The Rainbow Falls: A Colorful Attraction in Colorado
If you are looking for a fun and scenic place to visit in Colorado, you might want to check out the Rainbow Falls, also known as Graffiti Falls. This waterfall is located on Fountain Creek in Manitou Springs, near Colorado Springs. The falls are named after the rainbow that appears in the mist when the sun shines on the water.
The Rainbow Falls have a long and interesting history, dating back to the time of the Ute Indians, who camped and hunted in the area and considered the falls a special place. The falls were also a popular spot for travelers and settlers who passed by on the Ute Pass Trail, a historic route that connected the plains to the mountains.
The falls have changed a lot over the years, due to natural and human factors. In 1910, a dam was built above the falls to generate hydroelectric power, which reduced the water flow and the height of the falls. The dam also created a reservoir that flooded the original Ute Pass Trail. A new road was constructed to bypass the reservoir, and a bridge was built over the falls, connecting Manitou Avenue to Highway 24.
The bridge and the road brought more traffic and visitors to the falls, but also more vandalism and pollution. The falls became a target for graffiti artists, who spray-painted the rocks and the bridge with various colors and designs. Some people liked the graffiti, calling it a form of art and expression, while others hated it, calling it a form of disrespect and destruction.
In 2010, El Paso County Parks took over the ownership and management of the Rainbow Falls, with the goal of restoring and preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the site. The county has been working on improving the trails, the parking, the signage, the facilities, and the security of the falls. The county has also been working on removing the graffiti, with the help of volunteers and community groups. The county plans to keep some of the graffiti as a historical record, but also to restore some of the natural beauty of the falls.
The Rainbow Falls are open to the public from April to October, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The admission fee is $5 for adults, $3.50 for seniors, $3 for children, and free for children under 4. The falls are located at 10 Cliff Dwellings Road, Manitou Springs, CO 80829. For more information, visit their website or call (719) 520-7529.
The Rainbow Falls are a unique attraction in Colorado, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the creativity of humans. The falls are a place where you can see the history and the culture of the area, and also the challenges and the opportunities for the future. The falls are a place where you can have fun and learn something new.