After more than 2½ years of being blockaded, the gates to a popular waterfall near Colorado Springs are coming down.  

Rainbow Falls, a natural attraction located in Manitou Springs, is reopening June 14 after being closed since 2021, when a rock fall was reported above the preserve’s small parking lot, according to a news release Tuesday from El Paso County staff. The parking lot will be blocked off with barriers to protect visitors from potential rock fall incidents, and a new parking spot will take its place. 

The new parking location is off U.S. 24 and Serpentine Drive. Visitors can take a shuttle service that will operate continuously from Friday to Sunday between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to get to the falls. While access to the Rainbow Falls Historic Site is free, a fee of $20 per car will be charged for people utilizing the parking and shuttle services.  

Parking on side streets and other prohibited areas could result in a parking ticket. 

“We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors to Rainbow Falls,” Todd Marts, who oversees recreation areas as the Community Services director for El Paso County, said in the news release. 

Visitors are encouraged to make an online reservation using the park’s new system. 

Further information on parking and the shuttle system can be found on the El Paso County’s community services website.