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Ouzel Falls & Back

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.5 (122)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Rocky Mountain National Park
  5. Wild Basin
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“Three waterfalls, one mountain creek, and 5.5 miles of alpine bliss. ”

Caleb Joyce
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Map Key

5.3

Miles

8.5

KM

Out and Back

9,357' 2,852 m

High

8,511' 2,594 m

Low

921' 281 m

Up

921' 281 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Waterfall · Wildlife

Seasonal. Closed during winter months. For road status: nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/…

Overview

If you like the sound of water running out of the hills, this trail is for you. If not, head to the desert. This moderate trail on the lesser traveled southeast side of Rocky Mountain National Park is a pure gem. The trail is well maintained and perfect for your half day outing. The Wild Basin Trail offers many great rest spots overlooking the creek and falls as you work your way out and back to Ouzel Falls.

Need to Know

This trail is amazing during the early summer months when the creek is rushing with snow melt. Get there early or later in the afternoon since parking is limited at the trailhead. Optional parking can be found further down the road, adding a dusty road stretch to your approach and descent.

At lower altitudes you might want some bug spray. A few mosquitos may be present.

Description

A wide, defined, and well-manicured trail make this an excellent outing. This route follows a single trail, the Wild Basin Trail, with a small detour to see the Copeland Falls around the 0.5 mile mark. I'd recommend dipping off to see Copeland Falls on your way back down. This way you can conserve your energy and build anticipation to get to the larger falls upstream, saving your energy to meander through the slightly smaller Copeland Falls Trail on your way back down. Other than the Copeland Falls turn off, you can't get lost. Follow all signs to Ouzel Falls.

Cruise up the trail about 1.4 miles and stay left at the North St. Vrain Fire Trailhead. If you want to, hike in and camp at one of multiple backcountry sites. The trail to the right is all yours.

Continuing on, a short way up the trail you'll find the jaw dropping Calypso Cascades. I'd make this your first stop to chow down some trail mix and soak in the babbling water as it rushes down the mountain side.

A mile after the Calypso Cascades, you'll find the Ouzel Falls - a gem of a waterfall. Check out the falls from the bridge. When you want to move closer, there is a lesser trail to the left of the bridge that takes you to the mouth of the falls. Work your way on up for a closer view, you'll be rewarded with a misty shower. High five your buddy for making it halfway!

When you've soaked in enough of Ouzel Falls, reverse your journey, sliding off to the right to see the Copeland Falls on your way back.

History & Background

Rocky Mountain National Park is the 9th National Park, earning it's title January 1915.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

Shared By:

Caleb Joyce
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 122 votes

#1

in Wild Basin

#64

Overall
  4.5 from 122 votes
5 Star
61%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
1%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Wild Basin

#21

in Colorado

#64

Overall
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19,805 Since Jun 12, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

It feels like there are more than 3 defined waterfalls along this trail.
Jun 12, 2016 near Estes Park, CO
Calypso Cascades
Apr 2, 2015 near Grand Lake, CO
Copeland Falls, only 0.5 miles from the trailhead.
Jun 12, 2016 near Estes Park, CO
Well-maintained trail up to Ouzel Falls.
Jun 12, 2016 near Estes Park, CO
The Ouzel Fall's trail follows the Ouzel Creek up to the falls.
Jun 12, 2016 near Estes Park, CO
Ouzel Creek rushing with snow melt in June.
Jun 12, 2016 near Estes Park, CO

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Check-Ins

Sep 5, 2024
Tom Herr
Relaxing and scenic hike following a stream from Copeland Falls to Ouzel Falls. Gentle slope going up. Definitely a hike to repeat! 5.3mi
Jul 17, 2024
Tiffani Kurtz
Jun 21, 2024
Ashley Bell
my 1st hike in RMNP, so fun! 5.8mi
Jun 14, 2024
Marc Daniel
With Mila — 17h 00m
Mar 2, 2024
Holly Lawson
Oct 20, 2023
Anna Davidson
Started at Finch Lake Trailhead, hiked to Ouzel Falls and finished the loop to the Wild Basin Trailhead. 8mi — 3h 29m
Sep 17, 2023
Linda Hope
8h 43m
Jul 10, 2023
Erin Christmas

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