Posted in Denver
December 14, 2016
10 Gorgeous Frozen Waterfalls Around Denver That Must Be Seen To Be Believed
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 around Denver!
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.
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.
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 .1-mile trail from or on the 4-mile Columbine Trail from the base of the canyon.
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.
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 3-mile Horsetooth Falls Loop Trail but be sure to check conditions and bring proper gear for winter hiking.
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.
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.
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.
The hike to Maxwell Falls near Evergreen is a great year-round hike with options to travel anywhere from 1 to 4 miles on trails all leading to the wintery waterfall (aka frozen sheets of ice). Here Tatiana kindly explains the importance of using Yaktrax and MICROspikes on winter hikes.
Last but certainly never least, is the incomparable Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs, which 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.
In search of more of Mother Nature’s healing powers? Add the 7 Best Natural Wonders Around Denver to your bucket list immediately!
