*Originally published in 2017:
Where there are mountains, there are waterfalls.
Fourteeners always seem to get all the attention, and understandably so. After all, they're like day-long endorphin benders that leave you feeling like you can conquer the world. We warn you, though—anyone who tells you that there's such a thing as an "easy fourteener" must be suffering from a craft beer and altitude sickness-induced syndrome. The truth is, any hike you need to start before the sun comes up isn't going to be a waltz to the top. So for those of us who want to take a hike that's less "mountain goat" and more meditative (but just as interesting), remember: where there are mountains, there are waterfalls! With that said, here are five of our favorite Colorado waterfall hikes:
Fern Falls at Rocky Mountain National Park
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.4 miles RT
Duration: Approx. 3 hrs.
Next time you're hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, make the trek up to Fern Lake and stop to rest at Fern Falls along the way. It's the perfect place to take a moment to catch your breath and take in the sights and sounds of water cascading down the step-like rocks of the falls.
Treasure Falls near Pagosa Springs
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1 mile RT
Duration: Approx. 30 min.
Treasure Falls is an easy one-mile round trip hike, making it perfect for a morning jaunt, afternoon hike, or way to stretch your legs after driving. Just 15 miles outside of the town of Pagosa Springs, it's worth visiting just to feel the mist of water taking a 105-foot plunge!
Catamount Falls near Colorado Springs
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.8 miles (loop)
Duration: Approx. 1-2 hrs.
Only 25 minutes outside of Colorado Springs, the Catamount Falls hike is a 2.8-mile loop that'll take you past three different waterfalls! This is an excellent option for Denverites and those from the Springs looking for a quick day trip!
Elk Falls in Staunton State Park
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Distance: 10.8 miles RT
Duration: Approx. 4-6 hrs.
Opened to the public in 2013, Elk Falls is only 50 minutes from Denver, making it doable in a day! But at 10.8 miles round trip, it doesn't leave too much time to sit around. Plan to work up a sweat getting to and from Elk Falls!
Fish Creek Falls near Steamboat
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1/2 mile RT
Duration: Approx. 30 min.
Fish Creek Falls is perfect for those looking for a less strenuous hike or for something handicap accessible (the overlook trail only). At 284 feet, Fish Creek Falls is a sight to behold and is just outside of Steamboat (like you need another excuse to go there!).
That's just to name a few. We know there are a lot more, especially in Rocky Mountain National Park, so if you have a good one you want to share, let us know!
