When hiking in the mountains, the only thing better than the views and solitude might be the refreshing sights and sounds of a waterfall. Here are a handful of waterfall hikes near Denver you are sure to enjoy.
Alberta Falls, Rocky Mountain National Park
Alberta Falls is one of the most impressive falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Beginning at Glacier Gorge Trailhead the hike is 1.2 miles round trip. The trail winds through aspen forest and there are many sunny outlooks and vantage points of the gorge. Since it is an easier and shorter trail, this is a great hike to take with out of town family and friends. Plan your hike to this beautiful waterfall at rockymountainnationalpark.com.
Elk Falls, Staunton State Park
Elk Falls opened to the public on May 18th 2013 and is in Colorado’s new Staunton State Park. The park is located about 40 miles southwest of downtown Denver. From the Elk Falls Overlook you will have a stunning view of the Elk Falls. The shortest route is a 10.8 miles round-trip. Check out the trail map at http://cpw.state.co.us.
Maxwell Falls, Arapaho National Forests
Maxwell Falls are more of a series cascades, but are worth the hike. As you would guess, the waterfall is best in the spring when the snow runoff is plentiful. The trailhead to the falls is 4.5 miles from downtown Evergreen. The hike is 4 miles round trip and you can expect about 1,000 feet in elevation on the trail out and back. This trailhead offers a welcome relief from the 90-degree temperatures in Denver. For more information about this hike and others in Arapaho National Park.
Forsythe Canyon Trailhead
This trailhead is a great escape from a hot Colorado day with the shaded canyon combined with the waterfall and ending with a lake. It is an hour and 15 minutes from Denver in Forsythe Canyon. It is a moderate hike of 2.8-mile round trip out-and-back. After your hike, treat yourselves to an ice cream cone or cold drink in nearby Nederland. For directions to the trailhead https://www.fs.fed.us.
Ouzel Falls, Rocky Mountain National Park
Ouzel Falls is a pretty impressive waterfall. Your hike begins from Wild Basin Trailhead in the southeastern corner of Rocky Mountain National Park. It is an easy 2.7-mile hike one way, with an elevation of 9370 feet. This hike has a big pay off with several attractions along the way, including lower Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades. Ouzel Falls is spectacular with a drop of more than 40 feet. As you take a break, you may see someone on the top of the falls. Yes, you can hike up there. For this hike and more hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, visit www.nps.gov.
