Walk to Rainbow Falls

This waterfall was designated a historic site in 2016 due to its rich history dating back to the Native Americans and more recently the locals of Manitou Springs.  The bridge itself that crosses over the falls was created in the early 20th century and was an architectural marvel during the time.

Parking can be tight especially during the summer.  There are a few sites at the hairpin turn on Serpentine drive, but if you follow the road a few hundred yards down towards Manitou you can park on the right in a large turnout.  Try to park close together and obey the no parking signs – the local parking enforcement will ticket you.  Also, please keep your dogs on a leash and watch cars driving down the road – it is narrow and the area can be very crowded.

At the entrance, you can pay a small fee and walk a quarter mile or so back to the falls underneath the large bridge.  The falls also have a large history of graffiti covering the walls surrounding them.  I have heard that this will be removed, but due to the fact that this graffiti is part of the history of the falls itself I am not sure it will be.

Enjoy the falls, the picnic table, and the historian that sometimes stands by the falls.  Since the walk is a short distance from Manitou, this is a nice walk to add on to your day in the area.