Colorado has the perfect landscape for waterfall hikes: 100,000 miles of rivers and streams, many of them plunging through steep terrain. While most of the best waterfalls are buried deep in the mountains, there are still many to explore near Denver. Our goal is to discover them and give you the best information and directions so that you can get out and enjoy the beauty of our Colorado hiking trails. If you are wondering where to find waterfall hikes near Denver and throughout Colorado, you’ve come to the right place. We have more than 50 detailed trail profiles of the best waterfall hikes in the state!

If you are specifically looking for waterfalls near Denver, see our 7 Waterfalls Near Denver post.

mcgregor falls waterfall ocky mountain national park

MacGregor Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

MacGregor Falls has become one of my favorite hidden waterfall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Black Canyon Trail meanders through old ranch land meadows, along the captivating Lumpy Ridge rock formations, and offers views of Longs Peak to the southwest. The falls are 3.1 miles (one way) from the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. It's a lesser-known hike with a ...
Marguerite Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

Marguerite Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

Marguerite Falls is a set of casacades with upper and lower leaps, just below Fern Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. After the 3.9 mile hike up to Fern Lake, a social trail leads into the woods along Fern Creek to the falls. Explore the full Marguerite Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more of the ...
maxwell falls with waterfall and hikers above and at the base of the waterfall

Maxwell Falls Near Evergreen, Colorado

The Maxwell Falls hike is our most popular hike near Denver. Why? Because it's a perfect Colorado family hike with a variety of terrain, and it takes you to one of the closest waterfalls to Denver. Below, you'll find three different hike options: a one-mile hike, a three-mile loop, and a four-mile trek--all taking you to Maxwell Falls. IMPORTANT NOTES: ...
mohawk lake with grey mountain faces in background on mohawk lakes hike near breckenridge colorado

Mohawk Lakes Hike Near Breckenridge

Mohawk Lakes are situated in the mountains south of Breckenridge, Colorado. Less than a 2-hour drive from Denver, this moderately demanding hike leads through pine and aspen forest, along a mountain stream, to a beautiful waterfall spilling over granite slabs. Breaking out above treeline at mile 3, hikers will arrive at Lower Mohawk Lake, and a bit further up the ...
view from the summit of mt culter hike near colorado springs with yellow granite rock and green foothill mountains

Mt. Cutler Hike in Colorado Springs

Mt. Cutler in Colorado Springs is an easy, 1-mile hike to the summit of a foothill peak that overlooks Seven Falls, the canyon system of Cheyenne Canyon, and offers panoramic views that make this hike a great option for visiting friends and family. Because it's just 2 miles out-and-back with less than 500 feet of elevation gain, this hike offers ...
north clear creek falls near lake city colorado short waterfall hikes in colorado

North Clear Creek Falls in Colorado

North Clear Creek Falls is a 100+ foot waterfall carved into the landscape of southwestern Colorado. This is not so much a hike as a great place to pull off for a picnic and take in views of what become the most famous waterfall in the Rocky Mountain State. Explore the full North Clear Creek Falls profile below for driving ...
ouzel falls waterfall in background with cascades in foreground in rocky mountain national park

Ouzel Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

Ouzel Falls spills over a cliffside and enormous boulders, making it arguably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Before reaching this 40-foot falls, the trail traces the course of several creeks and leads hikers past three other cascade waterfalls. Explore the full Ouzel Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more tips ...
waterfall pouring over moss in wooded area near granby colorado

Pole Creek Falls Hike near Granby, Colorado

The Pole Creek Falls trail near Granby, Colorado is an easy out-and-back destination hike to a waterfall that courses down a huge dark slab of moss-covered rock. Purple mountain asters and active beaver dams can be observed along this family-friendly trail. Explore the full Pole Creek Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more tips and details ...
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Rainbow Falls Hike in Colorado Springs

The hike to Rainbow Falls is a short easy walk to the waterfall and a historic bridge. The waterfalls is located in Manitou Springs, just west Colorado Springs. The waterfall and bridge had been neglected for decades, but the area is now being restored by local government and local citizens. Explore the full Rainbow Falls hike profile below for trail ...
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Ribbon Falls Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

Ribbons Falls is a slide waterfall that spills from Black Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The 4.8 mile hike up to Ribbon Falls is demanding, but well worth the effort as you'll encounter several other waterfalls along the way. Push an additional .2 mile up the trail to Black Lake and yet another waterfall, Black Lake Falls, that seasonally ...
Rifle Falls Hike Colorado

Rifle Falls Hike Colorado

Rifle Falls is a 70 foot, triple waterfall in Rifle Falls State Park. It's just .1 mile hike to the base of the falls along a paved, handicap accessible trail. The caves hidden along the waterfall beckon those looking for more adventure. Explore the full Rifle Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more of the details ...
Seven Bridges to Kineo Mountain Loop

Seven Bridges to Kineo Mountain Loop

Immensely popular in the summer, the Seven Bridges trail beckons hikers up and across North Cheyenne Creek multiple times, meandering by and over tumbling creek waterfalls. The route described below launches from the Seven Bridges trail out onto a loop around Kineo Mountain, reaching a connection point with the Mt. Buckhorn hike. These two loops, along with the Section 16 ...
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Seven Falls Hike in Colorado Springs

The hike to Seven Falls in Colorado Springs follows a paved canyon trail 0.8 mile to this famous tiered 181-foot waterfall. After severe damage by the floods in 2013, the Broadmoor Resort purchased the property and has made significant improvements, including trail and site repairs, as well as creating an on-site restaurant. As in the past, there is an access ...
Shelf Creek Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

Shelf Creek Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

Shelf Creek Falls is a waterfall hidden within the races of Shelf Creek in Rocky Mountain National Park. This waterfall is not marked on maps, but can be found along the hike up to Shelf Lake, a demanding hike on an unmaintained trail in Glacier Gorge. Because this hike is off-the-beaten-path, it is recommended only for those who have a ...
Shelf Lake Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

Shelf Lake Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

You won't find the cascades of Shelf Lake Falls on the map. This tiered, shelf waterfall is hidden away in the high country above Glacier Gorge in Rocky Mountain National Park. Shelf Lake Falls flows out of Solitude Lake then into a creek that spills over the rock shelves of the falls, cutting strange formations out of the snow and ...
Silver Falls Near Pagosa Springs Colorado

Silver Falls Near Pagosa Springs Colorado

Silver Falls near Pagosa Springs Colorado is an easy hike of less than a quarter mile to a spectacular waterfall. The distance of the drive from Denver requires more than the hike! Explore the full Silver Falls hike profile for driving directions and all the details you need to enjoy this Colorado waterfall trail. Trail Snapshot: Silver Falls Near Pagosa ...
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Soldier Canyon Falls Hike in Lory State Park

Soldier Canyon Falls in Lory State Park is a seasonal waterfall located just a few minutes from the trailhead. Just 25 minutes from Fort Collins, this makes for a pleasant afternoon hike and because Lory State Park has over 20 miles of hiking trails, hikers can easily add additional hikes to their day trip. Explore the full Soldier Canyon Falls ...
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Tarryall Falls Near Jefferson, Colorado

The Tarryall Falls Trail is a short, 1/4 -mile hike across a small canyon to a waterfall that pours into Tarryall Creek. The slopes of snow-capped peaks along Boreas pass make for a majestic backdrop against the contrasting sage grasslands of surrounding South Park.Tarryall Falls draws its waters from the Tarryall Reservoir, a popular camping and fishing destination here in ...
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Timberline Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

Timberline Falls is a demanding 8-mile round-trip waterfall hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail takes you past Alberta Falls up into beautiful Loch Vale. Beyond Timberline Falls hikers will find Lake of Glass, additional falls, and breathtaking Sky Pond. Glacier Gorge is the home to some of the best hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, and this waterfall ...
Treasure Falls Near Pagosa Springs Colorado

Treasure Falls Near Pagosa Springs Colorado

Treasure Falls is a 105 foot, plunge waterfall just 15 miles outside of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. It's just a 1/2 mile hike in to the falls where you can get close enough to feel the spray and mist from the falling water. It's a sight that kids and adults alike will remember. Explore the full Treasure Falls hike profile below ...
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Trio Falls Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

Trio Falls is among the most stunning waterfalls that you will encounter in Rocky Mountain National Park, or in Colorado. But it comes at a price: A 15-mile round-trip, demanding hike. Because of this, the hike up to Trio Falls may best be part of an overnight camping trip in the park. Explore the full Trio Falls hike profile below ...
Waterfall Hike in Castlewood Canyon State Park, Colorado

Waterfall Hike at Castlewood Canyon

This may be the most accessible waterfall near Denver. If you hit the right parking lot, it's a 10 minute hike.So, grab a park brochure and find the Northernmost trailhead for the Creek Bottom Trail (Homestead Trailhead). This will add close to 1 mile to your hike. Then you can loop back via the Cherry Creek Trail for a total ...
Whitmore Falls Near Lake City Colorado

Whitmore Falls Near Lake City Colorado

Whitmore Falls is a lesser-known waterfall deep in the mountains of Colorado. But, it is just a 1/10th of a mile hike from the pull-off along Engineer Pass Road. It's a great destination hike for those vacationing in the Lake City area and are looking to combine a scenic drive with a short waterfall hike. Explore the full Whitmore Falls ...
Windy Gulch Cascades in Rocky Mountain National Park

Windy Gulch Cascades in Rocky Mountain National Park

The Windy Gulch Cascades is a hidden cascade waterfall less than half a mile into Fern Lake Trail system in Rocky Mountain National Park. Though a short hike, the final 1/10th of a mile segment is off the main trail and in steep terrain. For that reason, we've noted this as a moderate difficulty hike. Explore the full Windy Gulch ...
Ypsilon Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park Ypsilon Hike

Ypsilon Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

Ypsilon Falls is a tiered waterfall hidden along the northern shore of Ypsilon Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The 4.5 mile hike to this secluded waterfall follows the Ypsilon Lake trail, a demanding trek through the thick woods of the Mummy Range. Explore the full Ypsilon Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more tips and ...
alpine lake with mount ypsilon in background with blue skies and clouds in rocky mountain national park hike

Ypsilon Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

The hike to Ypsilon Lake is a 9-mile round-trip journey along a heavily forested trail in the Mummy Range of Rocky Mountain National Park. Ypsilon Lake sits in a wooded basin along the eastern slopes of Ypsilon Mountain and Mount Chiquita. On this hike, you'll enjoy views of rugged mountains and Roaring River, a waterfall, and the two lakes found ...
Zapata Falls Hike Colorado

Zapata Falls Hike Colorado

The hike to Zapata Falls is a perfect family adventure. The 30 foot waterfall is back an easy .4 mile trail, and requires wading through Zapata creek to gain the best views under the shower of the falls. Because it's quite a drive from Denver, we recommend camping at the nearby campground and adding a visit to the Great Sand ...
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