Colorado Springs is a wonderful getaway for families and anyone who enjoys the outdoors. My family personally visited and found it a wonderful place for kids with many things to do in Colorado Springs, from hiking and visiting Pikes Peak to visiting old ghost towns and touring ancient caves — all in a small city that has easy access to Denver.

Mettler family Garden of the Gods

The area also boasts four amazing waterfalls, where you can hike and enjoy a picnic as the water crashes beside you.

4 Most Photographed Waterfalls in Colorado Springs

Helen Hunt Falls
Helen Hunt Falls, Credit VisitCOS.com

Helen Hunt Falls, named after author Helen Hunt Jackson, is a popular hiking and picnic spot inside North Cheyenne Cañon that is a fairly easy 1-mile ascent ideal for families.

Seven Fall, Colorado Springs
Seven Falls, Credit VisitCOS.com

The Broadmoor Seven Falls is the only Colorado waterfall included on National Geographic’s list of international wonders. Take 224 steps up a magnificent series of waterfalls located in a 1,250-foot-wall box canyon. These steps lead to hiking trails and the banks of the glistening streams that feed the 181-foot drop of falling water at the falls. Nearby is Restaurant 1858 and the Soaring Adventure zip line.

St Mary's Falls
St. Mary’s Falls, Credit VisitCOS.com

St. Mary’s Falls are also located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. It’s a moderate hike of about 3 miles up to the falls (which even the youngest kids can usually manage), beginning at the trailhead, which is past Helen Hunt Falls. Experienced hikers can continue along the trail that leads to Mount Rosa.

Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls, Credit VisitCOS.com

Rainbow Falls sits on Manitou Springs’ Fountain Creek. Now owned by El Paso County, it has seen extensive restoration with a parking area, trailhead, interpretive signs and picnic benches.

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Author

  • Lyn Mettler is a travel expert, author and longtime travel writer for US News & World Report, USA Today and The TODAY Show. Lyn is also the creator of the Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where she shares her secrets for saving on travel and traveling with less stress learned from her 25+ years as a professional travel journalist. She is one of the industry's foremost experts on collecting and using travel rewards with her expertise featured in major media outlets and on podcasts, television and radio.

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