2016-12-22 04:53:37
HIGH PLAINS TRAIL NEAR BOULDER, CELIN SERBO FOOTHILLS: 50 MILES South of Denver, Roxborough State Park’s trails wrap around red-rock formations that seem to rip unexpectedly through fields of prairie greenery. The contrast between the red of the rocks and a bright-blue cloudless sky sets up a Technicolor scene worthy of “The Wizard of Oz.” Skirting along the foothills as you head north, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre’s massive, slanting red-rock outcroppings rise from the earth to create an acoustically ideal natural amphitheater in Morrison. Continue northward to Boulder’s famed Flatirons, five reddish-grey monuments — named by pioneers for their shape — jutting up from the grassy foothills to stand guard over the city of Boulder below. Waterfalls are one of the best side effects of a Colorado hike. They might be tiny, wispy ones you happen by along a scenic trail, or they might be bigger ones that are destinations unto themselves. NORTH CLEAR CREEK FALLS, JASON LEWANDOWSKI SOUTHWEST: 210 MILES For a hidden treasure along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway near Creede, keep your eyes out for Forest Road 510 on the left, just beyond Spring Creek pass. A short distance down the road affords views of gushing North Clear Creek Falls as it plummets from a willow-covered bench into a box canyon. Drift and ramble up and around National Forest and National Recreation Areas to the box-canyon confection of Ouray. Box Canyon Falls’ 280-foot cascade can be experienced top to bottom via staircase, hiking trail and suspension bridge. As thousands of gallons of water rush and roar their way down, take a moment to look up — the National Audubon Society has named the area an important bird site. The well-preserved Victorian-era town of Telluride, nestled at the foot of its own box canyon, is a beguiling sight all on its own. But 365 feet above, the white spray of Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest waterfall, plunges to the canyon’s depths, adding the final touch to a charming scene. CONTINENTAL FALLS, ELI VEGA NORTHWEST: 137 MILES On a hot summer day, the mist that drifts from the exhilarating gush of water over 70-foot-high limestone cliffs and the dark caves below them in Rifle Falls State Park is a sublime natural air conditioner. These geologic attractions near Rifle draw photographers, spelunkers, fishers and campers to this singular state park. The next two stops require moderate hikes to reach their misty splendor. You can hear Vail’s Booth Falls long before you reach them. On your way, pass through aspen groves, where the leaves tinkle in summer breezes as you climb upward toward your destination, passing wildflower meadows along the way. Continental Falls cascades down multiple rock chasms south of Breckenridge and sits amid thick forest. Along the trail (depending which one you choose), you may encounter abandoned miners’ cabins and other Gold Rush relics, Mohawk Lake and fragile alpine tundra.
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Waterfalls
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