Ouzel Falls
A rewarding hike through Rocky Mountain National Park, leading to a series of stunning waterfalls, with Ouzel Falls as the grand finale.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Ouzel Falls
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rewarding hike through Rocky Mountain National Park, leading to a series of stunning waterfalls, with Ouzel Falls as the grand finale.
"This hike is not very hard. Walking along the river for most of the way. "
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Trailhead parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot. :car:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly easy to moderate, but good footwear is essential for enjoying the hike. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ouzel Falls
Wild Basin Trailhead
The grand finale of the hike, a stunning 40-foot cascade. Worth the trek for its impressive beauty.
Calypso Cascades
On the Ouzel Falls Trail
A beautiful, long waterfall that offers a preview of the grandeur to come. A great spot for photos.
Copeland Falls
On the Ouzel Falls Trail
These charming upper and lower falls are an easy stop along the trail, perfect for a quick photo op.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Ouzel Falls
Prepare for a Rewarding Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Trailhead parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot. :car:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly easy to moderate, but good footwear is essential for enjoying the hike.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. You'll be hiking alongside a creek, but it's still a good workout.
📸 Capture Multiple Falls
The trail features several waterfalls, not just Ouzel. Don't miss Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Trailhead parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot. :car:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly easy to moderate, but good footwear is essential for enjoying the hike.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. You'll be hiking alongside a creek, but it's still a good workout.
📸 Capture Multiple Falls
The trail features several waterfalls, not just Ouzel. Don't miss Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades!
⬆️ Explore Beyond Ouzel
For a bit more adventure, you can hike up past Ouzel Falls for stunning valley views. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ouzel Falls hike for its stunning scenery, particularly the series of beautiful waterfalls and the soothing sounds of the creek. The trail is generally considered easy to moderate, making it accessible for most hikers, including families. Parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends, so an early arrival is highly recommended.
"Amazing day for a hike up a stream/creek into a waterfall. Amazing scenery, great trail. Easy/moderate hiking. Limited parking and some picnic areas. There's a fee 10$."
Eddie Toledo
"Excellent hike, easy to do in a day and you hike along a river the whole time which makes for excellent background noise and many scenic views of different waterfalls along the way. You can hike behind ouzel falls and go on top behind it if you don't mind a little more challenge and the view of the valley from atop the falls is mesmerizing."
King Benjamin
"This hike is not very hard. Walking along the river for most of the way. Calypso Cascades is a beautiful spot where you see a long waterfall, on the way to Ouzel Falls. When you get to Ouzel, you can continue up the trail, to the left before the bridge, and get up close to the falls. We enjoyed a beautiful fall day in 2024. We arrived at the trailhead at 8:15 AM on a Sunday and it was filling up quickly. We got one of the last spots in the first overflow lot."
Doreen Gorman-Mazza
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ouzel Falls is accessed via the Wild Basin Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll need to drive to the trailhead, and parking can be limited, so an early arrival is recommended.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Rocky Mountain National Park. Check the official NPS website for current pricing and any required timed entry permits, which are often needed for popular areas.
The Wild Basin Trailhead is located on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, near Allenspark. Follow signs for Wild Basin from the main park road.
Yes, a timed entry permit for Rocky Mountain National Park is generally required to access most areas, including the Wild Basin road leading to Ouzel Falls. Always check the latest park regulations.
While RMNP has shuttle services for some popular areas like Bear Lake, direct shuttles to the Wild Basin Trailhead are less common. It's best to check the RMNP website for the most up-to-date transportation options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rocky Mountain National Park often requires timed entry reservations, especially during peak season. It's crucial to check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Ouzel Falls is accessible during park operating hours. The Wild Basin area is generally open year-round, but trail conditions can vary significantly with the seasons.
There is an entrance fee for Rocky Mountain National Park. The hike itself is free once you are inside the park, but be aware of potential parking fees or additional costs.
During periods when timed entry is enforced, you will likely need a permit to access the Wild Basin area. It's essential to plan ahead and secure your permit in advance.
Park regulations, including timed entry permits and potential closures due to weather or wildlife, can affect access. Always check the RMNP website for the latest information before your trip.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Ouzel Falls hike is generally considered easy to moderate. It's about 5.4 miles round trip with around 950-1000 feet of elevation gain, following a creek for most of the way. +1
Most visitors take 2-3 hours to complete the round trip hike to Ouzel Falls, allowing time for stops at the various waterfalls along the way.
Yes, the trail is renowned for its multiple waterfalls, including Copeland Falls (upper and lower) and Calypso Cascades, before reaching Ouzel Falls.
Some reviews suggest it's possible to hike up past Ouzel Falls to get closer or even behind it, but this may involve more challenging terrain.
Yes, the trail is often recommended for families. The multiple waterfall stops provide engaging destinations for kids, and the mostly moderate terrain is manageable.
📸 📸 Photography
The trail itself offers numerous photo opportunities along the creek and at each of the waterfalls, especially Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls. Bridges and viewpoints provide great angles.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light, reducing harsh shadows. However, the dynamic nature of waterfalls means good shots can be captured throughout the day.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the falls and the surrounding landscape. A tripod can help with long exposures to create a silky water effect.
Drones are generally prohibited in Rocky Mountain National Park to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check current park regulations regarding drone usage.
The falls are most impressive when water levels are high, typically in late spring and early summer. Fall also offers beautiful foliage as a backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of snacks and water, and encourage kids to look for wildlife. The sound of the water is often described as peaceful and relaxing, adding to the overall enjoyable experience for the whole family. Remember to check for any park advisories or trail conditions before you go.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Adventurers
This hike is also a great option for those seeking a peaceful escape in nature. The sounds of the cascading water are often described as therapeutic, making it an ideal trail for 'trail therapy' and reconnecting with the outdoors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wild Basin Trail: A Waterfall Wonderland
As you ascend, you'll encounter a series of waterfalls, each with its unique charm. Copeland Falls, with its upper and lower sections, is an easy and rewarding first stop. Further along, Calypso Cascades presents a more expansive and dramatic display, often described as a long, beautiful waterfall. These intermediate falls serve as excellent points to rest, take photos, and appreciate the natural artistry before reaching the main attraction.
+1The trail's moderate difficulty means it's achievable for most visitors, including families. The consistent presence of water and the varied waterfall features make the journey engaging for all ages, turning a simple hike into a memorable exploration of aquatic beauty.
Best Times to Experience Ouzel Falls
Fall also presents a spectacular, albeit different, kind of beauty. The aspen and conifer forests surrounding the trail burst into vibrant colors, creating a stunning contrast with the water. This season offers a more serene hiking experience, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
To avoid the busiest periods, consider visiting on a weekday rather than a weekend. Arriving early in the morning, particularly before 8:15 AM on a Sunday, is highly recommended to secure parking at the Wild Basin Trailhead, which can fill up quickly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit