Hike to Ouzel Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park’s Wild Basin is a true Colorado classic. It’s a great hike for all skill levels, and you’re practically guaranteed to see at least one waterfall (spoiler alert: it’s likely to be more than one.). Planning your hike to Ouzel Falls doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our guide to enjoying this iconic Rocky Mountain adventure hike to Ouzel Falls. This was the last last hike of a 3 day weekend of hiking different trails at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Table of Contents
Planning your Hike to Ouzel Falls
The Ouzel Falls Trail is a moderately challenging 5.4-mile out-and-back trail that gains roughly 950 feet of elevation. You’ll want to wear sturdy hiking boots, as the trail can get rocky and slippery, especially near the falls. Be sure to bring water and snacks too, since there are no facilities along the trail itself. You should also dress in layers because the weather in Rocky Mountain National Park can change quickly, even in the summer. It’s a good idea to pack a rain jacket. You can check out the extended forecast for the area before you head out to get a sense of what conditions to expect.
When to go for your Hike to Ouzel Falls Hiking Wild Basin
The best time to hike to Ouzel Falls is from June through September. During these months, the trail is free of snow. Plus, wildflowers are usually blooming near the trail in July and August, making your hike even more spectacular. The Ouzel Falls trail is open year-round. You can also enjoy snowshoeing or hiking during the winter months.
Permits & Entrance Fees
You’ll need a timed-entry permit to enter Rocky Mountain National Park between May and October. This includes the Wild Basin area. Even though it’s less popular than other areas of the park like Bear Lake, don’t assume you’ll be able to drive in. To snag a permit, you’ll need to make a reservation through Recreation.gov. Permits can be hard to get, so plan ahead. See the RMNP permits page for more information. All visitors will also need to pay a fee to enter Rocky Mountain National Park unless you have a National Parks Pass. Current fee rates can be found on the RMNP website.
Getting to the Wild Basin Trailhead for Your Hike to Ouzel Falls
The Wild Basin Trailhead, where the hike to Ouzel Falls begins, is in the southeastern corner of Rocky Mountain National Park, about a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Denver.
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Ouzel Falls Trailhead in Wild Basin, Rocky Mountain National Park
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Driving Directions to the Wild Basin Trailhead:
- From Denver, take US-36 West to Lyons.
- In Lyons, turn left at the traffic light to stay on US-36 into downtown Lyons.
- Just past downtown, turn left onto CO-7 and follow signs for Allenspark (about 21 miles).
- Stay on CO-7 past Allenspark for about 2 more miles. You’ll see a sign for Wild Basin, signaling you to take a left onto Country Rd. 84.
- Take the first right onto Country Rd. 115, and look for the entrance station to Wild Basin after you pass the Wild Basin Lodge.
- You’ll find the Wild Basin Ranger Station, Rocky Mountain National Park, at County Highway 115, Allenspark, CO 80510. You can also click here for Google Map directions to the Wild Basin Ranger Station.
Parking at the Wild Basin Trailhead for your Hike to Ouzel Falls
Wild Basin is generally considered a quieter part of Rocky Mountain National Park. However, the parking lot at the trailhead can fill up, particularly on weekends and holidays. Aim to arrive early. This also means you’ll have cooler temperatures to enjoy as you hike. If the main lot is full, you may need to park further down the road and walk in. Parking is free with your Park entry fee. There is a restroom located at the trailhead. However, no drinking water is available at the Wild Basin Trailhead. Consider filling up your water bottles in the town of Allenspark.
Winter Parking at the Wild Basin Trailhead
Between October and May, heavy snow and ice create dangerous road conditions on Highway 115. The road closes roughly 2.5 miles from the Wild Basin Trailhead due to these conditions. This will add significant distance to your hike to Ouzel Falls. You’ll be hiking from the winter parking lot instead of the trailhead. You might snag a closer parking spot. Other smaller parking areas, like the Finch Lake Trailhead, that are closer to the Wild Basin Trailhead, might still be accessible. It’s worth checking road conditions before you set out for your hike. You can stay up to date on the latest road conditions on the national park website.
Hike to Ouzel Falls Trail Description
The trail begins at an elevation of 8,500 feet. It gradually climbs through a beautiful, forested canyon, crossing the North St. Vrain Creek a handful of times.
Lower and Upper Copeland Falls
At just .3 miles in, you’ll reach the first waterfall. The lower falls tumble over the rocks in a dramatic display. This spot offers a great opportunity to snap a few photos. The views keep getting better. Just a short walk further upstream, at approximately .4 miles, you’ll discover the upper falls. This secluded spot feels like something out of a fairytale. To return to the main trail from the upper falls, continue upstream, rather than backtracking.
Fly fishing below Copeland Falls is worth the time. Lots of fun with a 1 weight to 4 weight fly rod. Dry flies such as Fat Alberts and Beadhead Pheasant tails work well.
Calypso Cascades
You’ll soon arrive at an unmarked, unnamed waterfall at approximately the 1.6-mile mark. Don’t mistake it for the main attraction just yet. You’ll find the magnificent Calypso Cascades a little further up the trail, at the 1.8-mile mark. Enjoy crossing over a picturesque footbridge where you’ll want to snap some more photos. Calypso Cascades is named for the Calypso orchids found here in the spring and summer months.
Ouzel Falls
Next up is the main attraction: Ouzel Falls. At approximately 2.7 miles from the Wild Basin Trailhead, this 40-foot waterfall is truly spectacular. Ouzel Falls showcases the area’s alpine beauty. Continue off the trail a short distance to the base of the falls for even more dramatic views of the rushing water.
| Landmarks (from trailhead) | Mileage (round trip) | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Copeland Falls | .6 miles | 8,595 ft |
| Upper Copeland Falls | .8 miles | 8,641 ft |
| Calypso Cascades | 3.6 miles | 8,956 ft |
| Ouzel Falls | 5.4 miles | 9,399 ft |
You can extend your hike further into the Wild Basin from beyond Ouzel Falls.
Continuing Past Ouzel Falls on the Wild Basin Trail
Don’t head back to the car quite yet. The trail continues from Ouzel Falls toward two alpine lakes: Ouzel Lake and Bluebird Lake. These lakes, particularly Bluebird Lake, boast even more impressive scenery than Ouzel Falls. Be aware this adds on a considerable amount of distance to an already moderately strenuous hike.
Ouzel Lake
Ouzel Lake is a great option if you want to see more, but you’re feeling tired. It is 2.25 miles past Ouzel Falls. It boasts incredible scenery but is much less crowded than Bluebird Lake. This lake sits at 10,400 feet in elevation. Many people find the trail to Ouzel Lake to be one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Bluebird Lake
This stunner, located a little over 7 miles from the Wild Basin Trailhead, lives up to its hype. With jaw-dropping scenery and unbeatable views, the hike to Bluebird Lake is for experienced hikers who crave incredible payoff. Be prepared. This addition will add almost 15 miles to your Hike to Ouzel Falls. You will gain over 1,000 feet of elevation from Ouzel Falls to Bluebird Lake, with a total elevation gain of 2,500 feet from the trailhead. It’s worth it. The views from the lake are absolutely incredible.
Arriving Ouzel Falls, Wild Basin RMNP Hiking
Additional Tips For Hiking to Ouzel Falls: What to know Before you go.
- Wear waterproof, closed-toe shoes. Even outside of the early spring melt off when trails are at their wettest, the area surrounding the waterfalls along the trail can be slippery. This is especially true in the area immediately surrounding Ouzel Falls. You will cross the North St. Vrain Creek multiple times on your hike to Ouzel Falls. This is most common if you are hiking early season while water levels are higher.
- Dogs are not allowed on any trails at Rocky Mountain National Park, including the Ouzel Falls trail.
- Wildlife abounds in the Wild Basin area. You may encounter elk, deer, moose, and even black bears, particularly at higher elevations as you hike past Ouzel Falls. Be aware of your surroundings and make noise along the trail to prevent surprise encounters. Additionally, familiarize yourself with bear safety measures.
- The elevation here is high, between 8,500 and 9,400 ft. This can cause altitude sickness for those not acclimated. Take it slow on the trail and drink plenty of water. Altitude sickness usually sets in above 8,000 feet. Common signs of altitude sickness include headaches, fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath.
- Cell phone reception is limited throughout Rocky Mountain National Park, including in the Wild Basin area. This is particularly true the further you hike from the trailhead. Don’t count on having service.
You may also see quite a few American Dippers along the creek. They are small, gray birds that dive into fast-moving water to catch insects. Keep your eyes peeled and listen for their high-pitched calls.
Après Hike to Ouzel Falls
Whether you hiked all the way to Bluebird Lake or simply stuck with a quick jaunt up to Copeland Falls, you’re likely to have worked up an appetite after your hike. You’ll likely find yourself driving through Lyons on your way home. Here, you’ll find an abundance of choices for enjoying delicious local Colorado cuisine. You’ll find a variety of great options on Main Street. For those wanting craft beers and yummy pub food after a day on the trails, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Oskar Blue’s, located at 303 Main St., Lyons, CO 80540 (great pizza). Or head up to Allenspark. You’ll find amazing burgers, sandwiches, and even cocktails at the Meadow Mountain Cafe.
FAQs about Hike to Ouzel Falls Hiking Wild Basin
Is Ouzel Falls a hard hike?
The hike to Ouzel Falls is considered moderately challenging. It’s a 5.4-mile roundtrip hike that gradually gains just under 1,000 feet of elevation. The first half of the hike is relatively easy. However, it becomes slightly steeper with some rocky sections as you get closer to the falls. Most people in reasonably good shape can manage it at a comfortable pace. But be sure to wear sturdy shoes and take breaks along the way.
Do you need a reservation to hike Ouzel Falls?
Yes, you need a timed-entry permit to hike to Ouzel Falls. Reservations are available on Recreation.gov beginning at 10:00 AM MDT six days in advance of the permit date. You’ll need to purchase this permit in addition to paying the park entry fee. The timed-entry permit is not included in the standard park entry fee. You can find out more about timed-entry reservations and permits on the National Park Service website.
Is Ouzel Falls open?
Yes, Ouzel Falls and the Wild Basin Trailhead are open year-round. Keep this in mind, though. Access can be limited in the winter when Highway 115 might only be plowed as far as the winter parking area. This is about 2.5 miles below the trailhead. Wildfire activity, road closures, and other unforeseen circumstances could lead to temporary closures. This could close the Wild Basin area of the park or the park in its entirety. It’s always best to check for any potential closures and/or alerts before making the drive. Check the latest park conditions on the National Park Service website.
What park entrance in the Rocky Mountain National Park is closest to the Wild Basin trail?
The closest and most convenient entrance to the Wild Basin Trailhead is the Wild Basin Entrance, located just south of Allenspark, CO on Highway 7. You’ll find it just a short drive from the Wild Basin Ranger Station on Country Road 115.
Conclusion of Hike to Ouzel Falls
Ouzel Falls is truly one of the most magical hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This moderately challenging, family-friendly hike takes you past waterfalls and beautiful scenery. Make your way through one of the most breathtaking canyons in Colorado. With some planning and the helpful information and resources above, you are sure to have a memorable hike to Ouzel Falls.
