Wild Basin Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Wild Basin Trailhead is one of the more remote trailheads in the park. Located just west of Allenspark, this trail ascends steadily into the park along the North Saint Vrain drainage. After hiking for less than 0.3 miles from the TH, look for a side trail branching down toward the creek. Follow it and you'll arrive at Lower Copeland Falls. This small, three-foot waterfall along the North Saint Vrain is the precursor to Upper Copeland Falls. The upper falls are a little more prominent than the lower falls, but by no means the most impressive falls in the park.

Follow the side trail back to the main trail and continue hiking up the drainage. At about mile 1.4, look for the North St. Vrain Fire Trail to branch off to the right. Stay on the main trail, however to reach Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls. Just after the junction, the trail will cross the North Saint Vrain and climb steeply up the other side of the drainage to another intersection.

This time, the Finch Lake - Pear Lake Trail will merge from the left. At the intersection, you'll be able to view Calypso Cascades. At the cascades, water falls from Cony Creek over 200 feet as it approaches a confluence with North Saint Vrain. After viewing the falls, stay right on the main trail and follow it as it switchbacks into and out of smaller drainages above the North Saint Vrain.

Eventually, you'll arrive at Ouzel Falls, where Ouzel Creek cascades over a 40-foot cliff on its way towards the North Saint Vrain. You'll be able to see the falls from the raised creek crossing but there are unmarked trails leading to a better vantage point. From the falls, another short jaunt on Wild Basin will bring you to a terminating junction with Bluebird Lake Trail and Thunder Lake Trail.