Are there fees or permits required for Rainbow Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Rainbow Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Rainbow Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Rainbow Falls.

Live Conditions · 7 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Rainbow Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Rainbow Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Rainbow Falls.

Colorado

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 31 other waterfalls also named Rainbow Falls, see below

Photo Credits (3)

QualityFrog CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls (locally known as Graffiti Falls) is a small, picture-perfect cascade just outside Manitou Springs, Colorado. The rocky amphitheater and the bridge above the falls are covered in vibrant graffiti art, giving the spot a colorful, urban-meets-nature vibe that makes for memorable photos and a quick, rewarding outing. The site is an ideal short hike for exploring the creekside scenery and the painted rock faces. While the falls themselves are compact, the setting feels dramatic—visitors should be prepared for uneven, rocky ground near the water and respect the local artwork. The route to the falls is popular with both locals and visitors looking for a moderate, accessible excursion close to town.

The Setting

Rainbow Falls sits at 6,575 feet along the Fountain Creek, in the high mountains of Colorado.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Seven Falls (181 ft) lies 6.8 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Helen Hunt Falls (35 ft, 5.8 mi).

Seven Falls Helen Hunt Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

There isn't so much a trail as a short walk. The waterfall is basically in town. As a kid growing up in Colorado we'd drive down to hangout on weekends. It's tagged up like crazy.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Rainbow Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Rainbow Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically stronger during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring icy conditions.

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 rocks near the falls can be slippery, especially after rain or during winter. Exercise caution and stay on designated paths. Be aware of potential flash flooding during heavy rain.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

7 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

5 7 20 28

Based on 68 years of record

3.27 ft

Water depth at gauge

56°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 56 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

FOUNTAIN CREEK NEAR COLORADO SPRINGS, CO.

USGS 07103700

2.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 102 sq mi

Altitude: 6,131 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge FOUNTAIN CREEK NEAR COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. (5 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

7 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

8 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

8 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

7 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

9 cfs

4/10

Tue

Moderate

8 cfs

5/10

Wed

Moderate

8 cfs

5/10

Thu

Moderate

8 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid May to late June, peaking in May.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

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

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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 236 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 6,556 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 161 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 131 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Rainbow Falls near Manitou Springs, Colorado, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Rainbow Falls near Manitou Springs, Colorado, showing about 236 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 6,556 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 236 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Rainbow Falls is located just off Highway 24 near Manitou Springs. The trailhead is accessible via a short drive from the town center, and the falls are a short walk from the parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking lot near the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak times. You can find street parking anywhere in Manitou.

Hours

Elevation

6,575 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.870000° N, -104.925833° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Be respectful of the graffiti art and avoid adding your own markings, as it is prohibited. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes for navigating the rocky terrain near the falls.

This trail sits at 6,575 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 26% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

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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Nearby Campground

Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area

7.9 miles away · 0 sites

The area is located 4.2 miles east of Woodland Park on Rampart Range Road, FDR 300. **Be advised that the road is a rough, rutted, washboard, native surface road and the posted speed limit is 20 mph. Hauling boat or camper trailers can make this drive especially difficult and slow.

Book on Recreation.gov