Perhaps no water feature found in the Centennial State is more visually stunning that the waterfall, and Colorado has plenty to track down.
Here's a road trip designed to show off some of the most stunning waterfalls around western Colorado that are also known for their accessibility:
1. North Clear Creek Falls (between Lake City and Creede)
North Clear Creek Falls near Creede, Colorado. Photo Credit: Irwin Badeaux.
Perhaps one of the most picturesque waterfalls found in Colorado, North Clear Creek Falls is located between Lake City and Creede, just off of State Highway 149. It drops more than 100 feet and makes a great place for a picnic.
2. Treasure Falls (Pagosa Springs)
Treasure Falls near Pagosa Springs.
Photo Credit: Christian Murdock; The Gazette.
While this one isn't right on the road, it’s close enough to be considered very accessible. Treasure Falls is a 105-foot waterfall that’s 15 miles from Pagosa Springs. The hike to the falls is roughly .25 miles. It’s named Treasure Falls because there’s treasure said to be buried somewhere in the area in the 1700s. It hasn’t been found yet – but don't go looking for it.
3. Bridal Veil Falls (Telluride)
Go waterfall chasing in Telluride at Bridal Veil Falls. The triple set of falls boast a 365 foot drop from an elevation of over 10,200 feet. Photo Credit: SeanXu (iStock).
Located in Telluride, Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, dropping a whopping 365 feet. It’s located off of Black Bear Pass and accessible with a high clearance vehicle. It's also a great place for a walk on a pleasant day.
4. Box Cañon Falls (Ouray)
Box Canyon Falls in Ouray, Colorado.
Photo Credit: Spencer McKee.
Box Canyon Falls is an iconic destination in the mountain town of Ouray. It’s an official recreation site, which means you’ll need to park and pay a small entrance fee. After doing so, you’re able to make a short walk into the canyon to see this hidden gem.
5. Rifle Falls (Rifle)
Rifle Falls State Park in western Colorado. Photo by Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado
A trio of waterfalls that are roughly 70 feet tall, Rifle Falls in Rifle Falls State Park is one Colorado spot with a unique feel. It’s very lush here, feeling like a jungle environment at times. There are also small caves around the falls to explore. Access the falls by walking down a short paved path.
6. Hanging Lake
Photo Credit: Nicholas Klein (iStock).
While Hanging Lake does require a hike and a reservation, its access point along I-70 makes it easy to get to (note that a shuttle ride is sometimes required). The hike to and from this waterfall is about three miles round-trip on a steep trail, and don't forget to budget a little extra time to see the 'Spouting Rock' waterfall just past where Hanging Lake is found.
7. Fish Creek Falls (Steamboat Springs)
A summer view of Fish Creek Falls, including the recognizable bridge. Photo Credit: paule858 (iStock).
Technically, this isn’t a waterfall you can drive right up to. However, the walk to the lower portion of the falls is just .5 miles round trip on a gravel path from a parking area. Dropping a distance of 280 feet, Fish Creek Falls is the perfect waterfall stop during a trip to Steamboat. Note that there is an entrance fee.
This full road trip travels about 626 miles, taking roughly 12 hours. Find this road trip plotted on Google Maps here.
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