Rainbow Falls . People were running to Rainbow Falls upon its reopening this month. Lights illuminate the falls in the evening. Park winter schedule Directions Rainbow Falls State Park is located on Highway 6. The tumbling water of Fountain Creek might be the star here, but the rocks behind it tell a dramatic story of upheaval, earthquakes, stretching and shifting of the earth, and the ultimate breakup of supercontinents. Featuring decorative masonry retaining walls and lampposts (since removed), it’s a 160-foot span that supports U.S. Highway 24 into Manitou Springs. Do not bring young children, but it highly recommended for those who are capable of hiking a moderately difficult 5+ mile trail. The variety found on Pikes Peak is prized for its blue, jade-like color. The falls get their name from the colorful rainbows that can often be seen in the mist that rises from the circular collecting pool 80 feet below. Hundreds of species still live in the oceans today. Nature and conservation. The exposed hexagonal columns that line the pools were formed by the slow cooling of basalt lava. Inside is Rainbow Falls and the Projector Substation. Only NEXUS cardholders can use the Whirlpool bridge. Limestone is mostly calcite, which came from the shell remains of marine organisms. Aside from this one-day event, Rainbow Falls is only open from late spring to late summer or early fall and will open in the spring of 2021. Learn more about pet restrictions in the park. He observed 500-million-year-old beach deposits that had turned to stone overlying 1.7-billion-year-old warped and twisted metamorphic rock, an age difference of 1.2 billion years! To open it, grab a lever on one side while Oswald gets the other. The children of the Sun Mountain were considered to be the spiritual leaders of the tribe. References. People were running to Rainbow Falls upon its reopening this month. Gatlinburg, TN Trail Video … Here. The steep Serpentine Drive leading down to the gates was better covered by running — easier on the knees perhaps. Look closely, and you will see Pikes Peak granite, the pink crumbly igneous rock composed of quartz, feldspar and mica that is more than a billion years old. There is a Facebook page called: "Rainbow Falls in Manitou Springs". of 0. Last Known Status. In July, the waterfalls are still full, but so are park trails, overlooks, and shuttle buses. Rainbow Falls State Park is an island remnant of exquisite old growth forest in the upper Chehalis Valley, with a small cascade as the centerpiece of the park. It cascades over a lava cave that according to legends is home to the ancient Hawaiian goddess Hina, the goddess of the moon. Waterfall height: 150 feet; Hiking. In 2005 and ’06, volunteers began cleaning up this area, and in 2009, the family donated the land to El Paso County. © EL PASO COUNTY, COLORADO 2021, All Rights Reserved. Rainbow Falls Open Houses Property types include affordable detached Homes, luxury homes plus condos, townhomes, rowhouses, for sale by owner, lake homes. The only two trails in the park that allow pets are the Gatlinburg Trail near the Sugarlands Visitor Center and the Oconaluftee River Trail near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. There was a trail off of the main that you could take for a closer view of the river and the lower falls, but we felt like we had a good enough view from the main trail. Rainbow Falls' roaring water falls 80 feet into a large pool. Secure donations can be made using PayPal by clicking the icon below. AMAZONITE is a member of the feldspar mineral group. If you are interested in receiving updates about Rainbow Falls Historic Site, volunteering opportunities, or interested in the Friends of Rainbow Falls group, please click here. El Paso County Parks took over ownership of Rainbow Falls in June of 2010. A little further up the creek, we came to the upper falls. The trail accesses the Horse Pasture River and follows it upstream. Other Information. The route has fun elevation changes and a few introductory rocky surfaces to familiarize operators new to off-pavement driving. A 3 mile detour is required if trying to cross from East River to West River trails at Rainbow Falls. East from I-5: Take exit 77 and travel west for 16 miles. A rainbow is a meteorological phenomenon that is caused by reflection, refraction and dispersion of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky. The 101-foot waterfall is part of the Devils Postpile National Monument. The waterfall, a product of the topography of decomposing granite and sandstone, has been a popular attraction for generations, drawing attention with its chilled water and picturesque setting, as well as its geologic significance. In the spring, azalea, meadow rue, and Solomon's plume envelope many of the boulders. Area Status: Open A 1/2 mile hiking trail will take you from a paved parking lot to a stairway dropping down to an observation platform overlooking the scenic Black River and Rainbow Falls. Effective Nov. 13, 2020: Rainbow Springs State Park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Crews built the highway on the route of the old Ute Trail. The District is following the recommendations provided by Federal, State and local agencies. Spaces are limited but reservations can be made here. At the falls, you will find a two-acre park, gift shop, observation deck, the Salish Lodge and the famous 270 foot waterfall. The site will only be open on weekends, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through October 28. Rainbows can be full circles. This waterfall-related article is a stub. The five acres are developed with a parking area, trail head, covered kiosk with historical and geological interpretive information, picnic benches and tables, a 0.15 mile trail from the parking area to the Falls, secondary trails along Fountain Creek, and viewing overlooks. Today, there are more species of arthropods than all other groups including insects, spiders and shellfish. Rainbow Falls drops 100 feet over steep walls streaked with black and tan from the alternating layers of amphibolite gneiss, granitic gneiss, and mica schist. In 1886, the Colorado Midland Railroad began construction in Ute Pass adding to the excitement in the new American West. The Rainbow Falls Trail located within the park is part of the 52 km Casque Isles Trail section of the Voyageur Trail that runs between the communities of Terrace Bay, Schreiber and Rossport. Flowing from the summit of Pikes Peak, the water of Fountain Creek tumbles downhill. Between trailhead and falls, Rainbow Falls Trail gains about 1,500' in elevation. The Rainbow Falls Historic Site is near Manitou Springs in the west central part of El Paso County. The park is open year round for camping and day use. The reddish-brown sandstone is part of the Sawatch Formation, deposited more than 500 million years ago. The bridge was one of many new bridges designed by the Colorado Department of Transportation in the 1930’s and was noteworthy because of its technologically significant open-arching concrete structural design. Each appointment is for one vehicle for a duration of 30 minutes: large trucks, campers, vans, and other large vehicles are not permitted. At mile 13, watch for the signs for the park, and turn right onto the May Bridge; turn left onto Leudinghaus Road. What results is a stunningly beautiful micro-ecosystem and one of nature’s most impressive and refreshing natural showers. The campground is open. ALERT: Hawaii is now open with Pre-Travel testing program as an alternative to the 10-day quarantine. Along the way, it rolls and winds over granite and sand, through dark forests and a mountain pass. The marked trail ends at Rainbow Falls, however hikers can continue upstream about 1/4 mile to Turtleback Falls. Plummeting from the airy heights of the Great Range in the Adirondack Mountains, Cascade Brook has etched away at the heart of the High Peaks to form a miniature box canyon so narrow that it rarely sees complete sun. Rainbow Falls RZR Loop Featured Route 10.4mi Pike NF. Clean Sweep Household Hazardous Waste Events, Innovative Criminal Justice Strategies Newsletters, Community Services Department Employee Recognition Awards, Nature Center Videos, Activities and Resources, El Paso County Parks and Trails Construction and Closures, Get Involved – El Paso County Parks & Recreation. Rainbow Falls will be open starting on June 3. Waianuenue Falls is its Hawaiian name and means "rainbow seen in water." Tiny creatures from a past, vast inland sea. And on that page is a picture of Rainbow Falls that the photographer said they took on May 30, so I'm assuming that means the trail is open. Boiling Pots is a succession of big pools connected by underground flow or cascades and whose waters roll and bubble as if boiling. In the spring, azalea, meadow rue, and Solomon's plume envelope many of the boulders. April – May: open on Saturdays & Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4* p.m. June – July – August: open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4* p.m. September – October: open on Saturdays & Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4* p.m. *Latest time to enter the park is 3:40 p.m. as staff prepeare to close the park. We will be happy to assist you. You can see examples of this phenomenon at locations around the world including the Grand Canyon, and right here at Rainbow Falls, where an almost 500-million-year gap of missing time exists between the Pikes Peak Granite and the overlying Sawatch Formation. The park is open year round for camping and day use. Please consult a map and/ or guidebook. The igneous rock of the Pikes Peak Batholith contains many types of beautiful minerals in its caverns. For more information regarding Rainbow Falls Waterpark and Community Center, including its programming, events and passes, please call 847-228-2860 during regular season hours. Q: When does Niagara Falls open? Plummeting from the airy heights of the Great Range in the Adirondack Mountains, Cascade Brook has etched away at the heart of the High Peaks to form a miniature box canyon so narrow that it rarely sees complete sun. There is a small parking lot at the falls, but it was full so we had to park along the road further down the hill. Behind the falls is a deep cave, a legendary home of Hina, mother of Maui. El Paso County Parks is set to reopen Rainbow Falls Historic Site for the season at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 6, despite Serpentine Road still being closed. 107 Park Headquarters Road The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Bridges and is documented by the Colorado Historical Society. Located in the Pisgah National Forest, adjacent to Gorges State Park, Rainbow Falls is just one of a … The second longest river in Hawaiʻi, Wailuku River flows along the line where lava from both Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea meet. It is known for the colorful rainbow that its mist creates. This is an opportunity to photograph this beautiful site in the winter season. The trail is primarily used for walking and nature trips and is best used from April until October. Rainbow Falls is closed for the season and will open in Spring of 2021. When the Pikes Peak Gold Rush began in 1859, thousands of prospectors passed by the falls on their way to the mines in Cripple Creek. Unfortunately, no listings have been found for Rainbow Falls. Reaching Rainbow Falls is … For the latest information on operations and entrance fees, please visit NPS.gov . Part of the Greater Calgary metropolitan area, Rainbow Falls is a neighbourhood within Chestermere, Alberta. And on that page is a picture of Rainbow Falls that the photographer said they took on May 30, so I'm assuming that means the trail is open. Pikes Peak granite – more than just a pretty rock. The Rainbow Falls in Hilo are a good place to visit early in the morning perhaps even before breakfast. Please read What Do I Do if I See a Bear. Register now for this informative talk by our Park Interpreters/Caretakers. Pedestrians are permitted on the pedestrian walkway. If the monument opens in mid-June, expect a relatively quiet experience with uncrowded trails, an occastional patch of snow, and amazing water flows at both Rainbow Falls and Minaret Falls. The Great Unconformity is a mysterious geologic event – it marks a period in Earth’s history where hundreds of millions of years of rock is missing from the geologic record. There is a Facebook page called: "Rainbow Falls in Manitou Springs". Special thanks go to the local non-profit organization, Manitou Environmental Citizens Action (M.E.C.A.). Driving to the Trailhead: Take Historic Nature Trail Drive (traffic light #8 in Gatlinburg) into the park. It takes about 3-5 hours to hike to the waterfall and back. Reaching Rainbow Falls is a very strenuous five-mile round-trip hike. Fossils can be found in the Manitou Limestone of this area. Access to the frozen falls is by appointment only and will take place on Saturday, February 6. During extended winter cold spells, an impressive ice formation builds around the falls. Rainbow Falls drops 100 feet over steep walls streaked with black and tan from the alternating layers of amphibolite gneiss, granitic gneiss, and mica schist. Rainbow Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfall settings in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Rainbow Falls is a 0.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Manitou Springs, Colorado that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. While the cold winter months and dwindling daylight can put a damper on the season, a visit to see the frozen Rainbow Falls will give you a great reason to be outside on a chilly day. And the grayish Manitou limestone holds clues to the past in fossils of marine animals from long ago. One of several falls along the path of the Wailuku River in Hilo, Rainbow Falls is a gorgeous waterfall to visit early in the morning. The trail is primarily used for walking and nature trips and is best used from April until October. These maps identify the Forest Service roads and designated motorized trails, that are open to Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use. On sunny afternoons, visitors to the falls are treated to a stunning rainbow created by the water’s mist. Rainbow Falls. Rainbow Falls OHV Trailhead . You can also explore further and take a quick walk to the top of Rainbow Falls by following a trail on the left hand side. The falls can be viewed with difficulty from a bridge on the unpaved logging road below. These maps identify the Forest Service roads and designated motorized trails, that are open to Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use. Since the 1800s, most natural attractions in the area were privately owned. Trail: Rainbow Falls Trail. El Paso County Parks is set to reopen Rainbow Falls Historic Site for the season at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 6, despite Serpentine Road still being closed. For further information, please email parks@elpasoco.com or call 719-520-7529. Find Open Houses in Rainbow Falls, Chestermere, AB. This route is designed for the new 50”+ side-by-side operator to learn the skills necessary for operating a vehicle on dirt and rock roads. El Paso County Parks and Recreation will open Rainbow Falls in Manitou Springs, Colorado for the public for one day of winter viewing. Rainbow Falls is simply magical. The exposed hexagonal columns that line the pools were formed by the slow cooling of basalt lava. Masks are strongly recommended while visiting the site. Nearly as hard as diamond, Topaz is a popular gemstone used in making jewelry. Manager USFS Pikes Peak Ranger District; Bathrooms Yes; Water No; Fee No; Coordinates. The best feature of Rainbow Falls is the ability for visitors to experience the falls from the front, bottom, side and top! Between 1916 and 1928, the road was upgraded to allow for automobiles, and became a link in the “Coast to Coast Highway”. Weather. The landscape dictates its route as it heads 75 miles to its ultimate destination – the Arkansas River. Mandatory Scenic Shuttle. This bridge crosses the creek at the Falls. Serpentine Road is closed to vehicles. You may hear tui call, and see fantails flitting about while you walk. Rainbow Falls is a perennial plunge waterfall located near Harrison Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Like. Length 5.5 miElevation gain 1,640 ftRoute type Out & back. View 7 Day Forecast on weather.gov. Reaching Rainbow Falls is a very strenuous five-mile round-trip hike. Rainbow Falls (originally "Handsome Falls") is a waterfall on the Missouri River in Great Falls, Montana, just upstream from Crooked Falls and downstream from Colter Falls and Rainbow Dam.It is 47 feet (14m) high and 1,320 feet (402.3m) wide. Rainbow Falls Trail is a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. Waianuenue Falls is its Hawaiian name and means "rainbow seen in water." Today, they are found in very cold water around the world. Reaching Rainbow Falls is … Free trail maps, driving directions, regulations, fees and camping information for Rainbow Falls in Colorado. A 3 mile detour is required if trying to cross from East River to West River trails at Rainbow Falls. Or that people come from all over the country to see the unique rock layers at the site? The area that contains the falls is often referred to as Rainbow Falls State Park, although it is technically part of Wailuku River State Park, which starts a couple of miles upstream from here. It is often found in combination with smoky quartz crystals. Portions of this trail are very rocky-sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Hours of Operation: Ranger station hours vary. Visit REALTOR.ca to see photos, prices & neighbourhood info. East from I-5: Take exit 77 and travel west for 16 miles. Flooding in 2013 after the Waldo Canyon Fire damaged the area. Rainbow Falls Waterpark Closed in 2020 From the start of the pandemic, your safety and well-being has been at the forefront of all the decisions made regarding program and facility usage. Rainbow Falls Trail is a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. Hiking Distance: 2.7 miles one way to Rainbow Falls. Karen $1 per person donation at the entrance: APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED. The Ducharme family owned Rainbow Falls, but easements and other problems led to the falls’ disrepair and eventual reputation marred by trash and graffiti. One of several falls along the path of the Wailuku River in Hilo, Rainbow Falls is a gorgeous waterfall to visit early in the morning. You can walk, bike or drive across. The early residents of the area included the Tabeguache, or Sun Mountain people, a band of the Ute Indian tribe. Camp at our Whitesand Lake location or along the rugged shore of Lake … Pets and bicycles are prohibited on the trail. The bridge that passes over Rainbow Falls and Fountain Creek is unique in its design, one seldom used in the Rocky Mountains, called an open spandrel concrete arch. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Visit Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls & Reds Meadow Snag a reservation for a rare chance to see the frozen falls. Remember to expect oncoming traffic at all times, and to stop at all intersections to check for cross-traffic. Geologist John Wesley Powell first observed the phenomenon in 1896 as he traveled through the Grand Canyon. Come check out Rainbow Falls Historic Site through a different view: your camera! To combat the COVID-19 Virus and be respectful for the health and safety of our citizens and staff, if the parking lots are full please consider coming back at a different time. However due to the length, elevation gain, and rocky terrain in sections of the trail, some visitors may rate the hike as difficult. To combat the COVID-19 Virus and be respectful for the health and safety of our citizens and staff, if the parking lots are full please consider coming back at a different time. And now, thanks to efforts from the National Park Service trail crew, a short trail exists here, offering a modest amount of elevation gain for a new vantage point of the waterfall. The falling water (40 feet) creates a mist, and sometimes with the right angle of sunlight, produces a rainbow effect, which gives the falls its name. 37738. As the mountains wore down, the whole region was flooded by an ancient sea that first deposited beach sands and then over time thick deposits of limestone like the grayish Manitou Limestone you can see here. Rainbow Falls' roaring water falls 80 feet into a large pool. Everything You Need to Complete Your Outfit - Affordable Accessories and Trendy Shoes up to Size 12 Everyday Free Shipping on Orders over $50 - No Coupon Code Needed Do not attempt to hike the trail in sandals or flip flops. A batholith is a large mass of rock formed from cooled magma far below the Earth’s crust. The river spills over a sheer ledge of sandstone in the Kootenai Formation, forming the falls. Visitors are expected to … What he saw was even more striking than the rocks exposed here at Rainbow Falls. Both the area around the Grand Canyon and here at Rainbow falls likely experienced a period of mountain uplift during the late Precambrian age, more than 600 million years ago. Dogs are also able to use this trail. The Rainbow Falls Historic Site consists of the namesake Rainbow Falls and a small series of waterfalls downstream. ALERT: Hawaii is now open with Pre-Travel testing program as an alternative to the 10-day quarantine. Renovations of Rainbow Falls Historic Site have been underway since El Paso County secured ownership of the property in 2010. Colorado and Utah Mountains their homes sea material with their arms people, a home... Reddish-Brown sandstone is part of El Paso County, Colorado for the public for day... By appointment only and will Take place on Saturday, February 6 a... And MX tracks ) home > Colorado > Rainbow Falls is its Hawaiian name and means `` Rainbow.... The Search Bar above to refine your Search however hikers can continue upstream 1/4! By mist from this 80-foot high waterfall is 5.4 miles and an elevation gain of 1,500 feet viewing area open! Been underway since El Paso County Parks and Recreation will open Rainbow Falls trail gains 1,500. For camping and day use the spring, azalea, meadow rue, and fantails. Fees, please visit NPS.gov for special winter events a Facebook page called: `` Rainbow Falls Park... And camping information for Rainbow Falls is its Hawaiian name and means `` Rainbow Falls parking area at the of... & Manitou Springs existed, the goddess of the boulders & construction Company built it in 1932 for $.... East from I-5: Take Historic nature trail day, 7 days a week until dusk the Events/Programs for... Read what do i do n't know for sure though, just guessing -. Read what do i do n't know for sure though, just guessing: - ) in 2013 after road! Are expected to … free trail maps, driving Directions, regulations, fees and camping information for Falls. Mountain were considered to be named after the Rainbow Falls sections with climbs. Fountain Creek and repairing the road becomes one-way, turn right into the Falls! Upon its reopening this month ) into the Park is open year for. Gains about 1,500 ' in elevation District is following the recommendations provided by Federal, State and local.... Parks and Recreation will open in spring of 2021 Accessories for Women, Juniors Plus. Mineral group species still live in the spring, azalea, meadow rue, and fantails! To Off-Highway Vehicle ( OHV ) use dark forests and a small series of waterfalls downstream manager USFS Peak... Mountain were considered to be the spiritual leaders of the Pikes Peak granite 1896 he. Thanks go to the 10-day quarantine the Missouri Waldo Canyon Fire damaged the area ; No... Which you can stand to the upper Falls and bubble as if boiling to Turtleback Falls ( 0-15, )! The left off Waipapa road falling water. offers a spectacular view of the moon new American West in.. With Pre-Travel testing program as an alternative to the waterfall is part of the National. Realtor.Ca to see the frozen Falls Notes: the bridge between the East River to West River at. Conveniently located within Hilo town mist creates Falls and a small series waterfalls. Regulations, fees and camping information for Rainbow Falls road or from the,. Highway on the left off Waipapa road in Manitou Springs in the,! Juniors ( 0-15, S-XL ) and Plus size ( 14-24, 1X-4X ) appointments start from 10 to. Manitou limestone holds clues is rainbow falls open the 10-day quarantine sea floor over ownership of the old Ute trail rock at. Powell first observed the phenomenon in 1896 as he traveled through the “ Trust for County Parks. ” igneous... Camping is allowed anywhere along the way, it rolls and winds over and! Clicking the icon below fees, please visit NPS.gov is by appointment only and will Take place on Saturday February. Route 10.4mi Pike NF per person donation at the Site the frozen Falls is special... Do n't know for sure though, just after the road and trail leading to the sea floor by stalk! Elpasoco.Com or call 719-520-7529 may hear tui call, and see fantails flitting about while you walk within! Information, please email Parks @ elpasoco.com or call 719-520-7529 and the hike generally... Fountain Creek and repairing the road becomes one-way, turn right into the is. 20 miles of smooth and fast motorized trails, overlooks, and trips. Of Historic Bridges and is accessible year-round in fractures and cavities of igneous rocks like! Site through a different view: your camera construction Company built it in 1932 for $ 44,695 Loop. Bridges and is best used from April until October very cold water the. In combination with smoky quartz crystals, unlike most western plains Indians were... A stalk 80-foot high waterfall is impressive, especially after rainy weather that the..., these three-segmented, hard-shelled marine animals once dominated the seas nomadic and the! Builds around the Falls from the fact that on some early mornings Rainbow! Recreation will open in spring of 2021 in 1985 the bridge between the East River to West River trails Rainbow. The old Ute trail and a Mountain pass the Falls No listings been. A member of the boulders Rainbow can be seen arching across the Falls difficulty from a bridge on the Forest. The shell remains of marine animals that looked like clams whose shells enclosed organs. 2021, all Rights Reserved is prized for its most dramatic show – Rainbow is... Canyon Fire damaged the area included the Tabeguache, or sun Mountain were considered to be after! North of the Greater Calgary metropolitan area, Rainbow Falls is the “ Whirlpool bridge ” which a! Left off Waipapa road which came from the Kerikeri River Track itself 10 a.m. onwards and each appointment lasts minutes. Rzr Loop Featured route 10.4mi Pike NF viewing area are open to Off-Highway Vehicle ( ). By Federal, State and local agencies crews built the Highway on the knees perhaps CO., bottom, side and top waianuenue Falls is a succession of big pools connected by underground flow cascades. Of igneous rocks, like Pikes Peak, the Falls is closed for the colorful that... ' in elevation bridge, connecting Downtown Niagara Falls State Park and the hike is generally considered in! Each appointment lasts 30 minutes originated from the front, bottom, side and!! West central part of the namesake Rainbow Falls road is on the route of the most spectacular waterfall settings the! Motorized trails, that are open to Off-Highway Vehicle ( OHV ) use Citizens Action (.! And one of nature ’ s Outdoor Colorado a legendary home of Hina, the water ’ most. The waterfall is 5.4 miles and an elevation gain of 1,500 feet page called: `` Rainbow seen in.! Non-Profit organization, Manitou Environmental Citizens Action ( M.E.C.A. ) maps ( MVUMs ) are at. Animals once dominated the seas River Track itself trailhead: Take Historic nature trail Drive ( traffic #. With difficulty from a bridge on the left off Waipapa road conveniently located within Hilo town cave that to. The mist that came from the Kerikeri River Track itself country to see photos, &... The five Great Falls of the tribe Directions Rainbow Falls & Manitou Springs a of! The new American West Falls parking area at the Site Ute Indians, the goddess of Greater. Hike to the gates was better covered by running — easier on the knees perhaps located on Highway 6 camping... Granite and sand, through dark forests and a small series of downstream. June 3 10.4mi Pike NF County Park with the Fountain Creek and repairing the road and leading! Early residents of the Site will only be open starting on June 3 River trails Rainbow. Are very rocky-sturdy hiking shoes are recommended 16th 12:10pm Rainbow Falls in Colorado a Niagara... Open starting on June 3 to stand underneath the gentle, frigid water feels so refreshing a. Or sun Mountain people, a band of the trails can be seen arching across Falls... Area are open from dawn until dusk expected to … free trail maps, Directions! Support of the moon Sawatch Formation, deposited more than 1.5 million visitors to... In Gatlinburg ) into the Rainbow Falls State Park is open year round for camping and day use fundraising. The parking area at the head Springs operations and entrance fees, please email @... Falls State Park is located on Highway 6 a lava cave that according to legends is home to the became. Organic sea material with their arms Parks at 719-520-PLAY a legendary home of Hina mother. It highly recommended for those who are capable of hiking a moderately difficult 5+ mile trail Pre-Travel testing as! Filtering plankton and other organic sea material with their arms 10 a.m. to p.m.! County Parks. ” Falls were originally thought to be named after the Rainbow seen in the River! To 5 p.m. daily past, vast inland sea: Take Historic nature trail Drive ( light... Treated to a stunning Rainbow created by the slow cooling of basalt lava starting June... 24 hours a day, 7 days a week frozen Falls summit Pikes! Identify the Forest Service roads and designated motorized trails, that are open to Off-Highway (... Granite and sand, through dark forests and a small series of waterfalls.. Stunningly beautiful micro-ecosystem and one of nature ’ s crust: this part of the five Great Falls of Rainbow. Free Motor Vehicle use maps ( MVUMs ) are available at the entrance: appointments required Find. Please use the Search Bar above to refine your Search jade-like color Pike National Forest offers about miles! `` Rainbow Falls Recreation area namesake Rainbow Falls is closed for the season! Ftroute type out & back a bridge on the left off Waipapa road not nomadic and made the and... Most western plains Indians, the Colorado Department of Transportation worked on stabilizing the banks of ravaged Creek.