About Fan Falls
Fan Falls is a named waterfall in Boulder County, Colorado, located about 12 miles southwest of Estes Park. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Isolation Peak 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 40°13′46″ N, 105°39′03″ W (40.22943, -105.65084). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Falcon Lake (lake, 0.4 mi), Pilot Mountain (summit, 0.5 mi), and Thunder Lake (lake, 0.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Thunder Falls, 0.6 miles to the east.
Weather at Fan Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Fan Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Fan Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Fan Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Falcon Lake — lake, 0.4 mi
- Pilot Mountain — summit, 0.5 mi
- Thunder Lake — lake, 0.5 mi
- Lion Lake Number 1 — lake, 0.7 mi
- Lion Lake Number 2 — lake, 0.8 mi
- Snowbank Lake — lake, 0.8 mi
- Lake of Many Winds — lake, 0.9 mi
- Castle Lake — lake, 0.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 40.22943, -105.65084. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Fan Falls
- Columbine Falls, CO3.5 mi northeast
- Timberline Falls, CO3.9 mi north
- Calypso Cascades, CO4.0 mi southeast
- Glacier Falls, CO4.5 mi north
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fan Falls located?
Fan Falls is in Boulder County, Colorado, about 12 miles southwest of Estes Park. Its coordinates are 40.22943, -105.65084 (40°13′46″ N, 105°39′03″ W).
What town is closest to Fan Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Estes Park, CO, about 12 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Fan Falls?
The closest is Thunder Falls (0.6 mi east). Others within reach include Trio Falls (0.7 mi), Mertensia Falls (1.3 mi), and Ribbon Falls (2.7 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Fan Falls?
Fan Falls appears on the USGS Isolation Peak 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.