Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't enjoy the wonders of our state's waterfalls.
There is no doubt that Colorado is a sight to behold in the winter. Snowcapped peaks and breathtaking snowy landscapes can warm the heart of even seasonal scrooges. Another gift from old Jack Frost is our state's many frozen waterfalls. What was once raging summer water freezes into a natural art masterpiece that you have to see to believe.
There are a lot of falls across the state, and we've found a few that run the gamut in size. Most are short, easy jaunts from a trailhead or road, so they are accessible to almost anyone. Make sure to dress properly, gear up with the right shoes (if you plan on walking on ice, crampons are a good idea), and check conditions before you head out, and when you get there, bask in the beauty of Colorado's natural resources.
Alberta Falls
Difficulty: Easy, 2 miles round trip
Trailhead: Glacier Gorge Trailhead, Rocky Mountain National Park
Details: This relatively short hike will take you through the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park to the 30-foot high falls. It's just a brief drive from the entrance to the park, as well.
Boulder Falls, Boulder
Difficulty: Easy, 200-yard round trip
Trailhead: Parking area on Boulder Canyon Drive
Details: The 60-foot falls is super easy to reach, requiring just a short walk from the parking lot. This beauty features a frozen ice cascade from a cliff face in Boulder Canyon.
Box Canyon Falls, Ouray
Difficulty: Easy, several trails (up to 500 feet in length)
Trailhead: Box Canyon Falls Rd.
Details: This amazing waterfall is nestled between soaring peaks creates a beautiful curtain of ice every winter. It is part of the Ouray Ice Park, which also hosts an ice-climbing competition every year.
Courtesy of Ouray Ice Park.
Bridal Veil Falls, Idaho Springs
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Parking Lot for Water Wheel Park
Details: You can catch a quick view of this one as you are zipping up I-70 to the ski resorts. It's a pretty awesome place for Instaworthy pics, thanks to the falls and water wheel. It's worth the stop and the quick jaunt to see it up close and personal.
Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Pandora Mill
Details: This wonder is one of the granddaddies of Colorado's waterfalls. It's spectacular all year round, but the winter puts a halt on the thousands of gallons of water that rush over its apex every minute. If you choose to hike from the parking lot to the falls, a moderate trail will likely be icy, so proceed with caution.
Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride.
Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs
Difficulty: Moderate, 3 miles round trip
Trailhead: Hanging Lake Trailhead
Details: This is a beauty, a photographer's dream, and majorly popular trail with the masses. Plan on getting there early and be ready for ice on the trails, as well. It will be worth the brisk, winter walk once you get there.
Helen Hunt Falls, Colorado Springs
Difficulty: Easy, 0.1 to 4-miles depending the trail you choose
Trailhead: Parking area on Boulder Canyon Drive
Details: 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.
Courtesy of TripAdvisor.com.
Maxwell Falls, Evergreen
Difficulty: Easy, 1- to 4-mile trail options.
Trailhead: Upper or lower level parking lot
Details: If you are into frozen ice sheets, this is the hike for you. You can choose from a variety of trails that will lead you to the falls in all its winter glory.
Rainbow Falls, Manitou Springs
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Manitou Ave.
Details: In the summer, this natural wonder plunges for 46 feet to the bottom, then flows under Manitou Avenue. In winter, you get to see water in its solid form, as well as a take a detour into charming Manitou Springs.
Seven Falls, Colorado Springs
Difficulty: Easy, 224 steps
Trailhead: Parking lot
Details: Known as "The Grandest Mile of Scenery" in Colorado, this falls features seven frozen leaps down the granite. On your way to the falls, you'll also see Pike's Peak and the granite Pillars of Hercules. In the winter, falls owner, The Broadmoor, lights up the cascades with beautiful colors.
Courtesy of The Broadmoor (Facebook).
Rifle Falls, Rifle
Difficulty: Easy, 0.2 miles round trip
Trailhead: Parking lot
Details: Behold Colorado's only 80-foot triple waterfall frozen in time! This is truly a stunner and is a very easy walk on a paved path. (As seen in featured photo.)
Zapata Falls, Great Sand Dunes National Park
Difficulty: Easy, 1 mile round trip
Trailhead: Zapata Recreation Area parking lot
Details: In the winter, the 25-foot falls freeze, creating a giant ice column. Luminous blue water is visible just beneath the hardened surface. If you are taking a winter trip to the dunes, make the trek over to Zapata Falls! (Read more about the Great Sand Dunes.)
Courtesy of NPS.gov.
Are there other frozen waterfalls that you like to explore during the winter? Share them with us in the comments below.
