Colorado Cascades

2004-07-20

More than 270 waterfalls tumble and roar through Colorado

DENVER (July 20, 2004) - Home to more waterfalls than any other state in the country, Colorado boasts eight river basins with eastern drainages that flow towards the Gulf of Mexico and western drainages bound for the Pacific Ocean, all via the Colorado River. The waters rush through the Rocky Mountains creating dramatic waterfalls across the state and scenic day trips worth rushing to.

In Rocky Mountain National Park (www.nps.gov/romo), about two hours northwest of Denver, pristine falls can be enjoyed via hikes, car, and even by wheelchair. Cool off in the spray of the 40-foot high Ouzel Falls or stop by Calypso Cascades, about a mile away, for a family picnic and backcountry exploration.

As it traverses through the state, the Colorado River dives more than 10,000 feet, the greatest elevation drop of any river on the continent. This river basin boasts several stunning waterfalls, even though falls are uncommon on large rivers. The waterfalls at Hanging Lake are a popular family stop just 10 miles east of Glenwood Springs (www.glenscape.com). Journeying a few miles further north will take water-lovers to Rifle Falls State Park (www.parks.state.co.us) where a nearly tropical world can be discovered by hiking behind the cascading water.

Set your sights on the spectacular fall aspen color at Bridal Veil Falls near Telluride (www.visittelluride.com). Although four other falls in the state share the name, the Telluride falls are Colorado's highest and most well-known.

Heading south to the San Juan Mountains, visitors will encounter Colorado's largest mountain range and more waterfalls than anywhere else in the state. Near Pagosa Springs (www.pagosa.com), Falls Creek Falls and Fourmile Falls dazzle summer visitors, and during spring runoff, water roaring through a six-foot space blocks out all other sounds at nearby Piedra Falls.

Alongside Highway 149 in the Silverton area, view water from the North Clear Creek Falls that travels from flat land over a cliff and into the Rio Grande River below (www.silvertoncolorado.com). Stand beneath the sprays at Seven Falls (www.sevenfalls.com), the only Colorado waterfall on the National Geographic list of the world's major waterfalls. This popular tourist destination can be accessed just minutes from downtown Colorado Springs in the city's South Cheyenne Canyon.

To learn more about Colorado waterfalls, visit www.imagesofcolorado.com/waterfalls.

For complete information on planning your vacation to Colorado, including lodging, attractions and activities, log on to www.colorado.com or call 800-COLORADO for a free state vacation guide.

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