11 Colorado Waterfalls

1. South Mineral Creek Falls

Hikers will trace South Fork Mineral Creek on their approach to these falls, which run into an ethereal turquoise pool with red and gray peaks standing sentinels in the distance, which may be reached via the South Mineral Creek Campground. Durango and Silverton are two nearby towns.

2. Seven Falls

The Seven Falls, which drop 181 feet down the canyon in seven unique portions, can be reached by climbing 224 steps beside them (or taking the in-mountain lift). The natural beauty of this site is enhanced by nature paths and views of Colorado Springs and the huge Great Plains to the east. Colorado Springs is a nearby town.

3. Bridal Veil Falls

Telluride, a well-preserved Victorian-era town perched at the foot of a box canyon, is a captivating sight in and of itself. The white spray of Colorado's largest waterfall, however, plummets to the canyon's depths from 365 feet above, completing a lovely image. Nearby Town: Telluride

4. Helen Hunt Falls

These falls are located in North Cheyenne Canyon Park in Colorado Springs, and can be accessed after a steep but reasonable trek with great views. A tourist center provides information about the area and the geology of the falls. Nearby Town: Colorado Springs

5. Fish Creek Falls

These waterfalls are stunning at any time of year, but especially in the spring. Water whooshes over Fish Creek's cliff, creating a deafening sound and a soft spray that serves as a pleasant reward to those who have come in to view the water works, when temperatures climb and the snowmelt hits its peak and weaves its way downhill.

6. North Clear Creek Falls

Keep a look out for Forest Road 510 on your left, just past Spring Creek pass, for a hidden gem along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway. North Clear Creek Falls, which cascades from a willow-covered bench into a box canyon, may be seen from a short way down the road.

7. Zapata Falls

Hikers approaching the Zapata Falls on their way to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve along a winding trail at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains feel a little like they're chasing it because they can hear the roar of the 40-foot-tall gusher and feel its cooling effect long before they can see it.

8. Box Canyon Falls

The 280-foot cascade of Box Canyon Falls, nestled in a tiny Ouray box canyon, may be viewed from top to bottom via a stairway, hiking trail, and suspension bridge. Take a moment to glance aloft as thousands of gallons of water surge and roar their way down – the National Audubon Society has designated the region as an important bird site. Nearby Town: Ouray

9. Ouzel Falls

Hikers come across several lesser falls and cascades on the way to Ouzel Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park, which is one of the state's greenest and most lush areas. These smaller falls and cascades entice hikers to go on to the mother lode. Ouzel runs into a frigid pool filled with boulders and fallen trees after falling more than 40 feet through a fissure in the dark granite wall surrounding it. Columbine Falls, near Chasm Lake, is also worth seeing, with a view of Longs Peak in the background.

10. Rifle Falls State Park

The mist that drifts from Rifle Falls State Park's exciting flow of water over 70-foot-high limestone cliffs and the dark caves below them is a sublime natural air conditioner on a hot summer day. Nearby Town: Rifle

11. Horsetooth Falls

These falls can be found west of Fort Collins in the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, among the area's iconic red-rock formations, on a gentle 1.2-mile hike suitable for families and pets. There's also a pool at the base of the falls where you can cool down before the climb back to the trailhead, which is best visited in the spring when the hike is speckled with purple, pink, and yellow wildflowers.