Ouzel Falls: A Rocky Mountain National Park Gem

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Hike to the stunning Ouzel Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park, passing beautiful cascades and enjoying the Wild Basin's serene wilderness.

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Colorado
Estes Park
Ouzel Falls

Ouzel Falls, located in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park, is a stunning 40-foot waterfall reached via a moderately challenging 5.4-mile hike. The trail takes you past other beautiful waterfalls, including Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades, making it a rewarding experience for nature lovers.

A brief summary to Ouzel Falls

Colorado, US

Local tips

Arrive early at the Wild Basin Trailhead to secure parking, especially on weekends and holidays.
Wear sturdy hiking boots as the trail can be rocky and slippery, particularly near the waterfalls.
Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail.
Check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

Wild Basin

Wild Basin: Rocky Mountain National Park's Hidden Gem

Calypso Cascades

Calypso Cascades: A Wild Basin Jewel

Copeland Falls

Copeland Falls: A Wild Basin Jewel

Getting There

Driving

To reach Ouzel Falls, start by driving to the Wild Basin Trailhead, located in the southeastern corner of Rocky Mountain National Park. From Estes Park, drive 12.6 miles south on Colorado Highway 7, then turn right onto County Road 84W. Continue on County Road 84W until you reach the Wild Basin Trailhead. Note that a timed-entry permit may be required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park between May and October. These permits can be reserved through Recreation.gov. Additionally, all visitors need to pay a fee to enter the park, unless they have a National Parks Pass. Current fee rates can be found on the RMNP website. Parking at the Wild Basin Trailhead is free with your park entry fee. However, the parking lot can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended.
Walking

From the Wild Basin Trailhead, the hike to Ouzel Falls is approximately 2.7 miles. Follow the well-maintained trail, which begins by following North St. Vrain Creek. The trail passes by Copeland Falls at around 0.3 miles, Calypso Cascades at 1.6 miles, and finally reaches Ouzel Falls at 2.7 miles. The hike is considered moderately challenging with an elevation gain of around 950 feet. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots and bring water and snacks.

Discover more about Ouzel Falls

Ouzel Falls is a highlight within the Wild Basin region of Rocky Mountain National Park, offering a classic Colorado hiking experience. The moderately challenging 5.4-mile roundtrip hike to the falls treats visitors to a diverse landscape of flowing creeks, subalpine forests, and stunning waterfalls. The adventure begins at the Wild Basin Trailhead, winding along the North St. Vrain Creek. Along the way, hikers encounter the picturesque Copeland Falls, a great spot to pause and enjoy the scenery. Continuing on, the trail leads to Calypso Cascades, a series of waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. The final stretch to Ouzel Falls involves a bit more elevation gain, but the sight of the 40-foot waterfall crashing through a rocky gorge is well worth the effort. The trail is generally well-maintained, but sturdy hiking boots are recommended due to rocky and potentially slippery sections, especially near the falls. The best time to hike to Ouzel Falls is between June and September when the trail is typically free of snow and wildflowers may be in bloom. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as storms can develop rapidly in the mountains. While the Wild Basin area is generally less crowded than other parts of Rocky Mountain National Park, the parking lot at the trailhead can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early is highly recommended.