Rainbow Falls
El Paso County, Colorado
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- El Paso County, Colorado
- Access status
- Closed for the season until 2027; shuttle access only
- The walk
- About 0.3 miles return
- Ground & access
- Gravel trail on a significant slope.
El Paso County runs the site. Parking at the falls is blocked because of rockfall. When open, visitors park at Higginbotham Flats, 101 Higginbotham Road, Manitou Springs, and ride a shuttle to the site, then walk the 0.15-mile gravel trail to the falls.
Plan your visit
Higginbotham Flats shuttle lot to the Rainbow Falls Historic Site and its 0.15-mile gravel trail
El Paso County gives 0.15 miles from the site parking area to the falls; doubled for return. The shuttle ride is not a walk.
Gravel trail on a significant slope.
Where to start
No parking at the falls. Shuttle lot at 101 Higginbotham Road. Parking on Serpentine Drive could result in a ticket.
Timing & water
The county says the site closed for the season on September 28 and will reopen in 2027. When open: Friday to Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm.
Before you go
$20 per vehicle, including parking and shuttle. The county page mentions reservations as both encouraged and required one week ahead; call 719-520-6977.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
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