Waterfall Hikes Near Denver, CO

2,687,458 residents
Denver Time Zone
4 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Denver sits at the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains where broad high plains give way to steep foothills, river valleys and granite gorges; elevation climbs sharply from the city into montane pine and aspen forests. Within a short drive hikers will find mostly moderate trails alongside quieter easy roadside cascades and occasional hard canyon scrambles, with snowmelt-driven seasonality and rapid terrain change that concentrates varied waterfall hikes close to an urban center.

Located at 39.7620°N, -104.8758°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Denver

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

4 of 4 gauged

4 waterfalls near Denver have live flow data today

Boulder Falls Barely Flowing Elk Falls Barely Flowing Missouri Falls Barely Flowing Timberline Falls Moderate

Updated about 1 hour ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Independence Day

Mostly Sunny · 90°F

Wed 90°F Patchy Smoke
Thu 92°F Sunny
Fri 95°F Sunny
Ind 90°F Mostly Sunny Best
Sun 93°F Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mon 94°F Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Tue 95°F Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

Flowing best right now near Denver

Updated about 1 hour ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

  1. 1 Timberline Falls Moderate · 17 cfs 25th percentile
  2. 2 Boulder Falls Barely Flowing · 1 cfs 0th percentile
  3. 3 Elk Falls Barely Flowing · 9 cfs 0th percentile
  4. 4 Missouri Falls Barely Flowing · 105 cfs 0th percentile

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Denver hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Find waterfalls to hike near Denver

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Denver (1 waterfall)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

Boulder Falls waterfall

Boulder Falls

14.9 miles away
Colorado
Easy
0.3 miles 50 ft

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Denver (3 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

Missouri Falls waterfall

Missouri Falls

1.6 miles away
Colorado
Moderate
4.5 miles 800 ft
Elk Falls waterfall

Elk Falls

18.3 miles away
Colorado
Hard
12.0 miles 1,500 ft

All 4 Waterfalls Near Denver

Missouri Falls waterfall

Missouri Falls

1.6 miles away
Colorado
Moderate
4.5 miles 800 ft
Boulder Falls waterfall

Boulder Falls

14.9 miles away
Colorado
Easy
0.3 miles 50 ft
Elk Falls waterfall

Elk Falls

18.3 miles away
Colorado
Hard
12.0 miles 1,500 ft
Timberline Falls waterfall

Timberline Falls

40.1 miles away
Colorado
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Denver

Are there free waterfalls near Denver?

There are 2 free waterfalls near Denver, including Boulder Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Denver?

There is 1 easy waterfall hike near Denver, including Boulder Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Denver?

There are 3 dog-friendly waterfalls near Denver, including Boulder Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Denver?

There are 4 kid-friendly waterfalls near Denver, including Boulder Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Denver?

The shortest waterfall hike near Denver is Boulder Falls at 0.3 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Denver?

The tallest waterfall near Denver is Elk Falls at 75 feet.

Do any waterfalls near Denver require permits?

Yes, 1 waterfall near Denver requires a permit. Check individual trail pages for current permit details.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Denver?

Yes, 4 waterfalls near Denver have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Denver?

The closest waterfall to Denver is Missouri Falls, approximately 29.8 miles away.

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Nearby Hot Springs

Hot springs near Denver, Colorado

Eldorado Springs

Eldorado Springs

25.3 mi 79°F

Eldorado Springs emerges at 79 degrees Fahrenheit in Boulder County's foothills as a low-mineralization thermal seep just 9 met...
Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs

28.0 mi 115°F

Idaho Springs surfaces at 115°F in Clear Creek County at 7,682 feet elevation, emerging near Soda Creek Road just 273 feet from...

Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Denver, Colorado on SoakingSprings.

Explore Colorado springs

Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

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Cabins & Rentals VRBO

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Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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