View From the Top: Colorado's Scenic Waterfall Hikes

DENVER, CO--(Marketwired - Aug 28, 2014) - Sometimes the best reward at the end of a tough hike is the amazing view from up top. And nothing quite adds to the scenery like a cascading waterfall. Colorado is filled with beautiful mountain waterfalls that are not to be missed. Here is a sampling of some local favorites that are well worth the trek. For more information, visit http://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-waterfalls.

Alberta Falls (Estes Park). The 1.7 mile (roundtrip) Alberta Falls hike is an easy but beautiful hike for the summer and fall. The trailhead can be accessed at Glacier Gorge Trailhead off of Bear Lake Road near Estes Park.

Bridal Veil Falls (Telluride). At 365 feet in length, Bridal Veil Falls are the tallest free falling falls in Colorado. To access the hike, park at the Valley View parking area east of Telluride. From there, the easy to moderate hike is 1.8 miles each way.

Continental Falls/Mohawk Lake (Breckenridge). Just 2.4 miles south of Breckenridge is the Spruce Creek Tail, which leads to Upper Mohawk Lake. This 2.8-mile (roundtrip) moderate hike passes through to the largest waterfall in the Breckenridge area.

Fish Creek Falls (Steamboat Springs). Considered to be one of the best hikes in Steamboat Springs, Fish Creek Falls is a great hike for any season. Open year round, this hike to the 280-foot falls offers dramatic views in the summer and great ice climbing in the winter.

Four Mile Lake Loop (Pagosa Springs). Located in the Weminuche Wilderness, the moderate Four Mile Lake Loop hike offers 13.2 miles (roundtrip) worth of stunning views. The hike can be finished in one day, but is also good for a two day backpacking trip.

Hanging Lake (Glenwood Springs). One of Colorado's most famous hikes, Hanging Lake gains its beauty from the flourishing hanging garden plant community and crystal clear waters. The lake can be reached in one short, steep mile.

Helen Hunt Falls (Colorado Springs). From Colorado Springs, head to North Cheyenne Cañon Park to the Helen Hunt Visitor's Center for a short walk to view Helen Hunt Falls. Hike up another fourth of a mile to see Silver Cascade Falls.

Oh-Be-Joyful (Crested Butte). Crested Butte has no shortage of beautiful waterfall hikes, and Oh-Be-Joyful is one of the best. Oh-Be-Joyful Falls can be seen on this 5.8-mile hike along with several other cascading waterfalls.

Vallecito Creek Trail (Durango). From Durango, take U.S. Highway 160 and head east for 18 miles to start the Vallecito Creek Trail hike. This hike is both a great day hike (three miles one way) or can be turned into a four to five-day (19.5 miles one way) backpacking trip.

Zapata Falls (Alamosa). The Zapata Falls hike begins at the Zapata Falls Campground entrance. The campground sits at 9,000 feet and boasts a stunning panoramic view of the valley below.