5 Must-See Waterfalls in Colorado (2026)
If you only have time for five Colorado waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the Pikes Peak, Sangre de Cristo and Sawatch, San Juan Mountains, and Northern Front Range and Rocky Mountain National Park.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited Colorado waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Helen Hunt Falls
Manitou Springs, CO · El Paso County · Pikes Peak, Sangre de Cristo and Sawatch
Why it is a must-see
With 750 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in Colorado, and it holds 4.7 stars. In short: "Small waterfall on Cheyenne Creek, accessible from the parking lot, with a hiking trail beyond." 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Silver Cascade Falls and Seven Falls. It is one of 17 named falls in the Pikes Peak, Sangre de Cristo and Sawatch region. The nearest town is Manitou Springs, about 5.0 miles to the north.
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2. Zapata Falls
Alamosa East, CO · Alamosa County · Pikes Peak, Sangre de Cristo and Sawatch
Why it is a must-see
With 395 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in Colorado, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "30-ft. waterfall reachable by a brief crevasse hike wading through water & over slippery rocks." It is one of 17 named falls in the Pikes Peak, Sangre de Cristo and Sawatch region. The nearest town is Alamosa East, about 19 miles to the southwest.
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3. Treasure Falls
Pagosa Springs, CO · Mineral County · San Juan Mountains
Why it is a must-see
With 341 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in Colorado, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "National forest waterfall reaching 105-ft. accessed via 2 hiking trails from a parking lot." 1 more named waterfall lies within 15 miles, including Piedra Falls. It is one of 18 named falls in the San Juan Mountains region. The nearest town is Pagosa Springs, about 14 miles to the southwest.
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4. Boulder Falls
Nederland, CO · Boulder County · Northern Front Range and Rocky Mountain National Park
Why it is a must-see
With 268 Google reviews it is the 4th most visited waterfall in Colorado, and it holds 4.6 stars. 2 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Timberline Falls and Missouri Falls. It is one of 31 named falls in the Northern Front Range and Rocky Mountain National Park region. The nearest town is Nederland, about 6.4 miles to the southwest.
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5. Bridal Veil Falls
Telluride, CO · San Miguel County · San Juan Mountains
Why it is a must-see
With 203 Google reviews it is the 5th most visited waterfall in Colorado, and it holds 4.9 stars. In short: "365-ft.-high waterfall plunging over dramatic cliffs forming the head of Telluride's box canyon." Expect rocky trail, muddy trail, and black bear pass, the topics reviewers bring up most. 5 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Ingram Falls and Cornel Falls. It is one of 18 named falls in the San Juan Mountains region. The nearest town is Telluride, about 2.6 miles to the northwest.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 309 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Boulder Falls (start, near Nederland)
- Helen Hunt Falls, about 88 mi south
- Zapata Falls, about 88 mi southwest
- Treasure Falls, about 73 mi west
- Bridal Veil Falls, about 59 mi northwest
When to Visit Colorado's Waterfalls
Snowmelt sets the calendar. Lower falls along the foothills, like Helen Hunt Falls, often peak in May, while high-country falls in Rocky Mountain National Park and the San Juans usually run strongest from early June into early July, after the main melt reaches the upper basins. By late August many smaller falls thin noticeably, though larger creeks keep running. July and August also bring an afternoon monsoon pattern, with lightning on exposed ridges and brief downpours, so early starts are the norm. Late September adds golden aspens to the scenery with lower flows. In winter, several falls freeze into ice formations, and some high roads and trailheads are not plowed. Weekends in summer bring heavy crowds to the Front Range and Telluride.
Before You Go
Most Colorado falls are on federal land: Rocky Mountain National Park, plus national forests such as Arapaho-Roosevelt, Pike-San Isabel, San Juan, Rio Grande and White River. Rifle Falls is in a state park, and Helen Hunt Falls is in a city park in Colorado Springs. Rocky Mountain National Park has used timed-entry reservations in busy seasons, so check current requirements before going. Popular trailheads fill early, and some cities and parks run shuttles. Altitude is a real factor: trails often start above 8,000 feet, and visitors from low elevations tire quickly. Snowmelt creeks are icy cold and fast, and spray-coated rock near falls stays slick. Lightning is the most serious summer hazard above treeline, and some high access roads require high-clearance vehicles or open only in summer.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out.
Explore More Colorado Waterfalls
See all 82 waterfalls in the Colorado waterfall guide, or browse by town: Manitou Springs, Alamosa East, Pagosa Springs, Nederland, Telluride.
More Colorado Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in Colorado?
Helen Hunt Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.7-star rating from 750 Google reviews. It is near Manitou Springs in El Paso County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited Colorado waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 309 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
How many waterfalls are in Colorado?
Our directory lists 82 named waterfalls in Colorado. See them all, sorted by town, in the Colorado waterfall guide.
When is Bridal Veil Falls near Telluride at its best?
It usually runs strongest in late spring and early summer as San Juan snowpack melts. In winter the falls freeze, and the area is known for ice.