Boulder Falls: A Cascading Gem in Boulder Canyon

Boulder Falls, often called the "Yosemite of Boulder Canyon," is a captivating waterfall that plunges approximately 70 feet down a rock wall. Located just a 20-minute drive from downtown Boulder, it's an accessible and popular natural attraction. The falls are part of a five-acre plot entrusted to the City of Boulder in 1941 by Charles G. Buckingham, a local banker who wished to preserve the area. Buckingham, president and co-founder of Buckingham Brothers Bank, had held a U.S. Patent since 1881 on the American Mill site that included the Falls. He donated it to the City of Boulder for recreational purposes in 1914, hence "saving this beautiful spot from the encroachment of the great tungsten boom". The area has a rich history, having been a popular picnic spot in the late 1800s, drawing visitors who arrived via carryalls after the railroad was damaged in the flood of 1894. Today, visitors can enjoy the falls via a short, 100-yard trail from the parking area. While swimming and climbing on the rocks are prohibited, the cool mist rising from the falls offers a refreshing experience. The surrounding area provides a sensory experience with the sounds of rushing water and the scent of pine trees.