Snowy Trails and Icy Cascades: The Best Frozen Waterfall Hikes in Colorado

Outdoor activities are a staple in Colorado, and just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to stop enjoying the state's nature. Here are ten hikes that feature waterfalls that are just as beautiful frozen as they are in the summer.

1. Hanging Lake

Hanging Lake is one of Colorado's most famous natural destinations. According to the United States Forest Service, it is a steep, 1.2-mile hike up a narrow canyon, and the trail is steep, rocky, icy, snow-packed, and slippery in the winter. However, hikers will be rewarded with views of a picturesque lake and icy waterfalls.

2. Helen Hunt Falls

It's only a short hike to Helen Hunt's 35-foot waterfall that flows into the North Cheyenne Creek. You can drive only 2.5 miles up North Cheyenne Canon from the park entrance to reach the waterfall. More hikes are also accessible starting from the falls.

3. Seven Falls

Seven Falls features two opportunities to see waterfalls. There is a 0.8-mile paved trail that leads to the base of the falls, where you can climb 224 steps to view the tiered waterfall. The steps then lead to a 0.35-mile trail along Cripple Creek, which leads to the Midnight Falls. Tickets for Seven Falls can bought through the Broadmoor.

4. Horsetooth Falls

A very popular destination among college students and tourists, these waterfalls are located on an almost three-mile-long loop trail. According to All Trails, the hike is a moderately challenging one, so you'll have to break a sweat to see these waterfalls.

5. Alberta Falls

Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, this hike leads to a 30-foot waterfall that flows down a small gorge on Glacier Creek. The frozen waterfalls are only a 0.8-mile hike from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead.

6. Timberline Falls

Timberline Falls is also located in Rocky Mountain National Park, seven miles past Alberta Falls. It is a challenging, eight-mile-long hike with an elevation gain of 1,510 feet. The hike will take you past other lakes and waterfalls, but those who reach the end of this hike will be rewarded with views of the stunning Timberline Falls.

7. Rifle Falls

Rifle Falls is Colorado's only 80-foot triple waterfall. It's also a very easy hike, only a short walk on a paved path from the parking lot. The walk is about 0.2 to 1.5 miles round trip.

8. Bridal Veil Falls (Telluride)

This four-mile round-trip hike will lead you to Colorado's tallest waterfalls, falling over 360 feet. Bridal Veil Falls is a moderately difficult trail and is only a three-mile drive from Telluride.

9. Adams Falls

A round trip distance of about a mile, these falls are a short hike into the forest just outside Grand Lake. The icy falls flow into Grand Lake, eventually connecting to Lake Granby. The falls plunge down a series of steps through a narrow gorge.

10. Rainbow Falls

Located under a highway overpass in Manitou Springs, Rainbow Falls is nicknamed the "Graffiti Waterfall." The falls plunge 46 feet, and the hike to get there is 0.2 miles round trip.