About Ribbon Falls
Ribbon Falls is a named waterfall in Larimer County, Colorado, located about 9.8 miles southwest of Estes Park. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the McHenrys Peak 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 40°16′01″ N, 105°38′25″ W (40.26697, -105.64018). Historical sources also record the name The Silver Slide. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Black Lake (lake, 0.1 mi), Shelf Creek (stream, 0.4 mi), and Blue Lake (lake, 0.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Timberline Falls, 1.8 miles to the northwest.
More Photos
43 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Ribbon Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Ribbon Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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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 Ribbon Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Ribbon Falls holds a 4.8 average from 6 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Ribbon Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Black Lake — lake, 0.1 mi
- Shelf Creek — stream, 0.4 mi
- Blue Lake — lake, 0.5 mi
- Arrowhead — summit, 0.6 mi
- Solitude Lake — lake, 0.6 mi
- Shelf Lake — lake, 0.6 mi
- Frozen Lake — lake, 0.7 mi
- The Spearhead — summit, 0.8 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 40.26697, -105.64018. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Ribbon Falls
- Thunder Falls, CO2.7 mi south
- Mertensia Falls, CO3.7 mi south
- Lyric Falls, CO3.8 mi southeast
- Grace Falls, CO4.6 mi northwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ribbon Falls located?
Ribbon Falls is in Larimer County, Colorado, about 9.8 miles southwest of Estes Park. Its coordinates are 40.26697, -105.64018 (40°16′01″ N, 105°38′25″ W).
What town is closest to Ribbon Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Estes Park, CO, about 9.8 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Ribbon Falls?
The closest is Timberline Falls (1.8 mi northwest). Others within reach include Glacier Falls (1.9 mi), Trio Falls (2.2 mi), and Columbine Falls (2.2 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Ribbon Falls?
Ribbon Falls appears on the USGS McHenrys Peak 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.