Snowy trails and icy cascades: The best frozen waterfall hikes in Colorado
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Outdoor activities are a staple in Colorado, and just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to stop enjoying the state's nature. Here are 10 hikes that feature waterfalls that are just as beautiful frozen as they are in the summer.
1. Hanging Lake
Hanging Lake is one of Colorado's most famous natural destinations. According to the United States Forest Service, it is a steep, 1.2-mile hike up a narrow canyon, and the trail is steep, rocky, icy, snow-packed, and slippery in the winter. However, hikers will be rewarded with views of a picturesque lake and icy waterfalls.
2. Helen Hunt Falls
It's only a short hike to Helen Hunt's 35-foot waterfall that flows into the North Cheyenne Creek. You can drive only 2.5 miles up North Cheyenne Canon from the park entrance to reach the waterfall. More hikes are also accessible starting from the falls.
3. Seven Falls
Seven Falls features two opportunities to see waterfalls. There is a 0.8-mile paved trail that leads to the base of the falls, where you can climb 224 steps to view the tiered waterfall. The steps then lead to a 0.35-mile trail along Cripple Creek, which leads to the Midnight Falls. Tickets for Seven Falls can bought through the Broadmoor.
4. Horsetooth Falls
A very popular destination among college students and tourists, these waterfalls are located on an almost three-mile-long loop trail. According to All Trails, the hike is a moderately challenging one, so you'll have to break a sweat to see these waterfalls.
5. Alberta Falls
Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, this hike leads to a 30-foot waterfall that flows down a small gorge on Glacier Creek. The frozen waterfalls are only a 0.8-mile hike from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead.
6. Timberline Falls
Timberline Falls is also located in...