Rainbow Falls

For me personally, this was a fun trip because we were able to enjoy nature and hike up the mountain to the Falls since there weren't any parking spaces. HOWEVER, I noticed around lunch time spaces open up. So if you're wanting to plan it where you don't have to park in Manitou Springs then walk all the way up, go during lunch! My experience started rocky, pun intended. We arrive at 9:15 not knowing they didn't open until 10 and that's when we noticed there's hardly any parking spots inside that gate. My mom had already tried to visit 3 times before this most recent but didn't have time to wait for a spot to open, so she had to leave. Anyway, the Rainbow Falls attendant came out and told us to drive around until 10 and come back. Which we did. And when we came back, right at 10, every spot was taken as we knew would happen. It was frustrating at first. After we backed out, we decided to find a spot in town and just walk, mind you had a five year old with us and didn't know if she would be able to hang it there. It was also getting in the 90s, super hot. Thankfully, we all had brought water bottles so we were able to hike it. It really was a beautiful walk, at times there's weren't sidewalks so we had to walk in the road with traffic. There's also construction going on, a bit of a mess but we made the best of it and decided to soak in the nature! Once we reached the Falls, BEAUTIFUL!!! It was very cold and I would recommend wearing crocs or shoes you can walk in the water with, there's rocks that will hurt. For us, it was perfect since we were hiking up and down the mountain to get to/from our vehicle, so the water felt great and refreshing. We came on a Saturday right as they opened, perhaps during the week might be better, parking wise? If hiking sounds like your ideal thing, then DO ITTTT. Plan to pay for parking in town and take your time walking, it's worth it :)

Rainbow Falls, more commonly known as Graffiti Falls has been on my list for a long time. During the summer last year, my family and I took a trip to Manitou Springs to check it out. Granted, from the Aurora area it's not a short drive, but not a terribly long one either. It took us about an hour and fifteen minutes to get here and with little to no parking space could've been a bust. I would also recommend looking on the website before making the trip because it's often times closed. There's a fairly short inclined hike up to the bridge and falls. You can "swim" or put your feet in at your own risk. When we were there, there was a staff member watching everyone, probably to make sure no one was vandalizing anything.When we arrived at the falls, it was sadly underwhelming. The waterfall was quite small and "hidden" all the way back in the corner. I felt that the graffitied bridge was more amusing to browse through and look at.If you're coming down just for the falls, I would recommend looking for other things to do as well. Maybe walk through Downtown Manitou Springs or check out Cave of the Winds. This alone wasn't worth the trip, but the town and surrounding area of Manitou Springs is definitely worth the drive.

This was beautiful and accessible for my father to see - he's got a bad back so it's rare he can walk to such pretty falls. There was someone at the base who works for the falls and gave us such awesome information about the history of it. I only wish it would he scrubbed of that graffiti. But it was well-maintained, everyone was really helpful, and there were porto-potties at the start. Just get there early, really small lot.

Trip wasted. Closed. Disappointed. Made special trip to see the falls. Pics looked promising but its closed right now because of some rabid bats but open on the weekend. ??? So the bats dont bite through the weekdays. Im calling bs on this.

The hubs and I added this in to something else we were doing in the area and that would absolutely be my recommendation. This is not a stand alone event to do for the day if you don't already live in the area. It is right across the way from the Cave of the Winds so this would be something to do before or after. The area is open until 4 p.m., takes a dollar donation per person and is a short walk to waterfalls with graffiti on the bridge and rocks. I hate to see nature basically vandalized but it seems to be under control now and it is a cool area to hang for a few minutes and cool your feet off in the water.

Waste of a "hike" as it's not even one. It's nothing but a path to a bridge with graffiti.'The better part is the other side of the street where you park, it's a hidden entrance and nobody there!

A beautiful waterfall on the edge of Manitou Springs. Access is limited due to Serpentine Dr. being closed for repairs. If you park on the road above you can walk on the bridge to get a great vantage point for viewing.

Awesome place!!My brother took me here on my last visit to CO & I loved it. You take a short hike up to bridge/waterfall area. It's a hidden gem.People hang out on the beach.Others just go to take pictures with the graffiti or walk in the water.If your in the Colorado Springs area, I highly recommend.** Parking is limited.

The city has absolutely RUINED this place with their greed. It's actually a joke and I don't think people should support it. It used to be free and you could go where you wanted. Now they've blocked off all available parking with "do not park here" signs and fences so that you're forced to spend $20 to park in the one lot that's decently far away from the falls so that you're also forced to take a shuttle. It's a cool sight but NOT worth all this extra ****. All you can do it stare at it for a few minutes.

It was $20 to park, but well worth it! The shuttle driver was hilarious and the guide at the falls was super knowledgeable and friendly. The waterfall was cool and it was even better because you could get in it and cool off.