Wild Basin Trailhead: Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park's Wild Side

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Discover the serene beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park from the Wild Basin Trailhead, offering trails to stunning waterfalls and alpine lakes.

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Wild Basin Trailhead

The Wild Basin Trailhead, located near Allenspark, Colorado, provides access to a less-crowded section of Rocky Mountain National Park, leading to stunning destinations like Ouzel Falls, Calypso Cascades, and several pristine alpine lakes. It's a starting point for various hiking trails that showcase the park's natural beauty.

A brief summary to Wild Basin Trailhead

Allenspark, Colorado, 80510, US

Local tips

Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the parking lot fills up quickly.
Bring layers, as weather in the mountains can change rapidly.
Purchase your park pass online in advance to save time at the entrance.
Be prepared for a bumpy ride on the unpaved road leading to the trailhead.
Check the status of timed entry permits, which may be required to enter the park during certain times of the year.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

Copeland Falls

Copeland Falls: A Wild Basin Jewel

Calypso Cascades

Calypso Cascades: A Wild Basin Jewel

Ouzel Falls

Ouzel Falls: A Wild Basin Jewel

Getting There

Driving

From Allenspark, head north on CO-7. A few miles past Allenspark, look for the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance sign indicating Wild Basin Trailhead. Turn left and drive a short distance to the park entrance where you may need to pay an entrance fee or present a park pass. Continue on the dirt road to the parking area at the end. Be aware that the last section of the road is narrow and unpaved. Note: During busy times, parking at the trailhead fills up quickly. If the main lot is full, consider parking at the overflow lot, which may add a mile to your hike. Cost: * Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle for 7 days. * Timed Entry Permit: $2 per vehicle (if applicable).

Discover more about Wild Basin Trailhead

Wild Basin Trailhead, nestled near Allenspark, Colorado, serves as a portal to the southeastern corner of Rocky Mountain National Park, offering a more secluded and serene experience compared to the park's more frequented areas. This trailhead is the jumping-off point for numerous trails that wind through the Wild Basin, a region celebrated for its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and shimmering alpine lakes. The trails from Wild Basin Trailhead cater to a range of hiking abilities, from moderate day hikes to more challenging backpacking trips. Popular destinations include the picturesque Copeland Falls, the stunning Calypso Cascades, and the majestic Ouzel Falls, each offering unique perspectives on the area's natural beauty. For those seeking a longer trek, trails extend to serene alpine lakes such as Bluebird Lake, Thunder Lake, Finch Lake and Pear Lake. Wild Basin is named after the American dipper, a bird species called Cinclus mexicanus, also known as an Ouzel. Both Ouzel Falls and Ouzel Lake are named in honor of this bird. Visitors should note that the road leading to the trailhead becomes a narrow, unpaved road for the last stretch, making it unsuitable for RVs. Parking is available at the trailhead, but it tends to fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season, so arriving early is highly recommended.