging route brings you to the base or even the upper falls for those seeking a solid half-day hike.

In winter, the falls freeze into massive columns of ice, drawing intrepid climbers with ice axes and nerves of steel. In summer, the rush of snowmelt is like nature’s own drum solo.

Pro tip: Combine this stop with a soak in Strawberry Park Hot Springs for a perfect Steamboat day.

BOX CANYON & LOWER CASCADE FALLS, OURAY
Known as the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is already a stunner. But the Box Canyon Falls, located right on the edge of town, offer a vertical punch to the senses. The 285-foot falls thun-
der into a narrow slot canyon, and a system of walkways and bridges lets you experience the spectacle from below, above, and even from inside the rock itself. The waterfall is so powerful that it’s hard to hear yourself think—but maybe that’s the point.

Pro tip: Afterward, take the Perimeter Trail around Ouray for sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. While Box Canyon gets all the hype, around the loop, you’ll find Lower Cascade Falls, where you can (with a sketchy scramble) get behind the falls. Use caution, as it’s not safe for all visitors, of course.

HELEN HUNT FALLS, COLORADO SPRINGS

Named for the 19th-century poet and advocate Helen Hunt Jackson, this picturesque 35-foot cascade is nestled in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its accessibility and charm.

You can reach the base right from the parking lot or take the short but steep Columbine Trail to reach the top for a different perspective. It’s an ideal side trip if you’re visiting the Garden of the Gods or the Broadmoor.

Pro tip: Visit in autumn when the surrounding aspens blaze gold—it’s a scene straight out of a painting.

THE ART OF THE CHASE

Of course, part of the beauty of waterfall-hopping in Colorado isn’t just the waterfalls themselves— it’s the roads, trails and moments in between. It’s stopping for a scone in a mountain town, or sharing trail mix with a new friend at the overlook. It’s that moment when you round a bend and the sound of water grows louder, and you just know you’re close.

In a state that brims with wild beauty, waterfalls remind us that power and grace often go hand in hand. They’re ephemeral, seasonal and always moving—just like the best kind of adventure.

So grab your boots, load up your pack and hit the trail. The water’s falling.

 

WATERFALL HIKING TIPS

Time it right: Late spring through early summer is peak waterfall season in Colorado, thanks to snowmelt. That’s when the falls are full throttle. But in autumn, you can catch waterfalls alongside the striking colors of the Aspen turning.

Check permits: Places like Hanging Lake require reservations.

Wear good shoes: Trails can be muddy, rocky or wet—sometimes all three.

Stay safe: Don’t climb on wet rocks or get too close to edges. It’s not worth the selfie.

Leave no trace: Keep these places magical. Pack out what you pack in.