Cascades Near Berthoud Falls
Looking for a place to stop and stretch your legs on your way to Winter Park? These cascades along US 40 will refresh your spirit and are immediately accessible right off the road.There are some unmaintained trails to explore, so check out the full profile below to discover more.
Trail Snapshot: Cascades Near Berthoud Falls
Hike Distance | 0.1 mile |
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Difficulty | Easy |
Duration | 5 min |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Seasons | Summer & Fall |
Dogs | Allowed on Leash |
Denver Drive Time | 1 hr |
Directions | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Berthoud Falls, Colorado |
Beauty | Cascades and Mountain Views |
Activities | Falls Viewing Area |
Video | Click For Video |
Our family drives Highway 40 over Berthoud pass about once a month, and this little side stop is a great place to stretch your legs and listen to the water gushing down the mountainside. This beautiful cascade and stone bridge are located on the second switchback curve on highway 40 as you head towards Winter Park from Denver (south side of Berthoud pass). It's not a formal parking area (I think it's used for snow removal), but it can hold several cars after the snow has melted away in late May/early June. A small hiking trail can be discerned on the right side of the Hoop Creek, but it's not maintained. I've not hiked it, so I'm not sure how far it goes.
There are some great views looking South to Engelmann Peak and Red Mountain. There is no picnic area, and the ground is soaked in early Summer, but my guess is that you could bring a blanket in late summer and Fall and enjoy a picnic lunch by the falls.
It's unclear if this falls is where the small settlement of Berthoud Falls got its name. My guess is that this is not Berthoud Falls. Here are my two guesses on the correct location. Click here for the Google map pin locations.
1 - Where a creek runs about 1200' feet down into the settlement of Berthoud Falls. This is not a sheer drop, but it is quite steep terrain. The proximity to the settlement makes this the best choice.
2 - Where Hoop Creek and another creek meet then drop into a very steep ravine. This is a more sheer drop and is located about a mile east of the settlement of Berthoud Falls. Because it's so far from the town, it's not likely that this is the namesake However, because of the steep terrain, it may contain a legitimate waterfall, or some amazing cascades.
I'm hoping to explore these more sometime and will plan to update this post when we have more information.
If you know the history of the area or have additional information about the Berthoud Falls Waterfall, I'd appreciate it if you left a comment in the trail reports below.
Tips & Resources for Viewing the Cascades Near Berthoud Falls:
- Be Safe: The pull-off can sneak up with you and there can be a lot of traffic on the weekends. Be alert for cars.
- Picnic Areas: There are some great picnic areas at Jones Pass, bottom of US 40 near the settlement of Berthoud Falls, and along Clear Creek just east of Berthoud Falls.
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Rocky Mountain Roastery in Winter Park
Weather
Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions
Looking for more waterfalls near Denver? Explore our more than 50 Colorado Waterfall Hikes, our favorite Waterfall Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, or 7 Waterfalls within One Hour of Denver.
Clear Creek Trail in Downtown Golden
Want a hike to please everyone?The Clear Creek Trail in Golden, Colorado is it! It's got shade, the kids can bring their bikes, and you can finish your hike with a stroll around downtown. We might get some flack for calling this a hike, because it runs through the business district of Golden, CO.But you can wear the soles of your shoes down on this one. Jefferson County even has plans to expand the trail several miles into Clear Creek Canyon. Explore the full trail profile for all the details: hiking trails, trail map, and detailed directions to the trailhead.
Trail Snapshot:Clear Creek Trail in Downtown Golden
Hike Distance | 1.8 Miles |
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Difficulty | Easy (super easy) |
Duration | 1 hr |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Seasons | All Season |
Denver Drive Time | 30 min |
Directions | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Golden, Colorado |
Beauty | Clear Creek, Cliff Swallows, Tree lined river |
Activities | Parks, Shops, Kayaking, People Watching, Rollerblading, and Biking |
Handicap Accessible | This Trail is Handicap Accessible |
When you have small children, some mornings can be harder than others to get through the foothills and into the mountains. This trail is made for those mornings. We like to park downtown, grab coffee at the Windy Saddle, then stroll down the trail. A local training school is often seen near the Washington Street Bridge doing water rescue training. It's highly entertaining and a great opportunity. Visiting family and friends will find this trail accessible, easy, and refreshing.
- Bring a Picnic and throw down a blanket at one of the several parks along the way (see map)
- You can start outside of town at the 6th Ave parking area and you have two options: Hike into town, or hike west in Clear Creek Canyon for .7 miles of the Grant Terry Trail
- Don't miss the cliff swallows that have built their nests along the 6th Ave. bridge.
- The Windy Saddle Cafe, on Washington Street offers a kids' playroom and their coffee is fantastic.
Tips & Resources for Hiking the Clear Creek Trail:
City of Golden Trail Map Link
City of Golden Open Space Map Link
Colorado Road Conditions
Weather
Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions
Eldorado Canyon State Park Hikes
Eldorado Canyon State Park is a hiking and climbing Mecca tucked into the Front Range near Boulder and Denver, Colorado. In this hiking profile of Eldorado Canyon, we quickly give you the 4 main trails and some tips for your time in the canyon. Explore the full trail profile below to get all the details.
Trail Snapshot: Hiking In Eldorado Canyon
Hike Distance | 4 Trails: .5 mile to 3.5 miles (one way) |
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Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
Duration | 1-2.5 hrs |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Seasons | Spring, Summer, Fall |
Dogs | Allowed on Leash |
Hike Trail Map | Click Here for a Map of Eldorado Canyon State Park |
Denver Drive Time | 45 min |
Directions | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Eldorado Springs, Colorado |
Beauty | Canyon, Cascades, Cliff Swallows, Cliff-Top Views, Geologic Features |
Activities | Picnic Areas, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Fishing |
Video | Click For Video |
Fee | Link to Fees Page |
Eldorado Canyon is an oasis just about 45 minutes from Denver. Kids will love hiking over rocks along the streamside trail, peering into caves, and gazing up at the climbers on the towering canyon walls. The park features one of the best picnic areas in the state with shallow areas of boulder creek which quickly fill with kids. Close attention is needed in any situation involving water and children. South Boulder Creek can be swift, especially after rains and during the early melts. During these times, the canyon gushes and roars. The sounds are as great as the views.
Fishing at Eldorado Canyon State Park could potentially yield you fish that are eight inches to an average about eight inches to about twenty inches long. For a more detailed guide on fishing here, check out the one at Colorado Parks and Wildlife here.
There is no camping at Eldorado Canyon State Park, although there are nearby areas to do so.
4 Trail Options in Eldorado Canyon State Park
#1 - The Streamside Trail is the shortest (.5 mile one way) and follows close to the sides of the creek and canyon walls. >
#2 - The Fowler Trail takes you .7 miles (one way) and provides great views of the canyon.  >
#3 - The Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is more difficult, traveling 1.4 miles up to the ruins of the Crags Hotel that burned to in 1912. Another trail goes from the hotel another .8 mile loop and features a view of Colorado's continental divide.  >
#4 - The Eldorado Canyon Trail is the longest, 3.5 miles (one way), eventually intersecting with the Walker Ranch Loop Trail.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Eldorado State Park:
- Go On a Weekday: Eldorado Canyon is a climbing mecca and can reach capacity on the weekends.
- Picnic: There is a great picnic area at the back of Eldorado Canyon, so pack a lunch or dinner for after the hike.
- Driving Note: Take care in driving through the town of Eldorado Springs, there are many bikers, pedestrians, and pot holes!
- After the Hike: Ozo Coffee in Boulder, Colorado
- Trail Map for Eldorado Canyon State Park: Trail Map Link
- Climbing in Eldorado Canyon
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions