Breathtaking views, easy hikes: A quick guide to Colorado’s most scenic — and accessible waterfalls

Colorado is home to several impressive waterfalls that are accessible via a short walk or drive from nearby towns or highways. Some of these waterfalls are also surrounded by lush, jungle-like environments, making them an ideal — and scenic— choice, for a picnic or a hike.

1. North Clear Creek Falls

North Clear Creek Falls in Hinsdale County, just went of the town of Creede, serves as a great rest stop and provides great photographic opportunities for visitors of the area. Photo by Susannah Kay, The Gazette (SUSANNAH KAY, THE GAZETTE)
North Clear Creek Falls in Hinsdale County, just went of the town of Creede, serves as a great rest stop and provides great photographic opportunities for visitors of the area. Photo by Susannah Kay, The Gazette (SUSANNAH KAY, THE GAZETTE)

This impressive waterfall is found off Colorado 149 between Lake City and Creede. It drops more than 100 feet and makes an ideal place for a picnic. The best part of this natural attraction might just be its accessibility. No need for hiking boots and a backpack; simply pull off the highway, park and stroll over to the railing.


2. Treasure Falls

Hikers explore Treasure Falls on the westside of Wolf Creek Pass near Pagosa Springs, Colo., Monday, June 22, 2020. The 105-foot waterfall is a short hike, 1/4 mile, from the parking lot along U.S. Highway 160 and makes for a quick break for motorists traveling through Southern Colorado. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK/THE GAZETTE)
Hikers explore Treasure Falls on the westside of Wolf Creek Pass near Pagosa Springs, Colo., Monday, June 22, 2020. The 105-foot waterfall is a short hike, 1/4 mile, from the parking lot along U.S. Highway 160 and makes for a quick break for motorists traveling through Southern Colorado. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK/THE GAZETTE)

While this one isn’t right off a state highway, it’s close enough to be considered quite accessible. Located 15 miles from Pagosa Springs, the 105-foot cascade is reached after a quarter-mile walk. Treasure is believed to have been buried somewhere in the area in the 1700s. It hasn’t been found, but don’t go looking for it.


3. Bridal Veil Falls

Hikers stand below the 365-foot Bridal Veil Falls outside Telluride, Colo., Saturday, July 17, 2021. The falls can be reached by hiking a rugged 1.1 mile trail or by a 1.5 mile 4x4 road. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)
Hikers stand below the 365-foot Bridal Veil Falls outside Telluride, Colo., Saturday, July 17, 2021. The falls can be reached by hiking a rugged 1.1 mile trail or by a 1.5 mile 4×4 road. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)

Situated only a couple of miles from downtown Telluride, this is a popular spot for tourists and locals. And for good reason. It’s the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, dropping a whopping 365 feet. It’s located off Black Bear Pass, and the top is accessible with a high-clearance vehicle. There’s also a trail to the base.


4. Box Cañon Falls

Nestled in the mountain town of Ouray, this waterfall is an official recreation site, meaning visitors need to park and pay an entrance fee. The water feature can be accessed via a short walk into the canyon. Before leaving town, be sure to visit Lower Cascade Falls. If you’re craving a challenge, hike to Upper Cascade Falls.


5. Rifle Falls

Rifle Falls State Park in western Colorado. (Spencer McKee, Out There Colorado)
Rifle Falls State Park in western Colorado. (Spencer McKee, Out There Colorado)

This site inside Rifle Falls State Park doesn’t feel or look like Colorado. A few miles off Interstate 70, it’s unique for its lush, jungle-like environment featuring a trio of waterfalls roughly 70 feet tall. There are also small caves around the falls to explore. Guests can access the area via a short, paved path. Daily fee is required.


6. Hanging Lake

Hikers play in the falls at Spouting Rock above Hanging Lake in Glennwood Canyon, east of Glennwood Springs, Colo., Monday, Aug. 8, 2016. The popular trail to the lake and falls closes Saturday, Sept. 10 for trail repairs. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE)
Hikers play in the falls at Spouting Rock above Hanging Lake in Glennwood Canyon, east of Glennwood Springs, Colo., Monday, Aug. 8, 2016. The popular trail to the lake and falls closes Saturday, Sept. 10 for trail repairs. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE)

While a visit to this iconic Colorado attraction does require a steep hike and a reservation, its proximity to I-70 makes it easily accessible (note that a shuttle ride is sometimes required). And those who reach the lake won’t be disappointed. Bonus: Don’t forget to budget some extra time to see the “Spouting Rock” waterfall.


7. Fish Creek Falls

While you can’t drive to the base of this waterfall in Steamboat Springs, the lower portion can be accessed relatively easy via a gravel path from the parking area. Dropping a distance of 280 feet, the cascade is well worth the half-mile round trip — and the entrance fee. A moderate hike leads to Upper Fish Creek Falls.

Rifle Falls State Park is truly a hidden gem, and worth a visit for a hike and picnic. (Libby Kinder/Cheyenne Edition)
Rifle Falls State Park is truly a hidden gem, and worth a visit for a hike and picnic. (Libby Kinder/Cheyenne Edition)
Fish Creek Falls, about three miles north of Steamboat Springs, inspired the label on the 1937 Coors beer can. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE)
Fish Creek Falls, about three miles north of Steamboat Springs, inspired the label on the 1937 Coors beer can. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE)
The view of Hanging Lake in Glennwood Canyon, east of Glennwood Springs, Colo., Monday, Aug. 8, 2016. The popular 1.2-mile trail closes Saturday, Sept. 10 for trail repairs. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE)
The view of Hanging Lake in Glennwood Canyon, east of Glennwood Springs, Colo., Monday, Aug. 8, 2016. The popular 1.2-mile trail closes Saturday, Sept. 10 for trail repairs. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE)

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