About Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls is a named waterfall in Larimer County, Colorado, located about 6.4 miles northwest of Estes Park. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Trail Ridge 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 40°24′50″ N, 105°38′03″ W (40.41389, -105.63425). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Roaring River (stream, 0.3 mi), Sheep Lakes (lake, 0.9 mi), and Hazels Cone (summit, 1.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Thousand Falls, 1.6 miles to the west.
What Visitors Mention
Topics that come up most often in Google reviews of Horseshoe Falls:
scenic viewscascadehikerocks
More Photos
80 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Horseshoe Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Horseshoe Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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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 Horseshoe Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Horseshoe Falls holds a 4.8 average from 15 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Horseshoe Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Roaring River — stream, 0.3 mi
- Sheep Lakes — lake, 0.9 mi
- Hazels Cone — summit, 1.3 mi
- Bighorn Mountain — summit, 1.3 mi
- Chiquita Creek — stream, 1.4 mi
- Sundance Creek — stream, 1.4 mi
- Hidden Valley Creek — stream, 1.5 mi
- Hidden Valley — valley, 1.7 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 40.41389, -105.63425. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Horseshoe Falls
- Lost Falls, CO7.2 mi northeast
- Alberta Falls, CO7.6 mi south
- Glacier Falls, CO8.3 mi south
- Timberline Falls, CO9.1 mi south
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Horseshoe Falls located?
Horseshoe Falls is in Larimer County, Colorado, about 6.4 miles northwest of Estes Park. Its coordinates are 40.41389, -105.63425 (40°24′50″ N, 105°38′03″ W).
What town is closest to Horseshoe Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Estes Park, CO, about 6.4 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Horseshoe Falls?
The closest is Thousand Falls (1.6 mi west). Others within reach include Chasm Falls (2.0 mi), Bridal Veil Falls (4.6 mi), and Fern Falls (4.9 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Horseshoe Falls?
Horseshoe Falls appears on the USGS Trail Ridge 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.