Spring is the best time to enjoy the state’s iconic waterfalls

By Jay McKinney

From the heights of Mount Elbert to the lowest elevation on the Arikaree River, water in Colorado has a long way to fall. Regardless of the size, there’s something magical about waterfalls. Whether it’s a simple stream draining into a pool six feet below, or a thunderous river crashing over a steep cliff, waterfalls have long been a destination for scenery junkies. Because of springtime runoff, Colorado has no shortage of incredible waterfalls and each one possesses a special beauty. From wilderness excursions to roadside pull-offs, here are eight waterfalls to check out, particularly in spring and early summer.

Box Cañon Falls

Click here for our 2017 list of Colorado’s top waterfalls

Located in the beautiful town of Ouray, Box Cañon Falls is one of the state’s most amazing waterfalls to visit. There are three main trails in the park, allowing spectators to view the falls from above and below as thousands of gallons per minute roar into the narrow canyon. The Falls Trail is an easy, mostly flat walk into the canyon while the High Bridge Trail is more strenuous with its half-mile loop that gains 200 feet in elevation. Those who choose the latter will be rewarded with stunning views of Ouray and the waterfall itself. The area is also declared an important bird habitat by the Audubon Society for its population of black swifts that migrate from Brazil in June and inhabit the area for the summer months.

Adrenaline Falls

Adrenaline Falls is off the beaten path, and it helps to have a guide or previous visitor to find it. The waterfall is located in the remote wilderness outside of Durango and requires a short and steep hike off of Lime Creek Road, where there are numerous other waterfalls. Once there, visitors can often enjoy the 18-foot waterfall alone. It’s also a popular destination for cliff jumping due to the steep walls on either side of the waterfall and the deep pool that lies beneath. Those who’d rather wade in can still cool off in the refreshing mountain water.

Helen Hunt Falls

A scenic and easily accessible waterfall just west of Colorado Springs in North Cheyenne Canyon Park, Helen Hunt Falls is best viewed in the spring and early summer. Unlike the nearby Seven Falls, which is the main waterfall attraction in Colorado Springs, this waterfall is free to visit. It is visible from the parking area but those interested can stroll Silver Cascade Trail that passes above the falls. After the short one-third-mile hike, there are spectacular views of the canyon and Front Range. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, a visitor center is available at the base of the falls that has exhibits, books and a gift shop.

Timberline Falls

The Timberline Falls are one of many found within Rocky Mountain National Park and should not be overlooked. To access the waterfall, visitors start at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and embark on a strenuous 8-mile hike (roundtrip). The trail passes the popular Alberta Falls and into one of the park’s most scenic regions, the Loch Vale area. Once hikers reach the 100-foot waterfall flowing into the picturesque valley in the national park, it’s a rewarding destination. However, those who are more ambitious can scramble up the technical and sometimes slick climb to the right of the waterfall using all four limbs. Above the falls there are two alpine lakes: Lake of Glass and Sky Pond.

Booth Creek Falls

Outside of Vail in the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness is the 60-foot Booth Creek Falls. To reach the waterfall involves a difficult 4-mile (roundtrip) hike along Booth Creek. The thunderous fall is a climactic resting point after the steep climb through groves of aspens. Because of its beauty, it is one of the most hiked destinations in the Vail Valley and the trail to the falls often gets crowded. Those seeking to escape the crowd can continue 2.5 miles onward to Booth Lake where the mountain views are mesmerizing.

Continental Falls

A moderate 5-mile hike (roundtrip) on the eastern slope of the Mosquito Mountain Range outside of Breckenridge will lead hikers to Continental Falls. The waterfall is beautiful as it flows through the jagged slabs of granite, but the hike along Spruce Creek Trail is also rewarding. Along the trail to the waterfall are spectacular views of the towering mountains, lakes and the remnants of an old mining operation. It is recommended to have the route to the falls downloaded or carefully mapped out to avoid being side-tracked on the various trail off-shoots.

South Mineral Creek Falls

This two-tiered falls on the south fork of Mineral Creek in the San Juan Mountains is a photographer’s dream. Located near Silverton, the waterfall is nestled among colorful steep cliffs in a lush forest and looks like it should be a scene out of The Hobbit. Both tiers of the waterfall are roughly 40-50 feet and there are vibrant blue plunge pools at the base of each. It’s a desirable hiking destination due to its minimal crowds and gorgeous setting. Nearby South Mineral Campground is highly regarded if you are staying the night in the area.

Hayes Creek Falls

Outside the historic town of Redstone is the easily accessible Hayes Creek Falls along the Crystal River. To visit the waterfall, simply pull off Colorado Highway 133 at the designated area and walk about 100 feet following the roar of the cascading water. During the summer months the fall is a great spectacle while touring the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway. During the winter, ice climbers are lured to the frozen flow of water conveniently located off the road. Grab lunch in the quaint town of Redstone afterward and get a fascinating glimpse of history by visiting the historic coke ovens that line the road just outside of town.

Jay McKinney grew up in Sedalia and graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.

This article is in the May-June issue of our print magazine. Click here to read the full magazine online.