The Ultimate Colorado Waterfalls Road Trip Is Right Here – And You’ll Want To Do It

What are the best waterfall hikes in Colorado?

With 81 officially named and countless unnamed waterfalls located between the state's borders, trails with waterfalls in Colorado seem to be around every corner. Here are a few of the best waterfall hikes in Colorado:

• Hikers hitting the trails from the South Mineral Creek Falls Campground in the San Juan National Forest are in for an unforgettable waterfall adventure. This hidden gem path meanders through rugged peaks of vibrant red rocks leading to a waterfall and a breathtaking turquoise pool.
• Outside of Steamboat Springs, the falls at Fish Creek come alive in the springtime when the snowmelt rushes downhill and crashes majestically over the creek’s cliffs.
• Nestled in Ouray Box Canyon, the 280-foot drop of Box Canyon Falls isn’t the park’s only spectacular attraction. Here, wildlife lovers will be immersed in some of the region's best bird watching which has been named as an important birding site by the National Audubon Society.

Download a few maps from AllTrails+ before you start your waterfall-chasing hikes.

What are the best road trips through Colorado?

With some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, there is no shortage of incredible road trips for sightseeing adventurers to take across Colorado. Here are two of the best road trips through Colorado:

• Traverse the high peaks of the Front Range along the 44 miles of the Independence Pass and witness Colorado in its full splendor. At 12,000 feet above sea level, this route is the highest paved pass in North America and affords some of the most majestic views our state has to offer.
• Trek the Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway and explore the surrounding landscapes rich in dinosaur fossils and otherworldly natural rock formations. At the end of the Dinosaur Diamond loop, check out the Dinosaur National Monument and tour the fascinating paleontology exhibits available at the Quarry Exhibit Hall.

Which hidden gems in Colorado should I visit?

Our state’s expansive terrain and range of cultural landscapes afford Coloradans innumerable hidden gem destinations to discover. A hidden gem you may not have considered is Colorado's connections to extraterrestrial sightings.

• The Southwest’s captivating history of extraterrestrial sightings offers UFO enthusiasts a wealth of exciting regions to explore.
• You don’t have to be a UFOlogist to enjoy a trip to Crestone in the northern part of the San Luis Valley.
• The small village of Crestone is a hotbed of extraterrestrial activity and boasts an exciting range of entertainment options.
• Spend the night at Crestone’s UFO-themed campground where you can keep an eye on the night skies from their designated UFO watchtower.