About Columbine Falls
Columbine Falls is a named waterfall in Larimer County, Colorado, located about 9.0 miles southwest of Estes Park. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Longs Peak 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 40°15′39″ N, 105°35′57″ W (40.26082, -105.59917). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Peacock Pool (lake, 0.2 mi), Mills Moraine (ridge, 0.3 mi), and Chasm Lake (lake, 0.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Ribbon Falls, 2.2 miles to the west.
Weather at Columbine Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Columbine Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Columbine Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Columbine Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Peacock Pool — lake, 0.2 mi
- Mills Moraine — ridge, 0.3 mi
- Chasm Lake — lake, 0.3 mi
- Mount Lady Washington — summit, 0.5 mi
- Ships Prow — cliff, 0.6 mi
- The Notch — gap, 0.6 mi
- Glacier Ridge — ridge, 0.7 mi
- Lambs Slide — cliff, 0.7 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 40.26082, -105.59917. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Columbine Falls
- Alberta Falls, CO3.6 mi northwest
- Timberline Falls, CO3.8 mi northwest
- Mertensia Falls, CO4.0 mi southwest
- Copeland Falls, CO4.1 mi southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Columbine Falls located?
Columbine Falls is in Larimer County, Colorado, about 9.0 miles southwest of Estes Park. Its coordinates are 40.26082, -105.59917 (40°15′39″ N, 105°35′57″ W).
What town is closest to Columbine Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Estes Park, CO, about 9.0 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Columbine Falls?
The closest is Ribbon Falls (2.2 mi west). Others within reach include Lyric Falls (2.5 mi), Trio Falls (2.8 mi), and Thunder Falls (3.1 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Columbine Falls?
Columbine Falls appears on the USGS Longs Peak 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.