Denver might be known for its mile-high elevation and urban sprawl, but venture just an hour or two into the surrounding mountains, and you’ll discover a completely different world. Here, rushing waters cascade down granite cliffs, creating some of the most spectacular waterfall displays in the entire Rocky Mountain region. These aren’t your typical roadside attractions that everyone knows about — we’re talking about genuine hidden gems that require a bit of effort to reach.
From easy family-friendly strolls to challenging backcountry adventures, these waterfalls offer something for every skill level. Here is a list of 14 hidden waterfalls near Denver that are absolutely worth the journey.
Boulder Falls
This 100-yard hiking trail just outside Boulder, Colorado leads you into a cliff-lined notch in Boulder Canyon where the creek gushes out to form one of the best waterfalls near Denver. Think of it as nature’s appetizer — a quick taste of mountain beauty that’ll leave you hungry for more.
The waterfall thunders through a narrow granite chute, creating a misty coolness that feels like stepping into a natural air conditioner. Since the hike is so short, most people combine it with other nearby trails to make a full day of it. The parking can fill up fast on weekends, so arriving early is your best bet for snagging a spot.
Castlewood Canyon Falls
Located about 50 minutes southeast of Denver in Franktown, Castlewood Canyon Waterfall can be reached by a short, easy hike down a flat trail, so it’s one of the easiest waterfalls to visit near Denver. This seasonal waterfall really comes alive during spring snowmelt and after heavy rains. The surrounding red rock formations create a stunning backdrop that looks more like southern Utah than Colorado.
There are numerous other hiking routes in the park, and you can easily connect several trails to make as long of a hike as you would like. Kids love exploring the remnants of an old dam nearby, turning this into both a nature and history lesson rolled into one.
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Bridal Veil Falls
Hidden away in the historic mining town of Idaho Springs, Bridal Veil Falls is best viewed from Water Wheel Park, a short and easy walk from the downtown area. The hike to Bridal Veil Falls is just a short jaunt on a concrete path that makes it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
What makes this waterfall special isn’t just its beauty, but its location right in town — you can grab lunch at a local restaurant and still catch a spectacular waterfall show. The historic Charlie Taylor Waterwheel adds an extra layer of intrigue to the visit, showcasing the area’s rich gold mining heritage.
Maxwell Falls
Maxwell Falls has become one of the most popular waterfall hikes near Denver. Best viewed in the late spring and early summer, this tiered fan waterfall can be accessed by either an 0.8-mile trail that leads directly in, or by one of two different loop hikes. The multiple cascades create a staircase effect as water tumbles down moss-covered granite slabs.
With an 830-foot elevation gain, it’s a favorite among families and those with dogs, offering a moderate challenge. The shaded trail through evergreen forest provides relief on hot summer days, and you’ll often spot chipmunks and squirrels darting between the trees.
Forsythe Canyon Falls
Forsythe Canyon Falls is tucked away in a canyon southwest of Boulder near Gross Reservoir. A few highlights: Forsythe Canyon offers a lot of shade, the waterfall is found in a unique pinch in the canyon, and the trail ends at Gross Reservoir, a beautiful site. This lesser-known gem feels like you’ve discovered a secret mountain hideaway.
The narrow canyon walls amplify the sound of rushing water, creating an almost cathedral-like acoustic experience. We’ve found this to be a lesser-visited hike, and a great alternative to some of the busier trails. The bonus is reaching the reservoir at the end, where you can extend your adventure with lakeside exploration.
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Eldorado Cascades
Eldorado Cascades, along with Forsythe Canyon Falls (see below) is one of the lesser-known waterfalls near Denver. Found along the Walker Ranch loop, this clamorous cascade dives under giant boulders then gushes out on the other side. Picture water playing hide-and-seek with massive rocks — that’s Eldorado Cascades in a nutshell.
The unique geological formation creates a natural water slide effect as the creek disappears beneath car-sized boulders before emerging triumphantly downstream. Hikers can take this in as a part of the larger Walker Ranch Loop hike, or as a shorter 1.25-mile (one-way) hike in from the Ethel Harrold Trailhead.
Ouzel Falls
Ouzel Falls, which drops 40 feet down a narrow chute into Ouzel Creek, can be reached by a fairly easy yet stunning trail, which showcases the rugged beauty of the remote Wild Basin Area of Rocky Mountain National Park. This waterfall sits in one of the park’s quieter corners, where you’re more likely to encounter wildlife than crowds.
This 2.7-mile trek (out and back) is really a 3-in-1 waterfall hike since you’ll pass multiple cascades along the way. The name ‘Ouzel’ refers to the American dipper birds that nest here — these fascinating little creatures can actually walk underwater while hunting for food.
Booth Falls
Located near Vail, Booth Creek Falls is a 60-foot waterfall in the Eagles Nest Wilderness near Vail, Colorado. The journey to the waterfall requires a strenuous, 2-mile hike along the banks of Booth Creek. This isn’t your average easy stroll — the trail climbs steadily through aspen forests that turn into golden galleries during fall.
In the fall, the changing leaves of the aspens make this hike a favorite. The waterfall plunges dramatically over granite cliffs, creating a thunderous display that you can hear well before you see it. Note that parking can be challenging, and shuttles are often required during peak season.
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St. Mary’s Falls
This hike in the popular North Cheyenne Cañon Park begins easily and is often crowded, but finishes difficult and remote. The rewards are the peaceful waterfall, high-angle views of the city below, and the out-there feeling that you’re far away from it all. The 300-foot cascade creates multiple tiers as it tumbles down the mountainside.
Buffalo Creek parallels the St. Mary’s Falls Trail for most of the way, providing a soundtrack of rushing water throughout your journey. The final climb is steep and rocky, but reaching the falls feels like discovering a hidden mountain sanctuary just outside Colorado Springs.
Chasm Falls
Of all the waterfalls to see near Estes Park, Chasm Falls is the one. The waterfall plunges 25 feet, crashing through a narrow granite gorge. What makes Chasm Falls special is how the granite has been carved into a perfect funnel shape by centuries of rushing water.
As one of the most accessible waterfalls in the park, the 2.8-mile hike begins at the Endo Valley Picnic Area in Horseshoe Park, though summer visitors can drive closer via Trail Ridge Road. The narrow chasm creates impressive hydraulic power, making this waterfall particularly impressive during peak snowmelt.
Alberta Falls
If you only have time for one short hike on the East Side of RMNP, Alberta Falls is a great choice. It is one of the most popular short hikes in the park. Glacier Creek feeds the roaring Alberta Falls as it cascades over rocks and boulders. The 30-foot drop creates a dramatic scene as water crashes through a small gorge, sending spray in all directions.
Despite being popular, the falls maintain their wild character, especially in early morning when mist creates rainbow effects in the sunlight. The relatively short 1.6-mile round trip makes this accessible for most fitness levels.
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Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park is an extensive cascade waterfall, named for the way it bends its course through the rocky hillside. This isn’t a single dramatic drop but rather a series of cascades that follow the natural contours of the granite slope. This very short, 0.4-mile hike to Horseshoe Falls is a family favorite.
The waterfall spreads out over a wide area, creating multiple smaller falls and pools that reflect the surrounding forest. It’s particularly beautiful in autumn when golden aspen leaves float in the calm pools between cascades.
Fern Falls
Just under a mile from The Pool hikers will reach the stunning 60-foot waterfall plunging into Fern Creek. The approach to Fern Falls takes you through diverse ecosystems, from riverside meadows to dense forest. The waterfall flows down through the forest casting a fine mist across the trail making it a perfect place to drop by and cool off.
The area around the falls often feels tropical due to the constant mist, supporting lush vegetation that’s unusual for Colorado’s typically dry climate. A unique piece to this hike is its historic markers like the Old Forest Inn.
Continental Falls
The trail winds through forests and meadows before ascending along Continental Falls, which drops over 500 feet in a series of powerful cascades. These falls are one of the best-kept secrets in the state. Located near Breckenridge, this waterfall system is more like a liquid staircase descending the mountainside.
The multiple tiers create different viewing opportunities as you climb alongside the creek. Continue to Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes, which rest in the rocky tundra at over 12,000′ and are surrounded by awe-inspiring views and mountain peaks. This makes Continental Falls a gateway to some of Colorado’s most spectacular high-alpine scenery.
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Nature’s Endless Show
These 14 waterfalls represent just a fraction of the liquid treasures hiding in Colorado’s mountains, yet each offers its own unique personality and challenges. From the roadside accessibility of Bridal Veil Falls to the backcountry adventure of Continental Falls, they prove that you don’t have to travel far from Denver to experience some of nature’s most spectacular displays.
The best part about waterfall hunting is that the same cascade can look completely different depending on the season, time of day, or recent weather, making every visit a new adventure worth taking.
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