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 Reporter |
Summary: The trailheads west from the switchback along the old road bed, then parallels Cascade Creek. The trail ends at the falls just beneath an overpass from highway 24. These falls have been nicknamed Graffiti Falls, and quite appropriately. Trailhead: Head West from Colorado Springs. At the Cave of the Winds stoplight turn south and head towards Manitou Springs. When the road comes to a switchback, park in the small parking area on the outside of the switchback. (Lat:38.8681 Lon:-104.92411) Trail Guides for Ute Pass Falls: Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Ranger Contact: None Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joshua Friesema, who has posted 97 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by L.F. on 3/10/2011 The place is beautiful and the graffiti makes it unique and fun. i hope that no one ever tries to cover it all up. recently there have been people painting over it.
Reviewed by Krista on 12/15/2010 Rainbow Falls or Ute Pass Falls is somewhere i grew up going to and continue to go to today. it use to be a wagon path to the gold mines but later turned into a tourist attraction because of the water hole and the rainbows caused by the falling water. but since the highway on ramp has been added the rainbows have dissipated and a blanket of graffiti now covers the bridge and surrounding rocks. i still have hope for this hidden treasure. and am studying it to see what i can do to help. the best connection i have found thus far is MECA an environmentalist group founded by L'aura Montgomery. 
Reviewed by Brian on 11/9/2010 Just to help out with directions, the cave of the winds stoplight west of the Springs is on US 24 West, past Manitou. 
Reviewed by BB on 10/3/2010 The person below me is an idiot because it's not known officially as Rainbow Falls but Grafitti Falls.
Reviewed by Melissa on 3/23/2010 The falls are very pretty all year round and are officially known as "Rainbow Falls". Visitors to the Cliff House Hotel in Manitou around the turn of the 20th century were offered guided mule rides to Rainbow Falls. Since Hwy 24 was built right over these falls, it's become a nearly forgotten gem. Very easy to get to-For Newbie: Take Highway 24 West and follow the directions from there, OR take Colorado Ave west which turns into Manitou Ave, follow all the way through Manitou Springs until you get to a fork in the road with a statue of a Native American pouring out mineral water. (Take a couple of empty water bottles to fill :) Take the right fork and when you get to the switchback, park there and walk along the creek. 
Reviewed by Newbie on 8/4/2009 I'm sure the hike is great, but the review sucks. Unless you've already been there, 'west of co springs' could be one of twenty roads, since the map (and all other links) don't work. Help a brother out!
Reviewed by Aaron on 5/8/2007 This is one of my favorite places to go, it's fun to see all the graffiti at the bridge, and if you are daring enough, to get wet and go back into the waterfall/cave area. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, El Paso County Hiking, El Paso County Trails, El Paso County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
