Catamount Falls Thomas Trail
Discover the relocated Catamount Falls via the scenic Thomas Trail, a challenging yet rewarding hike with stunning natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls are full, fewer crowds
Catamount Falls Thomas Trail
Best Time
Waterfalls are full, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the relocated Catamount Falls via the scenic Thomas Trail, a challenging yet rewarding hike with stunning natural beauty.
"It's not an easy hike, but it is absolutely gorgeous! Take your time and enjoy it."
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The trail is narrow, rocky, and steep in places. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
High altitude means you'll need more hydration. Pack more than you think you'll need!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 273 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Catamount Falls
Along the Thomas Trail
Witness the impressive cascade, once relocated due to mining, now a stunning 80-foot drop.
Thomas Trail
Green Mountain Falls
A scenic, tree-covered path offering moderate challenge and rewarding views, especially in cooler months.
Garden of Eden
Along the Thomas Trail
A peaceful meadow area, beautiful with wildflowers in season, offering a serene break on your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Altitude Awareness is Key
Trailhead Access & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The trail is narrow, rocky, and steep in places. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
High altitude means you'll need more hydration. Pack more than you think you'll need!
Green Mountain Falls in October
Catamount Falls trail? I thought it was still closed due to property dispute. That’s great news if it’s open again!
⬆️ Pace yourself for altitude
Don't be discouraged if you need to stop often. Enjoy the views and breathe!
🚗 Park in town first
The main trailhead is about a mile walk from town parking, a good warm-up.
Woodland Park area for short vacation + hiking?
Hi - We're planning to visit Colorado in July and curious to hear how Woodland Park / Colorado Springs would be for a short vacation with hopes of spending as much time outside, with short day hikes? My family is coming from various parts of the country, flying to Denver and…
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The trail is narrow, rocky, and steep in places. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
High altitude means you'll need more hydration. Pack more than you think you'll need!
⬆️ Pace yourself for altitude
Don't be discouraged if you need to stop often. Enjoy the views and breathe!
🚗 Park in town first
The main trailhead is about a mile walk from town parking, a good warm-up.
❄️ Consider spikes in winter
Frozen waterfalls are beautiful, but icy trails require extra caution and gear.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning beauty of Catamount Falls and the rewarding nature of the Thomas Trail hike. While challenging due to elevation and terrain, the views and the experience of reaching the falls are highly valued. Some find the initial walk from town to be a significant part of the trek.
"Absolutely beautiful! This trail is rated "moderate," but being from Texas, I can say that is an understatement! In Texas, this type of trail would likely be considered "extreme." If you're not used to the altitude, be sure to take your time. Stop and breathe. People will pass you on the way up and back down, but that's ok. We are so proud of ourselves for pushing through. We are out of shape and have never really experienced high elevations before, so just breathing was difficult, but we did it. We bet you can, too. Just know it's not an easy hike. It's narrow, rocky, and steep on places.... but it is absolutely gorgeous! Take your time and enjoy it. From the Outlook lodge, up and back, it took us 6 hours total. We stopped a lot to catch our breath."
Janet Wright
"Such a beautiful area. Some roaring waterfalls that you can interact with and usually no crowds. There is about a mile hike from town to the trailhead, honestly, that's the hardest part haha. Nice little warm-up for people who aren't used to elevation.
If you're near Colorado Springs/ Woodland Park area you gotta visit this place."
Ryan Wall
"May 23, 2020 Took a nice morning hike to the Garden of Eden area of the trail, was great to sleep in, hear the birds, feel the breeze, and thinking of random stuff...
5/23/2020 Went on a hike on Catamount Trail in Green Mountain Falls Colorado to the Garden of Eden area
August 9, 2020 hiked Thomas Trail head
August 9th 2020 Hiked Thomas Trail in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado"
Dani MCDonald
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead for the Thomas Trail is typically accessed by parking in the town of Green Mountain Falls. From there, it's about a mile walk to the actual start of the trail, which serves as a good warm-up.
Parking is generally available in the town of Green Mountain Falls. You'll then need to walk to the trailhead.
No, you cannot drive directly to the falls. The hike begins after a walk from town parking to the trailhead.
Green Mountain Falls is a short drive west of Colorado Springs, making it an accessible day trip.
Public transport options to Green Mountain Falls are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient method.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no admission fees or tickets required to access Catamount Falls or hike the Thomas Trail. It's a public access area.
The trail is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's an outdoor natural area, so hours are dictated by daylight.
No, there is no entrance fee for Catamount Falls. Access is free for all visitors.
Yes, you can visit year-round, but conditions vary. Winter can bring ice and snow, requiring appropriate gear.
No reservations are needed for the Thomas Trail. It's a public hiking trail.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Thomas Trail is rated 'moderate' but can feel strenuous due to the elevation. It's narrow, rocky, and steep in sections.
The hike from the town parking to the falls and back can take several hours, with one reviewer noting a 6-hour round trip from the Outlook Lodge area.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Sun protection is also recommended.
Restroom facilities are typically limited at natural trailheads. It's best to use facilities in town before you start your hike.
Yes, it's doable for children aged 8 and up, but be prepared for the elevation and steep sections.
📸 📸 Photography
The base and sides of the falls offer great perspectives. The surrounding trail also provides scenic overlooks.
Yes, the trail offers many scenic points. Be mindful of other hikers and the terrain when stopping for photos.
Morning light can be beautiful, but be aware of potential shadows. Mid-day can be harsh, so look for shaded areas.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and landscape. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light shots.
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