Boulder Falls, Front Range Travel Guide

4.8 (1792)

Experience the refreshing beauty of a 70-foot waterfall just a short drive from Boulder. A perfect natural escape!

Boulder Falls is a stunning 70-foot waterfall located a short drive west of Boulder, Colorado. This easily accessible natural attraction offers a quick and refreshing escape into the beauty of Boulder Canyon, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Boulder Falls

Boulder Canyon Dr, Nederland, Colorado, 80466, US
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Monday 5 am-11 pm
Tuesday 5 am-11 pm
Wednesday 5 am-11 pm
Thursday 5 am-11 pm
Friday 5 am-11 pm
Saturday 5 am-11 pm
Sunday 5 am-11 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Boulder Falls.

Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as the parking area fills up quickly.
Be careful when crossing Boulder Canyon Drive from the parking area, as traffic can be heavy.
Check the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks website for any trail closures or alerts before visiting.

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Explore Boulder Falls on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Boulder Falls, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From downtown Boulder, take Canyon Boulevard (which becomes Highway 119) west towards Nederland. The drive is approximately 11 miles and takes about 20 minutes. Look for the parking pull-out on the left side of the road, just across from the falls. Parking is free, but limited, and fills up quickly during peak times. Be cautious when crossing the road.
Public Transport

Several bus routes connect downtown Boulder to the Boulder Falls area. Check the RTD (Regional Transportation District) schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes and times. The bus stop is located near the trailhead. A one-way fare for local routes is $3.00 [https://www.rtd-denver.com/fares-passes/fare-information].

Discover more about Boulder Falls

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.