A scenic waterfall hike in the quieter Wild Basin area, featuring multiple cascades along a forested trail that leads to a dramatic alpine waterfall.
Timed entry permit required during peak season (mid-May through mid-October)
Private Vehicle (7-day pass): $35
Per Person (walk-in/bike): $15 per day
Motorcycle (1-day): $25
Annual pass available
How to Get There
From Estes Park (16 mi): Drive south on CO-7 for about 12–13 miles to Wild Basin Road, turn right, and follow the road 2 miles to the Wild Basin Trailhead, where the hike begins.
Overview
The Ouzel Falls hike is a peaceful and scenic alternative to the busier areas of Rocky Mountain National Park, located in the quieter Wild Basin section. The trail follows the North St. Vrain Creek through dense forest, creating a relaxing, immersive experience filled with the sound of rushing water. Early in the hike, short detours lead to Copeland Falls, and the route soon continues past additional cascades such as Calypso Cascades, giving hikers multiple rewarding stops along the way.
As the trail gradually climbs, the environment shifts between shaded forest and more open sections with occasional mountain views. The hike culminates at Ouzel Falls, a striking waterfall that drops around 40 feet over rugged granite cliffs into a rocky basin below. Surrounded by pine forest, boulders, and alpine scenery, the waterfall is especially powerful during spring snowmelt but remains a beautiful destination throughout the hiking season. With its combination of multiple waterfalls, varied terrain, and quieter setting, this trail offers one of the most well-rounded and serene hiking experiences in the park.
This article uses material from official National Park Service resources for Ouzel Falls, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
