Hiking the hidden gems of Colorado. Five of Colorado’s best waterfall hikes.

1. Paradise Cove

Guffey Falls, best known as Paradise Cove, is must-see location. The falls is located in Guffey, Colorado just west of Cripple Creek. It is easily accessible to the public, with a short hike of 0.8-mile round-trip.

Fed by West Fourmile Creek, the two-tiered waterfall spills into an icy cold water punch bowl that varies in depth. Paradise Cove is a temptation for cliff divers as it offers a variety of steep granite cliffs, ranging from heights of 10 feet to a thrilling 90 feet. If cliff jumping is not your forte, the jade colored scenic swimming hole is perfect for cooling off on hot summer days and enjoying the view. Also know that increased publicity and popularity of this spot are continuing to attract large crowds. If you are hoping to beat the crowd, arriving early on weekdays is your best bet. Starting May 15, 2017 this hidden gem will potentially come with a cost. According to the Front Range Resource Advisory Council, a newly acquired business plan, if approved, will ensure the addition of permanent bathrooms, picnic tables, bear-proof trash cans and require visitors to pay a fee of $6 for parking.

2. 

   Fourmile Trail Waterfall

Falls Creek Falls and Fourmile Creek Falls are two waterfalls north of Pagosa Springs. A scenic 6.2-mile round-trip hike with a difficulty level of moderate leads you to two breathtaking waterfalls. The trail meanders in an out of trees, through meadows of wildflowers, and across several streams. Once arriving at the waterfall, steep trails allow hikers to climb to the top of the cascading falls. The four-hour hike is filled with captivating views of Eagle Mountain, 12,007-feet and Eagle Peak, 12,137-feet.

3. Seven Falls

Seven Falls is known as “The Greatest Mile of Scenery in Colorado.” This local Colorado Springs waterfall is accessible to vehicles by the South Cheyenne Canyon Road. The seven-tiered waterfall is located on private property so a fee is required to enter. Starting at the base, 224 steps lead you up 181 feet to the top of the falls. Seven Falls is spectacular at night, due to colorful lights cast upon it.

4. Bear Creek Falls

Bear Creek falls, located in Telluride, Colorado, provides hikers with views of the rugged Bear Creek Canyon. The falls splash over red-brown rock, forming a misty sheet. The hike is 4.6 miles round-trip, moderately difficult, and lasts approximately three hours. The trailhead starts in the town of Telluride and climbs up an aspen lined road. This is a popular hiking trail shared among bikers, horseback riders, and trail runners.

5. Bridal Veil Falls at Hanging Lake

Bridal Veil Falls spills into a beautiful emerald pool known as Hanging Lake. To get to the falls, hikers must hike 3.6 miles on moderate terrain. The hike begins on a paved walkway along the Colorado River, then leads up a winding trail through the canyon. With an elevation gain of 1,400 feet, hanging lake is located outside Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It is short and steep hike with astonishing views. Dogs and bicycles are restricted on the Hanging Lake Trail. This is a highly recommended hike that provides a beautiful waterfall year-round.

For more information refer to Hiking Waterfalls in Colorado by Susan Joy Paul.