Despite being away from large water bodies, Colorado is home to hundreds of waterfalls.

Hiking to these waterfalls allows you to enjoy the beautiful picturesque landscape of Colorado and get rewarded with a stunning waterfall at the end of the hike.

But which are the best waterfalls to visit?

We answer that in this article. In today's article, we discuss 13 of the most stunning waterfalls to hike in Colorado

13 Stunning Waterfalls in Colorado

#1. Seven Falls

Seven-Falls is located in South Cheyenne Creek, just outside Colorado Springs.

Located in a box canyon, this 181-foot seven-tier waterfall is a true marvel to see.

To get to the waterfall, you'll get to enjoy a hike in the "Greatest mile of scenario on Colorado."

To get to the top of the waterfall, you'll have to climb the challenging 224 steps, where you’ll get to enjoy the scenic view of Colorado Springs and the Great Plains to the East.

Don't feel like taking the steps? Worry not. The fall has an elevator built in the mountain just for you.

If you enjoy ziplining, Seven-Falls boasts of a zipline of 1800 feet. This is the only waterfall in Colorado listed in The National Geographic International Waterfalls.

• Hike Type: Out and Back and Loop Option
• Starting Point: Seven Falls Trailhead
• End Point: Seven Falls
• Distance: 0.4 to 3 miles
• Elevation gain: 400 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Best Time to Visit: All year round

Source: by Lindrik from Getty Images

#2. Ouzel Falls

Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the 40 feet tall Ouzel Falls is a must-visit for anyone chasing waterfalls in Colorado.

Here's why!

While on the trail, you'll get to enjoy other attractions, these include the Copeland falls, Calypso cascades, and the Lower Copeland falls.

And that's not all!

If you're willing to take on the challenge, you can hike an extra two miles to get to the scenic Ouzel lake. From Ouzel lake, you can decide to hike another seven miles to get to the stunningly beautiful Bluebird lake.

Keep in mind that the Ouzel falls trail is closed during winter due to a risk of avalanches and storms.

• Hike Type: Out and Back
• Starting Point: Wild Basin Trailhead
• End Point: Ouzel Lake
• Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
• Elevation gain: 950 feet
• Difficulty: moderate
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Best Time to Visit: Spring through Fall
  

Source: by Tim Speer from Getty Images

#3. Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is the largest free-falling waterfall in Colorado. Its waters cascade a whooping 365 feet into a box canyon.

The trailhead located at Telluride is relatively new. However, this trail is quite popular despite being new, so expect crowds.

The trail is just over a mile long with an elevation of 1000 feet. The hike up to the falls goes through a lush forest and large boulders, making it an excellent place for photography. At the top of this fall sits a power plant.

There are also other trails that lead to other smaller yet stunning waterfalls, so be sure to explore your surroundings.

You can visit this waterfall all through the year. If you're a climbing enthusiast, you'll love this waterfall during winter because there's ice climbing. However, take caution as in winter there's a risk of avalanches.

• Hike Type: Out and Back
• Starting Point: Cow Creek Trailhead
• End Point: Bridal Veil falls
• Distance: 6.6 miles roundtrip
• Elevation gain: 1000 feet
• Difficulty: moderate
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Best Time to Visit: Spring through Fall

Source: by David Arment from Getty Images

#4. Zapata Falls

Zapata Falls is one of Colorado's most spectacular yet least visited waterfalls. This hidden gem is located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and drops 30 feet into a sheltered rock crevice.

At the top of the falls, you can see the Sand Dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park, and if it's not too crowded, there are also great views of San Luis Valley.

You can choose to camp near this waterfall or hike to it. While hiking, anti-slip shoes are recommended since some rocks leading to the falls are slippery. Your furry friend could come along with you on this trail as long as you keep them on a leash.

The waterfall acts as a cooling spot for hikers during the summer, so expect crowds.

• Hike Type: Out and Back
• Starting Point: Wild Basin Trailhead
• End Point: Zapata falls
• Distance: 0.8 miles roundtrip
• Elevation gain: 215 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Best Time to Visit: All year round
  

Source: by Adventure_Photo from Getty Images

#5. South Mineral Creek Falls

South Mineral Creek Falls is unlike any other waterfall in Colorado. Its turquoise waters are like nothing you've seen before.

It's located at the South Fork Mineral Creek, deep inside the San Juan National Forest.

This 55 feet picturesque waterfall drops in two steps. The first step into the blue pool of South Mineral Creek Falls is 35 feet high, followed by a 20-foot drop into the narrow gorge.

If you love swimming, this is the waterfall for you.

And that's not all!

With proper permits, you can also camp at the spectacular South Mineral Camping ground, which is surrounded by reddish peaks.

• Hike Type: Out and Back
• Starting Point: South Mineral Creek Trailhead
• End Point: Upper South Mineral Creek falls
• Distance: 6.2 miles roundtrip
• Elevation gain: 9950 feet
• Difficulty: moderate
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Best Time to Visit: May 01 to September 30
  

Source: www.outdoorproject.com

#6. Riffle Falls

Located in Riffle Falls State Park, Riffle Falls is one of the best waterfalls to visit if you're in Colorado with your family.

This three-tier waterfall cascades down a 70-foot limestone cliff into a magnificent pool surrounded by moss-covered rocks and flowers at the bottom.

In the summer, the mist from the falling water provides a cooling effect, making these waterfalls quite crowded.

• Hike Type: Out and Back or Loop
• Starting Point: Rifle Falls State Park
• End Point: Riffle falls
• Distance: 0.2- 1.5 miles roundtrip depending on trail
• Elevation gain: 6500 feet
• Difficulty: easy
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Best Time to Visit: All year round

Source: www.1zoom.me

#7. Hanging Lake Falls

The Hanging Lakes Falls are probably the cleanest and clearest of all falls on this list.

This Natural National Landmark with two waterfalls cascading into the still depths of a lake is located in the Glenwood Canyon in White River National Forest.

While not as grand as other waterfalls on this list, the lake below is spectacular to see. The lake gives a mirage of clinging to the mountain edge, thus the name hanging lake.

The hike to the lake is a short but intense 1-mile walk where you'll have to do a bit of climbing.

• Hike Type: Out and Back or Loop
• Starting Point: Hanging Lake Trailhead
• End Point: Hanging lake
• Distance: 2.4miles roundtrip
• Elevation gain: 1000 feet
• Difficulty: difficult
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Best Time to Visit: All year round

NB: Due to fire and storm damage, this trail is closed awaiting renovations. Be sure to request a permit before visiting the lake.

Source: by zrfphoto from Getty Images

#8. North Clear Creek Waterfalls

North Clear Creek is a 100-foot tall fall located in the Southwestern Colorado landscape near Lake City.

To get to the falls, follow the Silver Thread Scenic Byway to Forest Road 510 and turn off at Spring Creek Pass to get to the falls. Once at the trailhead, walk for a few minutes to get to the falls.

Take note that this trail is not available during winter.

• Hike Type: Out and Back
• Starting Point: Rifle Falls State Park
• End Point: North Clear Creek falls
• Distance: 0.1 miles roundtrip
• Elevation gain: 10000feet
• Difficulty: easy
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Best Time to Visit: Spring through Fall

Source: www.uncovercolorado.com

#9. Fish Creek Falls

Located in Yampa Valley near Steamboat Springs, Fish Creek Falls are a must-visit for anyone chasing waterfalls in Colorado.

Dropping at 280 feet, Fish Creek Falls is one of Colorado's most breathtaking falls, with activities all year round.

The waterfall is at its fullest during the spring, thanks to the melting snow. During this time, activities such as kayaking are rampant near the falls. During the winter, ice climbers enjoy snowshoeing up the waterfall.

And the best part!

This waterfall is easily accessible for the entire family.

You can access the Fish Creek Falls through the ¼ mile falls overlook trail, which is paved and handicap accessible.

If you are curious enough to explore further, a 2.2-mile hike will take you to Fish Creek's Upper Falls, and ahead lies the Long Lake.

• Hike Type: Out and Back
• Starting Point: Fish Creek Falls trailhead
• End Point: Upper Fish Creek falls
• Distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip
• Elevation gain: 7500 feet
• Difficulty: easy
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Best Time to Visit: All year round

Source: www.steamboatchamber.com

#10. Boulder Falls

If you are looking for a dog-friendly waterfall hike, Boulder falls is your best bet.

Getting to this 70-foot-high waterfall is easy. All you have to do is hike a short 100-yard trail to get to the waterfall enclosed in a tight canyon with giant ponderosa pine

If you want to have a smooth experience, get there early as it tends to be crowded later in the day.

• Hike Type: Out and Back
• Starting Point: Boulder Falls
• End Point: Boulder falls
• Distance: 0.32 miles roundtrip
• Elevation gain: negligible
• Difficulty: easy
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Best Time to Visit: Summer through fall

Source: Flickr user Richard Saxon

#11. Continental Falls

The largest waterfall around Breckenridge is Continental Falls.

Located on the eastern slopes of the Mosquito Range, this waterfall tumbles in three tiers through the granite mountainside. The source of this waterfall is the High Mountain Mohawk Lakes, which spills into Spruce Creek and falls down the mountainside.

Getting to these falls is strenuous since you have to cover 2.6 miles and an elevation gain of 1070 feet. However, the trail offers magnificent views of beautiful mountain scenery, lakes, and ruins of old mine operations.

• Hike Type: Out and Back
• Starting Point: Spruce Creek Trail
• End Point: Continental falls
• Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
• Elevation gain: 1070 feet
• Difficulty: moderate
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Best Time to Visit: All year round

Source: https://gobreck.com

#12. Booth Falls

Booth Falls is a good start if you're looking for a challenging waterfall chase.

Located in the Eagles Nest Wilderness outside the veil, these 60-foot waterfalls are pretty spectacular to visit.

However, getting to the falls is a challenge.

The trail is 3.9 miles long with an elevation gain of 1358 feet. But it's all worth it.

Not only do you get to experience a thundering 60-foot water curtain, the trail to the falls also takes you through an alpine forest, blooming wildflowers, wildlife, and smaller waterfalls. The changing leaf color in the spring also makes the trail spectacular

And the best part!

This trail is dog-friendly, as long as you keep your furry friend on a leash.

• Hike Type: Out and Back
• Starting Point: Booth Creek Trail
• End Point: Booth Lake
• Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
• Elevation gain: 1290 feet
• Difficulty: moderate
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Best Time to Visit: March to October

Source: https://regensburgerphotography.com

#13. Helen Hunt Waterfalls

You can't visit Colorado Springs and fail to see this beauty. In the heart of North Cheyenne, Canon Park is where this hidden treasure is located.

This 35-foot fall can be accessed through two trails.

The shortest trail begins at the Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center, while the longer 4 miles out and back hike begins at the Columbine Trail, taking you to the fall.

These falls are more spectacular during spring when the snowmelt fills them up to their peak.

If you are up for it, the trail leads you to a second fall, The Silver Falls.

Dogs on a leash are allowed on this trail.

• Hike Type: Out and Back
• Starting Point: Helen Hunt's Visitor Center or Columbine Trailhead
• End Point: Silver Falls
• Distance: 1.10 miles roundtrip or 8 miles roundtrip depending on trail
• Elevation gain: negligible
• Difficulty: easy to moderate
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Best Time to Visit: All Year-round

Source: https://dayhikesneardenver.com

Tips for Exploring Waterfalls in Colorado

Tip 1: Confirm Whether the Trail is Open

Due to unpredictable weather changes, trails leading to waterfalls can be closed without warning.

Always check with the park ranger or Visitor Center before setting out on a waterfall hike. If permits are needed be sure to get these before visiting a trail.

Tip 2: Bring Proper Gear

Depending on the trail you choose, and the time of year, you may need different gear.

Be sure to pack proper slip-proof shoes, water-resistant pants, water-proof jackets, water-proof socks, a water-proof bag.

Tip 3: Leave No Trace

Leave the area as you found it.

Do not litter and do not disturb the wildlife or plants. That means to take nothing but photos and leave nothing behind.

Pack out all your garbage! This includes cigarette butts and food wrappers.

Tip: Bring a small reusable bag with you to place trash in before putting it back into your backpack.

Tip 4: Know the Best Time to Visit Waterfalls

While waterfalls look beautiful all year round, there are some times when it's best to visit them.

Chasing Waterfalls in Colorado during winter might be a challenge due to snow and ice on the trails. If ice-skating and snowshoeing is your thing, then winter is the time for you to visit waterfalls.

Chasing waterfalls during summer is more risk-free, but most waterfalls are reduced to trickles. Waterfall chasing during summer also means you have to deal with crowds.

Waterfalls are at their peak during spring, with the snowmelt making them fill up to capacity.

Which Waterfalls Will You Be Chasing?

There you go.

A list of 13 incredible waterfall trails to hike in Colorado. Which of these waterfalls will you be hiking? Which of these have you already hiked?

Tell us in the comment section below.

And if you're looking for high-quality water-resistant outdoor apparel for your waterfall chasing adventures, Northbound Gear has you covered. Whether it's water-resistant pants, water-proof jackets, water-proof socks, or hiking bags, our online shop has it all.

Onwards and Upwards with Northbound Gear.