Are there fees or permits required for Saint Marys Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Saint Marys Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Saint Marys Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Saint Marys Falls.

Live Conditions · 2 ft³/s · About average

Saint Marys Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Saint Marys Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Saint Marys Falls.

Colorado

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 2 other waterfalls also named Saint Marys Falls, see below

Pike National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

markbyzewski CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

6.3 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Saint Marys Falls

Saint Marys Falls is a picturesque waterfall located near Colorado Springs, Colorado, within the Pike National Forest. The waterfall is a popular destination for hikers, offering scenic views and a refreshing escape into nature.

The Setting

Saint Marys Falls sits at 8,934 feet within Pike National Forest, fed by the Cheyenne Creek, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Seven Falls (181 ft) lies 2.1 miles to the east. Also nearby: Helen Hunt Falls (35 ft, 1.5 mi).

Seven Falls Helen Hunt Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Saint Marys Falls (#624), a 6.3-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

SAINT MARYS FALLS #624

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

2.18 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Saint Marys Falls is a moderately challenging out-and-back hike that follows a well-maintained path through the forest. The trail features a steady incline with some rocky sections and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The waterfall is the highlight of the hike, cascading down a rocky cliff into a serene pool.

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 Saint Marys Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Saint Marys Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Saint Marys Falls is during late spring through early fall when the trail is clear of snow and the waterfall flow is at its peak. Summer offers the most accessible conditions, but fall provides stunning foliage views.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Pike National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious of loose rocks and steep sections on the trail. Carry plenty of water and be prepared for sudden weather changes. Watch for wildlife and avoid feeding or approaching animals.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Roaring

2 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1 1 4 8

Based on 34 years of record

1.49 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

CHEYENNE CREEK AT EVANS AVE AT COLORADO SPRINGS,CO

USGS 07105490

3.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 22 sq mi

Altitude: 6,265 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CHEYENNE CREEK AT EVANS AVE AT COLORADO SPRINGS,CO (5 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

2 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

2 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

2 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

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.

1-meter lidar shows Saint Marys Falls dropping about 395 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 8,916 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 270 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 220 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Saint Marys Falls near Manitou Springs, Colorado, showing about 395 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 8,916 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 395 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Saint Marys Falls can be accessed via the Saint Marys Falls Trail, which begins at the Gold Camp Road parking area near Colorado Springs. The trailhead is located approximately 20 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Gold Camp Road parking area. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly.

Elevation

8,934 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.770823° N, -104.918307° W

Land Management

Pike National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be rocky in some sections. Bring plenty of water, especially during the summer months. Check weather conditions before heading out, as the trail may be icy or muddy in spring and fall.

This trail sits at 8,934 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some 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.

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.

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.

Where to Stay

Tiny House Get Away

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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area

14.6 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