The ’90s song “Waterfalls” warns us not to chase waterfalls in Colorado (or anywhere else, for that matter), but instead to stick to the rivers and lakes that we are used to, and we couldn’t agree more. If you, too, prefer the reward without all of the challenging work, we recommend visiting all 12 of the following accessible Colorado waterfalls. Some are even waterfalls in Colorado you can drive to! So, the next time you’re researching “waterfalls near me,” we hope this list of easy-access waterfalls inspires your next great Colorado summer adventure. Each one of them is certainly worth checking out!

1. Bridal Veil Falls - Idaho Springs

Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado 81426, USA
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
Whether you stop in Idaho Springs for lunch (Beau Jo's Pizza, anyone?) or simply drive past via I-70, you will be treated to the beautiful and surprising Bridal Veil Falls. To find Bridal Veil Falls, look to the south of I-70, where you will find this stunning sight. If you're looking up "waterfalls near me," Bridal Veil Falls is definitely worth the drive.

2. Treasure Falls - Pagosa Springs

Treasure Falls, Valhalla Pl, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, USA
Ahodges7/Wikimedia Commons
"Treasure, that is what you are; Honey, you're my golden star!" Agree? If not, you have never visited Pagosa Springs' aptly named Treasure Falls, which are located a mere 15 miles east of town along Highway 160. In fact, you can practically drive up to Treasure Falls in Colorado. Who wouldn't much rather drive to waterfalls instead of hiking to them?

3. Helen Hunt Falls - Colorado Springs

Helen Hunt Falls, Colorado 80906, USA
TripAdvisor/Lisa J
As if you didn't love Colorado Springs enough already, Colorado's second-largest city is also home to Helen Hunt Falls, which can be enjoyed from the base of the falls or via a short and sweet walk to the top. Many hikers would agree that Helen Hunt Falls is one of the most underrated waterfalls in Colorado.

4. Rifle Falls - Rifle

Rifle Falls State Park, 5775 Highway 325, 10379 CO-325, Rifle, CO 81650, USA
Flickr/jimmy thomas
Home to three side-by-side, 80-foot-tall waterfalls, Rifle Falls is arguably the most unique waterfall in the Centennial State. You can enjoy the Falls via a smooth, handicap-accessible, 0.1-mile hike. Without a doubt, Rifle Falls State Park is one of the best places to hike in Colorado.

5. Cornet Creek Falls - Telluride

Cornet Creek, Colorado 81435, USA
AllTrails/Carrie Podi
Access to Cornet Creek Falls takes some work. However, the good news is that the work comes in the form of a brisk 0.25-mile hike. The end result is totally worth the effort. Learn more about accessing Cornet Creek Falls in Telluride.

Note: Trail to Cornet Creek Falls is currently closed.

6. Rainbow Falls - Manitou Springs

Rainbow Falls, US-24, Cascade, CO 80809, USA
AllTrails/Cassie Krenzke
Rainbow Falls is a hidden and oh-so-colorful waterfall that is tucked away inside a rocky canyon. Those who make the effort to experience this waterfall will agree that it's one of the most stunning natural attractions in Colorado.

Note: Rainbow Falls is open seasonally. Visit the El Paso County website for updates and information.

Related Stories

Don't Let These Stunning Views Fool You, Sprague Lake Trail In Colorado Is Actually An Easy Hike

Don't Let These Stunning Views Fool You, Sprague Lake Trail In Colorado Is Actually An Easy Hike

 Spend The Day Exploring Colorado's Tallest Falls On This Wonderful Waterfall Road Trip

Spend The Day Exploring Colorado's Tallest Falls On This Wonderful Waterfall Road Trip

 11 Amazing Waterfalls In Colorado That Prove Nature Is Beyond Beautiful

11 Amazing Waterfalls In Colorado That Prove Nature Is Beyond Beautiful

7. Whitmore Falls - Lake City

Lake City, CO 81235, USA
YouTube/Jeff Meek
Even though the road this waterfall sets off of may sound daunting (Engineer Pass Road), don't let it turn you away. The walk from the road to the falls is a mere 1/10 mile. Eager to learn more? Check out the website for Whitmore Falls in Lake City.

8. Zapata Falls - Alamosa

Zapata Falls, Colorado 81146, USA
TripAdvisor
Named a Colorado Hidden Gem by the Colorado Tourism Office, Zapata Falls is a must-see waterfall the next time you travel to the San Luis Valley toward the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Learn more about the hike to this gorgeous waterfall in Colorado.

9. Adams Falls - Grand Lake

Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA
Flickr/Amy the Nurse Follow
One of my favorite hikes as a child was near Adams Falls. Today, it is still one of my favorite hikes because the entire trail is less than a mile long and the falls themselves are gorgeous.

10. North Clear Creek Falls - Creede

North Clear Creek Falls Overlook, Forest Rd 510.3B, Creede, CO 81130, USA
Flickr/Scott Ingram
Yes, this incredible waterfall is located right here in Colorado and no, you don't have to hike crazy distances to reach the observation site. Isn't it great?! North Clear Creek Falls belongs on everyone's bucket list.

11. Fish Creek Falls - Steamboat Springs

Fish Creek Falls, Colorado 80487, USA
Flickr/John B. Kalla
Located just east of Steamboat Springs is that of Fish Creek Falls and its short, quarter-mile hike amidst the colorful Aspens. Fish Creek Falls in Steamboat Springs should not be missed.

12. Soldier Canyon Falls - Fort Collins

Soldier Canyon Filter Plant, 4424 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
Lory State Park- Colorado Parks & Wildlife Facebook
When NoCo wants to see a waterfall, they don't have to travel way out west. They just head to these delicate falls located in the popular Lory State Park. Soldier Canyon Falls is nothing short of stunning.

The next time you’re researching “waterfalls near me” in Colorado, we hope this list of easy-to-access waterfalls comes to mind. What are some of your favorite natural wonders in the Centennial State? Be sure to share them with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

See Whitmore Falls in action below:

To discover even more must-see waterfalls in Colorado, be sure to take a look at our Ultimate Colorado Waterfalls Road Trip. It’ll definitely be an unforgettable adventure for the entire family. And when you’re out there chasing waterfalls – or hiking or cycling – be sure to take AllTrails Plus along with you on your adventures.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Waterfalls Near Me And Related Info

Jennifer Young | January 25, 2023

What's the tallest waterfall in Colorado?

The title of the tallest waterfall in Colorado belongs to Bridal Veil Falls. This stunning cascade is a whopping 365 feet tall. Bridal Veil Falls is located at the end of a box canyon with an unforgettable view of Telluride. This waterfall is so powerful, in fact, that there's a hydroelectric power plant located at the top of it. During the winter months, the frozen waterfall becomes a destination for ice climbers from all over. It's such a stunning sight to behold!

Where are some of the best waterfall hikes in Colorado?

If you're someone who enjoys trails that lead to waterfalls, Colorado will not disappoint! There are hundreds of waterfalls in the Centennial State, and many of them are accessible via a gorgeous hiking trail. Perhaps one of the best destinations for waterfall hikes in Colorado is Rifle Falls State Park. This park is home to an epic 80-foot-tall triple waterfall. Visitors can hike around this stunning landmark, enjoying it from multiple angles. It's truly remarkable!

Related Articles

Explore Colorado