10 Waterfalls to Visit in Colorado

Colorado is known as “The Centennial State.” Its colossal mountains and lush fir trees that stand alongside rolling rivers and brooks captivate the vacation-minded as well as those wanting to take in a piece of nature at its best.

The history of Colorado is an interesting one. The Native Americans first inhabited it, dating back to 13,000 years ago.

In the early days of the Colorado gold rush, Colorado was a territory of Kansas and Jefferson. Then on August 1, 1876, Colorado was admitted as a state.

If you’re looking to visit this state in all its natural beauty, enter your ZIP code above first and compare at least three to four policies before hitting the road!

What is Colorado like?

Colorado’s climate is cool most of the year, due to the Rocky Mountains that are cooled by the Canadian Rockies north of them. But there are warm periods during the spring and summer that often bring thunderstorms and other weather events to the state.

Colorado has lots of appeal to travelers due to the majestic peaks and mountains that reach the heights of 14,000 feet or more in some places.

Mount Elbert stands as the tallest mountain in the state, reaching 14,440 feet in height. But many other mountains are almost as high. People come to see these lofty peaks, travel through Independence Pass, and see the unique landscape of Colorado each year.

In addition to the beautiful scenery and gorgeous birds-eye views, you can also find plenty of places to dine, stay, and visit.

Some of the most popular attractions include Estes Park and Pagosa Springs where you’ll find plenty of water and river activities to enjoy.

Another major attraction is Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs. The lake features a tall waterfall that flows into the lake below, creating a pristine view.

Garden of the Gods is another famous attraction in Colorado that brings tourists around by the thousands each year. It features some unique rock formations that form picturesque views of the landscape.

But one other aspect of Colorado that seems to bring visitors around each year is the collection of beautiful waterfalls in Colorado.

10 Waterfalls to Visit in Colorado

Below are 10 of Colorado’s most beautiful and popular waterfalls that you can visit when in the Centennial State. They are all worthy of the trip so plan to visit Colorado soon to see these attractions.

#1 – Bridal Veil Falls

Location: Telluride, Colorado
Terrain: Varied

The Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride is 365 feet in length, and they are the tallest free-falling falls in the state. They are located around an active biking and hiking trail that brings many people to enjoy the view.

It is located 1.8 miles from Pandora Mill on County Road. Once you get to the entrance, you will have to bike or hike to the Falls. Be on the lookout for other hikers, bikers, and animals.

#2 – Hanging Lake

Location: Glenwood Canyon, Colorado
Terrain: Rugged

Hanging Lake is located in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado, and it sees thousands of visitors per year due to its unique location and characteristics.

It features a waterfall that cascades over the suspended edge of Glenwood Canyon. It is protected as a natural resource, and no swimming or pets are allowed.

#3 – Ouzel Falls

Location: Allenspark, Colorado
Terrain: Rugged

Ouzel Falls is located near Allenspark, Colorado and features a 5.2-mile walking trail to get to the waterfall. It requires you to walk an elevation of 1,023 feet upwards, and you also have access to horses as a means to get there.

The Ouzel Falls waterfall is well worth the moderate hike of 5.2 miles as the reward is a gorgeous 40-foot cascade preceded by several smaller falls along the way.

#4 — Zapata Falls

Location: Mosca, Colorado
Terrain: Varied

Zapata Falls features four miles of hiking and biking trails that are well-marked and accessible. You can join the hiking path via Forest Service Trail #852 in the parking area and hike to the waterfall.

Zapata Falls is especially beautiful during the winter months, because the waterfall freezes into an “ice sculpture” that fits the beauty of the season. The rocks are slippery most of the time, so you should use caution when you are visiting this Fall on foot.

#5 — Helen Hunt Falls

Location: Near Colorado Springs, Colorado
Terrain: Varied

Helen Hunt Falls, named after the famous poet by the same name, is located near Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is a .1 mile back trail that features a waterfall and is suitable for all skill levels.

You can hike, walk, go bird-watching, and take a nature trip through this beautiful area that ends with a look at the famous Helen Hunt waterfall, which cascades 36 feet below.

#6 — Fish Creek Falls

Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Terrain: Rugged and varied during winter

Fish Creek Falls is located in a remote Colorado town called Steamboat Springs. It is open year round and offers an opportunity to hike and enjoy the beauty of nature, as well as the 280-ft. waterfall.

During the winter months, you can even go snowshoeing and ice climbing; just make sure and bring plenty of gear for the season.

It is located just minutes from downtown Steamboat Springs, and the waterfall is at its peak during the spring season during the annual snowmelt.

#7 — Seven Falls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pa_eYP2jw4

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Terrain: Rough

Seven Falls is a beautiful, long waterfall located near Colorado Springs. You can access it from Lake Street in Colorado Springs.

This trail is created for walkers, so you won’t be able to access it from the car. You will be required to walk up 224 stairs to access the top view or take one of the alternate routes to the base of the Falls.

You should be in moderately good shape before taking this route as it does tire out even younger people if done too quickly. If you can make the trip up the big staircase, the view from the top will be worth it!

#8 — Rifle Falls State Park

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Terrain: Moderate

Rifle Falls State Park is a beautiful, bright waterfall that is located in the midst of a lush congregation of vegetation and beauty. The area has attracted photographers and video crews from around the U.S. to capture the scenery.

Activities that you can enjoy while in this area include picnicking, hiking, and cave exploration, to name a few. There have been many special events held there such as weddings and reunions, due to the unique view available at the site.

Rifle Falls State Park is accessible through 13 different drive-in and seven walk-in campsites located along East Rifle Creek. Park officials cleaned up the park and gave it a complete “facelift” in 1998 that allowed it to have new pavement, picnic tables, and handicapped access.

#9 — North Clear Creek Falls

Location: Rio Grande National Forest Park
Terrain: Rough

North Clear Creek Falls is located near the Silverthread Scene Byway off of Highway 149. North Clear Creek Falls is open year-round and offers an excellent opportunity to view a beautiful waterfall while picnicking and enjoying the scenery.

It provides a great photography opportunity for photographers and tourists, and there is a handicap access as well.

North Clear Creek Falls is located in the middle of the Rio Grande National Forest. Enjoy a beautiful scenic drive around the circumference of the area while enjoying the waterfall.

#10 — Boulder Falls

Location: Boulder, Colorado
Terrain: Easy

Boulder Falls is located in Boulder, Colorado and involves a slightly challenging but quick hike with a big reward.

As is typical of many areas of Boulder, you’ll find Boulder Falls surrounded by colossal boulders and Ponderosa Pines that add to the scenic view.

The hike takes only about 10 minutes to the 70-foot Falls that empties into a large basin. The Boulder Falls area closes once in awhile for rock scaling. You can find out which areas are closed and when they will reopen here.

Driving in Colorado

When driving in Colorado, you should be aware of the Colorado insurance laws if you are involved in an accident and make sure to check your insurance coverage before you go to Colorado.

Colorado’s insurance laws changed from a “no-fault” state to a “fault” state in the year 2003, which means that the driver who is ruled at fault will pay for the damages.

The minimal liabilities in Colorado are now: $25,000/$50,000/$15,000.

Drivers are required to show “proof of insurance” with minimal liabilities if stopped by a police officer. Colorado does not require drivers to carry either uninsured or underinsured insurance, but you may be necessary to carry medical coverage.

Additionally, you should be aware of the various environmental factors such as hikers, bikers, children, pets, and unique landscape that you may encounter while there.

Deciding on the right coverage amounts should be based on Colorado’s auto insurance regulations and the amount of coverage that you think you may need.

You may want to consider adding comprehensive coverage, so you will be covered in the event of theft or natural disaster.

Decide on the coverage amounts that you need by comparing various policies to determine which one best fits your needs. Remember that insurance laws vary by state and Colorado is no exception.

You should comparison shop online to find the best deals and get familiar with the insurance policies for Colorado drivers

Safe Driving in Colorado

When driving in Colorado, you should follow some safe driving tips to stay safe. Some of the best ones are listed below:

• Find out the forecast ahead of time
• Have your car road ready for any unexpected weather event
• Take lots of extra clothing, water, and other necessities
• Be alert to falling ice, rocks, or animals crossing the street

Colorado is a unique area. Its beauty is unsurpassed by anywhere else in the world. That’s why people flock by the millions to the state each year to get views of some of the most beautiful scenery in North America.

It’s a good idea to plan and make your accommodations and arrangements far in advance so that you will have the best experience once you get there.

Additionally, you should do your homework regarding your auto insurance and make sure you have adequate coverage that will meet the needs of your family while traveling in Colorado.

The best way to know that you have the best coverage is to shop and compare, read the fine print, and ask questions when shopping and comparing car insurance policies. Then you’ll be ready for the road without any worries!

If you’re looking to visit Colorado soon and need adequate auto insurance, start comparison shopping today by entering your ZIP code below!