About Thunder Falls
Thunder Falls is a named waterfall in Boulder County, Colorado, located about 12 miles southwest of Estes Park. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Isolation Peak 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 40°13′39″ N, 105°38′23″ W (40.22749, -105.63973). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Castle Lake (lake, 0.3 mi), Lion Lake Number 1 (lake, 0.3 mi), and Thunder Lake (lake, 0.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Trio Falls, 0.6 miles to the north.
Weather at Thunder 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 Thunder Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
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- Sunset
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- Daylight
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- Golden hour
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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 Thunder 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 Thunder Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Castle Lake — lake, 0.3 mi
- Lion Lake Number 1 — lake, 0.3 mi
- Thunder Lake — lake, 0.5 mi
- Castle Lakes — lake, 0.7 mi
- Lion Lake Number 2 — lake, 0.7 mi
- Snowbank Lake — lake, 0.9 mi
- Falcon Lake — lake, 1.0 mi
- Pilot Mountain — summit, 1.1 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 40.22749, -105.63973. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Thunder Falls
- Columbine Falls, CO3.1 mi northeast
- Calypso Cascades, CO3.5 mi southeast
- Copeland Falls, CO4.0 mi east
- Timberline Falls, CO4.2 mi north
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Thunder Falls located?
Thunder Falls is in Boulder County, Colorado, about 12 miles southwest of Estes Park. Its coordinates are 40.22749, -105.63973 (40°13′39″ N, 105°38′23″ W).
What town is closest to Thunder Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Estes Park, CO, about 12 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Thunder Falls?
The closest is Trio Falls (0.6 mi north). Others within reach include Fan Falls (0.6 mi), Mertensia Falls (1.0 mi), and Lyric Falls (2.3 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Thunder Falls?
Thunder Falls appears on the USGS Isolation Peak 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.