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Cascade Falls Park: Ouray's Majestic Waterfall Escape

Discover the majestic Cascade Falls in Ouray, Colorado: a stunning waterfall, a rewarding hike, and breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains.

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Cascade Falls Park, a short walk from Ouray's downtown, features a stunning 80-foot waterfall cascading over rugged cliffs. The short, steep trail offers panoramic views and the unique experience of walking behind the falls. It's a must-see natural attraction in the San Juan Mountains.

A brief summary to Cascade Falls Park

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Prepare for a steep ascent; the trail is short but challenging.
  • Wear good hiking shoes to ensure safe footing.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail.
  • Visit in late spring or early summer when the snowmelt amplifies the waterfall's flow.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Ouray's Main Street, head east on 8th Avenue. Continue up 8th Avenue for three blocks until it dead-ends in the gravel parking lot for Cascade Falls. The trailhead is located near the back of the parking lot. Be prepared for a significant elevation gain. The walk from Main Street to the parking lot can be tiring before you even start the hike.

  • Driving

    From Ouray's center, drive approximately 5 minutes east along US Highway 550, then turn onto 8th Avenue following signs to Cascade Falls Park. The trailhead parking lot is at the far east end of 8th Avenue. Parking is limited but free. Parking is available on either side of the gravel parking lot at the end of 8th Avenue. Parking is best at the base trailhead rather than on Main Street to avoid a steep climb afterward. Parking for about 20 vehicles is available. Parking can fill up quickly. The parking lot is at an incline, so use the parking brake.

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Discover more about Cascade Falls Park

Cascade Falls Park in Ouray, Colorado, offers a unique outdoor experience centered around a stunning waterfall and a steep but rewarding hike. This local treasure provides visitors with the opportunity to walk behind a powerful cascade, offering a perspective few waterfalls can boast. Situated just minutes from Ouray's quaint downtown, the park is a perfect blend of natural beauty and accessibility, making it a standout destination in the San Juan Mountains. The 80-foot Cascade Falls tumbles gracefully over rugged rock cliffs, creating a breathtaking scene framed by vibrant greenery and towering peaks. The falls' multi-level drops produce a soothing soundscape. The surrounding landscape features dramatic geological formations—steep cliffs, rocky outcrops, and jagged ridges—that add rugged flair to the environment. Cascade Falls has been a notable natural landmark in Ouray since the town's mining days. Settlers did not discover the falls until 1874, long after mining camps had been planted across the San Juan Mountains. William Nunn, one of the prospectors scouring the creeks for gold and silver, stumbled upon the falls and gave it its name. Interpretive signage highlights local heritage. The hike to Cascade Falls is relatively short—just under a mile—but it's notably steep. The short, 1/4 mile length from the parking lot to the first overlook means that just about anyone can access this waterfall. Visitors praise the trail for its dramatic views and the rewarding payoff of reaching the waterfall's base. For many, climbing this incline is part of the adventure, offering panoramic views of Ouray's historic architecture and the vibrant landscape that surrounds it. Intrepid hikers can continue to the 5.6-mile Perimeter Trail, which circumnavigates the city of Ouray and offers views of the little town from every angle.

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