Whoever said waterfalls are best seen during the spring and summer obviously never visited these fantastic falls outside the Mile High City during the winter months. While many of Colorado’s most spectacular cascades are hidden in the recesses of our state and national parks, there are some wonderful frozen falls accessible just outside the metro area and even a couple that many residents drive by every day. Grab your camera and your curiosity and hunt down these ten best frozen waterfalls near Denver!
One of the best frozen waterfalls near Denver is located at Water Wheel Park. Of course you can see Bridal Veil Falls as you're zipping down I-70 past Idaho Springs, but a quick jaunt down the concrete path to Water Wheel Park gives you an unmatched view and a prime vantage point for photo ops. Learn more about Water Wheel Park on the website.
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2. Seven Falls
2850 S Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, USA
Seven Falls has been affectionately dubbed "The Grandest Mile of Scenery" in Colorado. Shaped by the Pike's Peak watershed, the pink granite Pillars of Hercules rise 900 feet above the canyon floor, and Seven Falls lies tucked away just past them. It tumbles 181 feet in seven (frozen) leaps down the granite into the box canyon, and you can get an up close and personal view of the rocks and falls by climbing the 224 steps from the base to the peak. It's one of the most enchanting winter outdoor attractions near Denver. Read our previous post to learn more about Seven Falls.
Another easily accessible frozen fall in Colorado Springs is the 35-foot Helen Hunt Falls, which plunges down Cheyenne Canyon and can be reached from the main parking lot on a mere 0.1-mile trail from or on the four-mile Columbine Trail from the base of the canyon. It's a wonderful location for some easy cold weather hiking near Denver. Read our previous coverage to learn more about Helen Hunt Falls.
Just a stone's throw from Colorado Springs is Rainbow Falls (aka Graffiti Falls), which plunges 46 feet beneath the Manitou Avenue overpass in the charming town of Manitou Springs and is worth every minute of your detour. If you're looking for things to do in winter near Denver, finding this waterfall should go to the top of your list! Read our previous post to learn more about Rainbow Falls.
5. Horsetooth Falls
Horsetooth Falls Trail, Horsetooth Fls Trl, Colorado 80526, USA
Just outside of Fort Collins, Horsetooth Falls tumbles through a narrow rock chute and remains frozen in time during many of the winter months. You can access this veritable winter wonderland using the three-mile Horsetooth Falls Loop Trail but be sure to check conditions and bring proper gear for winter hiking. You can learn more about winter hiking near Denver along this trail on AllTrails.
Another easy to reach (almost drive-by) frozen waterfall is Boulder Falls, which cascades 60 feet from a cliff face in Boulder Canyon, a quick 100-yard walk from the parking area along Boulder Canyon Drive. Visit the Boulder Colorado website for more information.
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7. Cascades At South Boulder Creek
Eldorado Canyon State Park, 9 Kneale Rd, Eldorado Springs, CO 80025, USA
Eldorado Canyon State Park is a true hidden gem tucked away in the Front Range near Denver and Boulder, boasting several trails that travel along South Boulder Creek to reveal cascading magical ice formations on a many winter days. "Brrrrrr" and beautiful all at once and perfect for winter hiking near Denver. Visit our previous coverage to learn more about Eldorado Canyon State Park and all it has to offer.
If you're up for a little adventure, strap on your snowshoes and head out into Rocky Mountain National Park, where over a dozen frozen falls lie in wait in the nooks and crannies of this remarkable state and national treasure. This park has some of the best frozen waterfalls near Denver. Visit the National Park Service website for more information.
The hike to Maxwell Falls near Evergreen is a great year-round hike with options to travel anywhere from one-to-four miles on trails all leading to the wintery waterfall (aka frozen sheets of ice). Just make sure you bring the proper footwear since it can be slippery getting there. Visit the USDA Forest Service
website to learn more.
Last but certainly never least on our list of the best frozen waterfalls near Denver is the incomparable Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs. And it is well worth the day trip to experience its glory! Be advised that Hanging Lake is roughly a three-hour drive from the metro area, so iron out the details ahead of time, check trail conditions, and have the proper gear and sundries in hand before hitting the road. Read our
previous post to learn more about Hanging Lake.
Have you ever been to any of these amazing frozen waterfalls in Colorado? If so, what did you think? They are so spectacular, they simply must be seen to be believed!
If you want to learn more about waterfalls, check out this video which explains just exactly how they freeze:
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More to Explore
Best Winter Hikes Near Denver
Melissa M.|January 14, 2022
What are some of the best winter hikes near Denver?
Let’s go for an easy hike in a winter wonderland! In our post, 6 Easy Winter Wonderland Hikes Near Denver Anyone Can Do, you can start planning out your treks at places like Roxborough State Park, Lair O’ The Bear Park, and St. Mary’s Glacier, among others.
Where can I go snow tubing near Denver?
If you enjoy snow tubing then you will love the hill at Frisco Adventure Park which has six runs complete with bumps to make your ride interesting.
What are some of the best things to do near Denver in winter?
One of the best things to do near Denver in winter is to explore some of the nearby towns that turn into winter wonderlands. You can head to this post and read about several such towns.
