Spring hikes in the Colorado National Monument are some of the best ones all season. The temps in the 60s and 70s make it really easy to stay comfortable on any length trail, and hiking in the spring means seeing some of the waterfalls come to life with the winter runoff.

Spring waterfall hikes in the Colorado National Monument are one of the best parts of April and May. Hiking into Echo Canyon or No Thoroughfare Canyon are a couple of great options right now.

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An Easy Hike to Pond #1

If the potholes on the Little Dolores River are considered falls so is Pond #1 in No Thoroughfare Canyon (in the spring). It's the smallest of the water features yet likely the most visited one. It's an easy scenic hike for about one mile to the pool.

Waterfalls in Colorado's No Thoroughfare Canyon

The main waterfall is in the middle of the route with smaller falls on either end of the canyon. From the lower end of the canyon, we know it's about one mile to the pool. From there, you'll walk another mile to the main waterfall. To reach the third waterfall near the top of the canyon, follow the trail up and over the main waterfall and continue for yet another mile. This is tricky hiking over an unmaintained portion of the trail.

What Is On the Far Side of No Thoroughfare Canyon?

If you start at the Devil's Kitchen Trailhead and hike the full length of No Thoroughfare Canyon you are looking at a one-way trip of over 8 miles. You would climb up and out of the canyon and emerge at an area near Little Park Road. There is a very small parking area out there for people who want to start this trail at the far end and hike down into the CNM. The far end of the canyon is steep, difficult, and unmaintained.

Some hikers walk to the main falls from the lower end, then drive out to little park road and walk to the upper falls from the upper end of the canyon.

This Colorado Trail Near Grand Junction is Home to 3 Different Waterfalls

Hiking No Thoroughfare Canyon in the Colorado National Monument is a great way to enjoy a spring hike early in the season before the streams dry up. This can be an easy 2-mile hike to the first pool or a moderate hike to the top of the canyon and waterfall number three.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

LOOK: Beautiful Echo Canyon at the Colorado National Monument

Located just off the Devil's Kitchen trails system, you'll find the path to the incredible Echo Canyon. This beautiful trail sends you up and over several smooth rocks before descending down into a beautiful box canyon that sometimes hides a waterfall.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

MORE: 10 Facts You Might Not Know About Colorado's Independence Monument

The best way to really experience the Colorado National Monument is not to view it from the overlooks on Rim Rock Drive, it's to follow the footsteps of John Otto and explore the park for yourself. Scroll on to learn 10 facts you may not have known about one of the most popular destinations inside Colorado's National Monument.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams