Rainbow Falls, Southern Colorado Travel Guide

4.3 (852)

Discover Rainbow Falls Historic Site in Manitou Springs: a stunning waterfall, rich history, and natural beauty await!

Rainbow Falls Historic Site, near Manitou Springs, Colorado, features a picturesque waterfall cascading over ancient red rock formations. The site offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, including a bridge listed on the National Register of Historic Bridges.

A brief summary to Rainbow Falls

Serpentine Dr, Manitou Springs, West Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80829, US
Click to display
Click to display

Friday 9 am-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Sunday 9 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Wear sturdy shoes, as the rocks near the falls can be slippery.
Bring water and sunscreen, especially during the warmer months.
Reservations are encouraged for parking and the shuttle service.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Garden of the Gods

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Explore Rainbow Falls on the Map

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

Getting There

Shuttle

To reach Rainbow Falls, park at the designated parking area off Highway 24 and Serpentine Drive, also known as “Higginbotham Flats,” in Manitou Springs. From there, a shuttle service operates continuously to the Falls entrance. The shuttle runs Friday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost for parking and the shuttle is $20 per vehicle.
Walking

While access to Rainbow Falls is free without a vehicle, walking or biking along Serpentine Drive is discouraged for safety reasons. If you choose to walk from Manitou Springs, be aware that there may not be sidewalks for the entire route, requiring you to walk on the road with traffic. Please exercise caution.

Discover more about Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls Historic Site, located at the west end of Manitou Springs, Colorado, is a captivating destination where natural beauty meets historical intrigue. The site's main attraction is Rainbow Falls, a waterfall that gracefully descends over vibrant, centuries-old red rock formations into Fountain Creek. The falls get their name from the rainbows that often appear in the mist.The site holds cultural significance, having been recognized as a special place by the Tabeguache, or Sun Mountain people, a band of the Ute Indian tribe. The area's geological formations tell a story of shifting landscapes over time.Adding to the site's historical charm is the 1932 Highway 24 Bridge, an open spandrel concrete arch bridge that crosses the creek at the falls. This bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Bridges and is documented by the Colorado Historical Society.Visitors can enjoy a short gravel trail leading to the falls, a covered kiosk with interpretive information, and picnic areas. Note that the path to the falls is a gravel trail on a significant slope.Rainbow Falls has faced challenges, including a rockfall incident that led to a temporary closure. The original parking lot is blocked off with sturdy barriers to protect people and cars.