Short Hike to Rainbow Falls in Manitou Springs Delights as a Water Veil Tumbles Over Bronze Rocks

Short Hike to Rainbow Falls in Manitou Springs Delights as a Water Veil Tumbles Over Bronze Rocks

Rainbow Falls in Manitou Springs, Colorado tumbles over bronze rocks on the side of Pikes Peak as it flows to Fountain Creek towards the Arkansas River. The hike to the natural treasure is quite short making this adventure an easy one to add to any Manitou Springs excursion.

Rapids thunder over bronze boulders in Fountain Creek.

We visited on an incredibly steamy summer day, so we were pretty happy to have  a short hike to Rainbow Falls. Walking towards the falls, we immediately became enamored with the rapids of Fountain Creek. The rocks of the Rainbow Falls area tell the region's story of uplifting and warping due to mountain building forces. Reddish-brown sandstone and pink Pikes Peak granite make up the rock formations.

Tucked Away Natural Wonder

Rainbow Falls tumbles down delighting visitors.

The evidence of upheaval naturally crafts picturesque view after picturesque view. Nature lovers, adventurers and artists easily find enchantment at the falls. Rainbow Falls has long charmed visitors reaching back to the time of the Tabeguache, a band of the Utes, who recognized the falls as a treasured place. It is thought that Rainbow Falls was named by the tribe for the rainbows that appeared in its mist. There is no doubt that the cascade maintains the status of a magical wonder of nature like a rainbow.

Graffiti adds a flash of color to the historic bridge at Rainbow Falls.

Historic Bridge Over Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls tumbles to earth beneath a historic bridge. Constructed in 1932, the arched bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Bridges. The bridge had fallen in disrepair but has been restored. As you can see, the bridge has collected quite a bit of graffiti. Rainbow Falls has become a popular graffiti spot and you will see graffiti near the falls as well.

Captured by the magic of Rainbow Falls.

I can never get tired of waterfall chasing! Each is so unique and evokes appreciation of the wonders of nature. Tucked under a bridge and a popular spot for a rainbow of graffiti, Rainbow Falls treated us with a unique experience. We enjoyed our visit and it is a great add-on to any visit to Manitou Springs or nearby Colorado Springs. The falls is open seasonally, so be sure to pay particular attention as you plan your visit.

**While visiting Rainbow Falls, consider also exploring the natural charms of Cheyenne Cañon Park wandering through striking rock formations, admiring lofty evergreens, ambling by rushing creeks and marveling at cascading waterfalls.