Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
6.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
778 ft
About Crystal Falls
Crystal Falls is a waterfall on the east slope of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains south of Westcliffe, reached by the Rainbow Trail from the Grape Creek trailhead. The out-and-back hike is about 6.4 miles with roughly 700 to 800 feet of gain, and the trail also gives views across the Wet Mountain Valley. It is not the Crystal Falls near Manitou Springs.
The Setting
Crystal Falls sits at 9,301 feet within Royal Gorge Field Office, in the high alpine of Colorado.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 6.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 778 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
From the Grape Creek trailhead, follow the Rainbow Trail (No. 1336) north to Crystal Falls and return the same way. COTREX lists the route at about 6.4 miles round trip with 778 feet of gain, rated moderate; Colorado Mountain Club trip reports give 6.4 to 6.9 miles and 690 to 860 feet. The trail is shared with horseback riders and mountain bikers.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Crystal Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on this route but must be kept on a leash.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Crystal Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
June through October, when the trail is usually free of snow; flow is strongest in early summer during snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow.
Safety Information
The area around the waterfall can be slippery, especially after rain or snow. Stay on marked trails to avoid accidents. Be aware of changing weather conditions, as storms can develop quickly in the area.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Westcliffe hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Crystal Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Crystal Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 52°F to 37°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- no gauge
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Colorado.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 229 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 9,321 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 189 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 84 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 9,321 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 229 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Start at the Grape Creek trailhead on the Rainbow Trail, south of Westcliffe (approximately 37.9302, -105.4572). Check a current San Isabel National Forest map for the access road before driving.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Grape Creek trailhead.
Elevation
9,301 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.961667° N, -105.481395° W
Land Management
Managed by BLM
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring water, rain gear and sturdy shoes. Start early in summer to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, and expect to share the trail with horses and bikes.
This trail sits at 9,301 ft — the air is noticeably thinner
High AltitudeSome visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.
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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)
Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.
Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex
Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 6.4 miles and 778 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Crestone Adobe Vista Manor
Hillside Colorado Cottages
High Mountain Desert Earthship with Stunning Views
Cozy Remote Retreat • Mountain Views • Stargazing
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
ALVARADO CAMPGROUND
9.2 miles away · 51 sites
Overview Alvarado Campground, located at an elevation of 9,000 ft., is a prime location for accessing easy to challenging hikes in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. The variety of trails lead to high elevation lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and a number of stunning scenic overlooks. Alvarado is designed for a range of campers, with facilities for tent, RV and equestrian campers. Pike-San Isabel National Forests include over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado's mountain peaks t
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Nearby Attractions
Other Rainbow Trail destinations along the Sangre de Cristo range, the town of Westcliffe, and the Wet Mountain Valley.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and occasionally deer. Be cautious of potential encounters with bears or mountain lions, though sightings are rare.
Cities near Crystal Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Crystal Falls
8 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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