The secret’s out! There are some surprisingly spectacular waterfalls hidden in the nooks and crannies of Colorado’s state and national parks, just outside our Mile High City. Most require a little extra effort and curiosity to reach, but it is well worth the final reward. Many of the best hikes in Colorado also afford the opportunity to explore beyond the falls to pristine lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, creeks and cascades, alpine forests, and surrounding mountain peaks. If you are looking for some amazing Denver waterfalls these 9 hidden waterfalls near Denver will take your breath away!

1. Ouzel Falls
Ouzel Falls, Colorado 80510, USA
Ianqui Doodle/Flickr
Ouzel Falls, which drops 40 feet down a narrow chute into Ouzel Creek, can be reached by a fairly easy yet stunning trail, which showcases the rugged beauty of the remote Wild Basin Area of Rocky Mountain National Park. This 2.7-mile trek (out and back) is really a 3-in-1 waterfall hike with access to Upper and Lower Copeland Falls and Calypso Falls along the way. If you're feeling ambitious (and you got an early start), continue on past the falls to Ouzel Lake and Bluebird Lake for a little solitude, serenity, and perhaps a picnic at almost 11,000'.

Let's take a hike to Ouzel Falls in this video so you can see this incredibly cool trail in Colorado:
2. Alberta Falls
Alberta Falls, Colorado 80517, USA
Flickr/Gary Craig
The short 2.5-mile hike to Alberta Falls in Colorado, tucked away in the Glacier Gorge Area of Rocky Mountain National Park, makes for the perfect family outing. But why stop there? If you continue on Glacier Gorge Trail to the Loch Vail Trail, you can experience much, much more, including The Loch, Timberline Falls, Lake of Glass, and the lesser known Lake of Glass Falls, and finally Sky Pond. This difficult 8.4-mile journey is worth the effort but stick to the shorter option if you're just looking for a brief day hike.
3. Continental Falls
Continental Falls, Breckenridge, CO 80424, USA
Light Rain Productions
The White River National Forest near Breckenridge is home to numerous mind-blowing hikes, including this one to Cascade Falls and Mohawk Lakes. The trail winds through forests and meadows before ascending along Continental Falls, which drops over 500 feet in a series of powerful cascades. These falls are one of the best kept secrets in the state. Continue on to Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes, which rest in the rocky tundra at over 12,000' and are surrounded by awe-inspiring views and mountain peaks. (And I'll let you in on a little secret...if you push onward past Upper Mohawk Lake, there are three more unnamed alpine lakes nestled between Pacific and Crystal Peaks). Now that's hidden!

Check out the amazing hike to Continental Falls in this video, and then let us know if you agree this is one of the best waterfall hikes near Denver:
4. Elk Falls
Elk Falls, Colorado 80470, USA
Photo by Avery Stonich
Elk Falls in Colorado resides in Staunton State Park, near Pine and Conifer about an hour from Denver, and is The Centennial State's newest addition to its phenomenal state park system. On the trail to the falls, enjoy rolling meadows, wildlife, alpine forests, and granite cliffs. Once you reach your destination, be sure to check out Elk Falls Overlook and Staunton Rocks for incredible vistas! (This almost 4,000-acre park is also a haven for climbers, so don't forget your shoes and harness).

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5. Cascade Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park
Cascade Falls, Colorado 80510, USA
Adam Baker/Flickr
Cascade Falls, a multi-tiered cascade near Grand Lake drops about 50 feet through a narrow granite shoot into North Inlet Creek in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's a 6.8 mile roundtrip hike that allows for plenty of exploration around the falls and beyond, with the opportunity to continue on to The Big Pool, Ptarmigan Creek, Wardance Falls, and Bench Lake. One of the best waterfall hikes in Colorado, it offers an ideal setting for some much needed adventure and alone time.
6. Booth Falls
Booth Falls Road, Booth Falls Rd, Vail, CO 81657, USA
Kirbyfest/Flickr
The Booth Lake trailhead is a bit deceiving, as it starts right off I-70 near Vail, Colorado, with cars whizzing along the interstate behind you. But as you enter the edge of the Eagle Nest Wilderness, you'll find gorgeous vistas and valley views, expansive aspen meadows, and the magnificent 60-foot Booth Falls. Take it all in, then continue on the trail to Booth Lake, which fills the basin of a steep-walled valley at 11,434'. (Note: The hike to the falls is about 4 miles round-trip, with 1,200 feet of elevation gain, while the lake is a total of 9 miles round-trip, with 3,200 feet of elevation gain.) That's about 20,000 steps!
7. Bridal Veil Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park
Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado 81426, USA
Shawn Stilwell/Flickr
Rise early in the morning on a brisk autumn day and hit the trail to Bridal Veil Falls, and you just may share the forests and meadows with elk, deer, turkeys, foxes, and coyotes. This is a perfectly leisurely 6 mile destination hike that ends at a lovely 20 foot cascading waterfall. An ideal day hike from Denver, it is one of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in Colorado.

Take a look at this amazingly fun trail, a little rough going, but amazing none-the-less. It might be one of our favorite waterfall hikes near Denver:
8. South Cascade Falls in Indian Peaks Wilderness
Indian Peaks Wilderness, Ward, CO 80481, USA
Patrick McKay/Flickr
The 9.2-mile trail to (South) Cascade Falls begins at Monarch Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness near Granby, Colorado. Experience three waterfalls in one, with each being higher and farther than the first. Take a picnic and spread a blanket by the glacier lilies that emerge during the spring...and always keep an eye out for moose!
9. Hanging Lake and Spouting Rock Falls
Hanging Lake, Colorado 81601, USA
Max and Dee Bernt/Flickr
The FernGully feel of this hike makes it well worth the nearly three hour drive from Denver to Glenwood Canyon. Spouting Rock Falls and Hanging Lake is one of Colorado's most breathtaking waterfall/lake combinations and is not to be missed! The trailhead begins along the Colorado River and winds through Dead Horse Creek Canyon before ending at what looks like a tropical rainforest. (But without the humidity)! You can freely explore behind and around the lake and falls but please be aware that this is a highly trafficked area, and the ecosystem is quite fragile. Stay out of the water and leave no trace!

There are tons of waterfalls hiding in the mountains and valleys just outside of Denver! Share some of your favorite hidden waterfalls near Denver in the comments.

Day Hikes Near Dever provided information referenced in this post. Check out their website here!

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Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 03, 2022

Where can I find places to camp in the Denver area?
There are numerous places to camp near Denver, Colorado. With so many wonderful state parks, forests, and natural areas, Colorado is a camper's paradise. Here are a few of the best places to camp near Denver:

 

Camping is one of the most popular activities in Colorado. And given all the natural beauty found all over the state, it’s not hard to understand why. In the Denver area, you can find a wealth of amazing and unique campgrounds to suit your particular camping style and needs. The Deer Creek Campground and Flat Rocks Campground are two of the most popular.

What can you do at Barr Lake State Park?

Barr Lake State Park is stunning, a true hidden gem, and one of Denver’s best-kept secrets. Located in Brighton, about a 30-minute drive north of the city, it is massive, encompassing an estimated 2,715 acres. As you might expect, camping, fishing, birding, wildlife sightings, swimming, hiking, and more are among the wonderful al fresco activities you can enjoy here.

What are the best waterfall hikes in Colorado for families?
The best waterfall hikes in Colorado for families are ones where the terrain isn't too dangerous. There is nothing more nerve-wracking than a family hike when the little ones get too close to the edge. Here are a few of the best waterfall hikes in Colorado for families:

 

You’ll find lots of beautiful and awe-inspiring waterfall hikes dotted around Centennial State that are definitely kid-friendly hikes. You might start with the Calhan Paint Mines Archeological District which offers some of the most picturesque sweeping views you can imagine. The Helen Hunt Falls Trail at North Cheyenne Canyon Area is another popular one with families. The good thing is, both of these trails are less than a mile in length so you don’t have to worry about those little legs getting too tuckered out too soon!

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