Top 10 Hikes

7 Waterfalls Near Denver

Where can you find waterfalls near Denver? This collection of seven waterfalls are all within about a 1 hour drive waterfalls from the Denver. Trails to the waterfalls in this collection range from just 100 yards to 5.5 miles one-way. Each of the waterfall hikes have a more detailed trail profile with driving directions, maps, and tips for making the most of your adventure. Because the landscape near Denver is not as dramatic as other parts of Colorado, we have a limited number of waterfalls close to town. However, Dayhikes Near Denver has trail profiles for more than 30 Colorado waterfall hikes on our site, so be sure to see our full set of Colorado Waterfall hikes on our Dayhikes Near Denver Waterfalls page. There you'll find waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park--just 2 hours away--and many others located the farther reaches of our beautiful state of Colorado.

1. Elk Falls at Staunton State Park - Highest Waterfall Near Denver

Distance: 11 miles Round Trip
Drive Time from Denver: 50 Minutes
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
We'll start with the most difficult hike to a waterfall near Denver,--but one that's worth the 11 mile round-trip journey to see because it has the highest drop. Elk Falls was unknown to most until opened to the public in 2013 with the creation of a new Colorado State Park, Staunton State Park. Overall it's a long but moderate hike to the Elk Falls Overlook. Explore our full trail profile for more detailed information.

2. Eldorado Cascades at Walker Ranch - Obscure Waterfall Near Denver

Distance: 2 1/2 miles Round Trip
Drive Time from Denver: 1 Hour
Difficulty: Moderate
Eldorado Cascades, along with Forsythe Canyon Falls (see below) is one of the lesser known waterfalls near Denver. Found along the Walker Ranch loop, this clamorous cascade dives under giant boulders then gushes out on the other side. Hikers can take this in as a part of the larger Walker Ranch Loop hike, or as a shorter 1.25 mile (one-way) hike in from the Ethel Harrold Trailhead.

3. Boulder Falls - Most Picturesque Waterfall Near Denver

Distance: 200+ Yards Round Trip
Drive Time from Denver: 50 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Boulder Falls dives over 60' from a cliff face in Boulder Canyon. It's about an 100 yard walk from the parking pull-off area along Boulder Canyon Drive. Because of the 2013 flood damage, the trail had been closed for repairs, and in late 2019 closed again due to road repair work. Boulder falls reopened June 13th 2020 with a newly paved parking area, so it is again accessible. This waterfall and the next are the most accessible waterfalls near Denver.

4. Cherry Creek Falls Hike

Distance: 1/4 mile Round Trip
Drive Time from Denver: 50 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Named Castlewood Canyon Falls or Cherry Creek Falls, this waterfall is probably the most accessible waterfalls near Denver, just .17 mile from the parking area. It's at its peak in the Spring after a good rain. Be sure to get the details from our full hike profile and explore the many other trails in Castlewood Canyon.

5. Bridal Veil Falls in Idaho Springs - Historic Waterfall Near Denver

Distance: 1/4 mile Round Trip
Drive Time from Denver: 45 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Bridal Veil Falls is the second highest waterfall in this collection (Elk Falls being the tallest). The hike to Bridal Veil falls is just a short jaunt on a concrete path to Water Wheel Park, which is being renovated and is scheduled to reopen in June of 2016. What makes this waterfall unusual is that it's right in the town of Idaho Springs, much like Cornet Falls in Telluride. While not a trip into the Colorado wilderness, Bridal Veil falls boasts the interesting history of gold mining, an old steam locomotive, and restored water wheel.

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.

6. Maxwell Falls Near Evergreen - Double Waterfall/a>

7. Forsythe Canyon Falls Near Boulder - Shaded Hike Waterfal Near Denver

Distance: 2 miles Round Trip
Drive Time from Denver: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Forsythe Canyon Falls is tucked away in a canyon southwest of Boulder near Gross Reservoir. A few highlights: Forsythe Canyon offers a lot of shade, the waterfall is found in unique pinch in the canyon, and the trail ends at Gross Reservoir, a beautiful site. We've found this to be a lesser visited hike, and a great alternative to some of the busier trails.

Map of 7 Waterfall Hikes About 1 Hour of Denver

by Aaron Johnson

Top 10 Spring Hikes Near Denver

Where are the best trails to hike in the Spring near Denver? We've created this top 10 list of the best Spring hikes near Denver so you can get your boots out and discover some beautiful Colorado landscapes.

Winter holds Colorado in its grip for about half of the year. Then, before you know it, Spring appears, and Summer follows quickly on its heels. On the Front Range, near Denver, we also get some of our heaviest snowfall in March and sometimes in April. So, Spring hikes can be muddy, and ice can build up on segments of trails that escape the direct light of the sun. For that reason, we've tried to collect a set of hikes where Spring gets an early start. Still, if you expect to encounter snow and ice, we recommend wearing traction devices, like YakTrax. Our hope is that you'll be able to find a great hike during this unpredictable--but beautiful--time of year.

• Alderfer Three Sisters Park in Evergreen

Distance: .2 to 10 mile+ loop Miles

Drive Time: 40 minutes from Denver

Alderefer and Three Sisters park is a choose-your-own-adventure experience. Download the park map to get familiar with the significant network of trails, then create a hike out of it. Hike up to the sisters to gain views into the quaint town of Evergreen and beyond.




• South Rim Loop at Roxborough State Park

Distance: 3 Miles

Drive Time: 45 minutes from Denver

Red Rock formations against the brilliant green of Spring. The South Rim Trail at Roxborough State Park takes hikers to several overlooks for some of the best panoramas in the Denver area.




• Sunset Loop at White Ranch

Distance: 2 Miles

Drive Time: 45 minutes from Denver

White Ranch sits just north of Denver in the green of the foothills. This 2 mile hike combines trails to form what we've named the Sunset Loop--though it's equally good for viewing the sunrise.


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• Mount Sanitas in Boulder

Distance: 2-3 Miles

Drive Time: 45 minutes from Denver

Mt. Sanitas is a local favorite--and for good reason. A refreshing brook cuts through the valley floor, and the higher elevations of the hike offer a demanding workout. Explore the full trail profile for driving directions, map, and more trail info.




• Spruce Mountain Near Larkspur

Distance: 1.5 to 4 Miles

Drive Time: 50 minutes from Denver

Spruce Mountain is unique because the trail takes hikers up to the top of a table mesa. The trail then follows the rim and affords fantastic views to Pikes Peak in the south, and to the stretches of the greenland plains to the east.




• Davis Ponds Loop at Staunton State Park

Distance: 2 Mile Loop

Drive Time: 45 minutes from Denver

There are many places to explore in Staunton State Park, and we've encountered a lot of ice on some of the trails in the early Spring. However, the Davis Ponds Loop is more open to soak the sunlight. The ponds make a great destination hike and are stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout.




• Enchanted Mesa At Chautauqua Park

Distance: 2 Miles

Drive Time: 40 minutes from Denver

This hike in Boulder's Chautauqua Park takes you through beautiful stands of ponderosa pine along the prominent flatirons formation. You also have a lot of options to explore in the larger network of trails in Chautauqua park.




• Red Rocks Trail at Red Rocks

Distance: 6 Miles

Drive Time: 25 minutes from Denver

Iconic Red Rocks Park offers some of the best trails close to the city. This trail that stretches between Red Rocks and Matthew-Winters Park is perfect for a hike, mountain bike, or trail run.




• South Valley Park in Littleton

Distance: .5 to 3 Miles

Drive Time: 30 minutes from Denver

South Valley is my go-to spot for getting outside. Just a short drive and you are tucked away between the hogback and the foothills in an expanse valley riddled with red rock.




• Waterton Canyon Trail

Distance: 2 to 12.4 Miles

Drive Time: 35 minutes from Denver

The Waterton Canyon trail follows the Platte River back into the foothills. During the spring this place is in bloom. Perfect for a picnic lunch or dinner, there are picnic areas along the way. Read the full trail profile to get the details.

by Aaron Johnson