Alberta Falls (Estes Park).
The 1.7-mile (roundtrip) Alberta Falls hike, named for Alberta Sprague,
wife of Abner Sprague who was one of the original settlers in the area,
is an easy but beautiful hike for the summer and fall. The aspen groves
on this hike make it a great one for viewing fall foliage. The
trailhead can be accessed at Glacier Gorge Trailhead off of Bear Lake
Road near Estes Park. For a longer hike, after taking in the sights of
the falls, continue on to either Mills Lake or The Loch. Both of these
lakes make for a hike over five miles roundtrip, but offer stunning
mountain lake views at the top.
Bridal Veil Falls (Telluride). At
365 feet in length, Bridal Veil Falls are the tallest free falling
falls in Colorado. To add to the scenery, the Smuggler-Union
Hydroelectric Power Plants sits on top of the falls. The power plant was
originally built in 1907 to power the Smuggler-Union Mine. To access
the hike from Telluride, head to the east side of box canyon, and park
at Valley View Area Parking. From there, the easy to moderate hike is
1.8 miles each way. Take in the stunning views next to the privately
owned power plant then, continue on to Bridal Veil Basin, see the gate
just before the power plant to find the trailhead.
Continental Falls/Mohawk Lake (Breckenridge).
Just 2.4 miles south of Breckenridge is the Spruce Creek Tail, which
leads to Upper Mohawk Lake. This 2.8-mile (roundtrip) moderate hike
passes through steep switchbacks beside Continental Falls, the largest
waterfall in the Breckenridge area, and cascades down three chasms on a
rocky face. A good place to rest is by Mayflower Lakes, which include a
set of charming old cabins and ruins from the mine that was once in the
area and a distant view of the falls.
Fish Creek Falls (Steamboat Springs).
Considered to be one of the best hikes in Steamboat Springs, Fish Creek
Falls is a great hike for any season. Open year round, this hike to the
280-foot falls offers dramatic views in the summer and great ice
climbing in the winter. The lower falls are just a fourth mile from the
trailhead, but don’t stop there as upper Fish Creek Falls and Long Lake
are still to come. Keep in mind that the hike to upper Fish Creek Falls
is a bit more strenuous, but well worth it.
Four Mile Lake Loop (Pagosa Springs).
Located in the Weminuche Wilderness, the moderate Four Mile Lake Loop
hike offers 13.2 miles (roundtrip) worth of stunning views. The hike can
be finished in one day, but is also good for a two day backpacking
trip. Wildflowers, wildlife, lakes and waterfalls will all been seen on
this hike while climbing 2,680 feet in elevation. The hike starts at
around 9,000 feet so make sure to adjust to the altitude prior to this
hike.
Hanging Lake (Glenwood Springs).
Known as one of Colorado’s most famous hikes, Hanging Lake gains its
beauty from the flourishing hanging garden plant community and crystal
clear waters. The lake can be reached in one short, steep mile. Although
the hike is steep, the view at the top will not disappoint. Located 10
miles east of Glenwood Springs, the hike includes dramatic views of
Glenwood Canyon, smaller waterfalls and lush greenery. Once to the top,
don’t forget to hike just a bit further to see Spouting Rock, a
waterfall that pours through a natural hole in the cliff.
Helen Hunt Falls (Colorado Springs).
From Colorado Springs, head to North Cheyenne CaƱon Park to the Helen
Hunt Visitor’s Center for a short walk to view Helen Hunt Falls. For
those who want to hike, start at Helen Hunt Falls and hike up a fourth
of a mile to see Silver Cascade Falls, which are best when seen during
parts of the year when water is flowing strong. For the more
adventurous, the trailhead to the 1.7-mile hike to St. Mary’s Falls is
just above Helen Hunt Falls.
Oh-Be-Joyful (Crested Butte).
Crested Butte has no shortage of beautiful waterfall hikes, and
Oh-Be-Joyful is one of the best. Only five miles north of Crested Butte,
the Oh-Be-Joyful Falls can be seen on this 5.8-mile hike along with
several other cascading waterfalls, lush greenery and an excellent
wildflower display throughout the trek. The easy to moderate trail
passes through the scenic glacial valley next to the Ruby Range. Don’t
forget to check out the small trail that veers off the main trail to the
front of the waterfall before continuing on the hike up.
Vallecito Creek Trail (Durango). From
Durango, take U.S. Highway 160 and head east for 18 miles to start the
Vallecito Creek Trail hike. Follow the Vallecito Creek up to find many
pools, which are great for fishing, and waterfalls. This hike is both a
great day hike (three miles one way) or can be turned into a four to
five-day (19.5 miles one way) backpacking trip. July and August are
great times for this hike as the wildflowers in the alpine meadow are
fully bloomed. This is also a great snowshoeing trail during the winter.
Zapata Falls (Alamosa).
Zapata Falls was formed when South Zapata Creek wore a groove into the
rugged rocks of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Today, this 30-foot
waterfall has become one of the most popular hiking spots in the San
Luis Valley. The hike begins at the Zapata Falls Campground entrance.
The campground sits at an elevation of 9,000 feet and boasts a stunning
panoramic view of the valley below. Guests can walk into the cavern to
get an up close look at the falls, but are encouraged to do so with
caution as the rocks are quite slippery. With views of the Great Sand
Dunes from the parking lot and the waterfall just a short 1.5-mile walk
up, this is a hike not to be missed.