Colorado Springs, CO, Monday, June 25, 2012 – The El Paso County Parks Department has closed the Rainbow Falls Recreation Area in Manitou Springs due to the Waldo Canyon Fire.
Rainbow Falls is a small waterfall area just west of Manitou Springs. It is located along the historic old stage trail that covered wagons used to carry supplies to the early miners in Cripple Creek back in the 1800’s. The area had been “cutoff” from most use with the construction of the Highway 24 Bypass over Manitou Springs.
Until two years ago it was in private ownership and had become known as “Graffiti Falls” because of all the spray paint and trash that littered the area. El Paso County Parks acquired the property two years ago for $10.00 and working with Manitou Environmental Citizens Action (MECA) and other groups has restored the area for picnickers, hikers and tourists.
Last week a new information kiosk was unveiled at the park entrance. The kiosk, created by volunteers, is as much art as it is an information center.
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com