Ouzel Falls Hike From Wild Basin Trail In RMNP

Welcome to one of the most underrated waterfall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park—Ouzel Falls. Tucked away in the quieter Wild Basin area of RMNP, this trail gives you alpine vibes without the altitude workout. If you’re looking for a hike that delivers waterfalls, scenic forest, and minimal crowds (at least compared to the popular Bear Lakes Road area of RMNP), this is the hike for you.

Here’s everything you need to know about hiking to Ouzel Falls—trail stats, what to expect, pro tips, and why I think it’s one of the best waterfall hikes near Estes Park.

HIKE TO: Ouzel Falls
TRAIL: Wild Basin Trail
TRAILHEAD: Wild Basin Trailhead
MILES: 5.58 miles out and back
TIME: 2.5-3 hrs
DATE I FIRST WENT: 10/20/23 
DIFFICULTY: moderate
ELEVATION: 9,470 ft
ELEVATION GAIN: 897 ft
HIKE PERMIT: no
PARK PERMIT: yes — I recommend getting an annual National Parks Pass
PARK RESERVATIONS: yes — time entry reservations required from May - Oct
LOCATION: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

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Where Is Ouzel Falls?

Ouzel Falls is located in the southeastern section of Rocky Mountain National Park, near the small town of Allenspark and about 30 minutes from Estes Park. Unlike the popular Bear Lake or Emerald Lake, the Wild Basin area flies under the radar for most park visitors—which means more serenity.

Trailhead

Plug in “Wild Basin Trailhead” into Google Maps and it’ll lead you right. Just note that the last 0.4 miles of the road is gravel and can get a bit washboarded in summer, but it’s passable by most vehicles.

Parking

There’s a small parking lot that fits a good amount of cars, as well as vault toilets. If parking is full, there’s a small overflow parking lot which you will pass on the way in, just before the bridge before the main parking lot.

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Trail Breakdown: What to Expect

This trail is like a greatest hits album for waterfall lovers—Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, and then the grand finale: Ouzel Falls.

We started at 12:22 pm on a late October day at a trailhead elevation of 8,503 ft. The parking lot was full but we got a spot just a in the overflow lot. The trail starts by crossing a foot bridge and is mostly flat and shaded as you walk through a wide dirt path surrounded by tall trees. 

Mile 0.3 – Copeland Falls

In just 7 minutes, you get rewarded. About a quarter-mile in, you’ll hit Copeland Falls, a small but wide, rushing waterfall that’s perfect for a snack break or early photo op. It splits into Upper and Lower Copeland Falls, both just a few steps apart.

📸 Photo tip: If the lighting’s too harsh here mid-day, keep moving—Ouzel has better angles and shade which you can catch on your return hike.

From here, the trail will start to ascend gradually for the remainder of the hike. The dirt path narrows down in some areas but is always easy to follow and typically stays very shade.

Mile 1.8 – Calypso Cascades

This is a chaotic and beautiful mess of tumbling water. The wooden bridge crossing over the cascades gives you that postcard moment. Calypso is underrated on its own, so if you’re hiking with someone short on time or energy, this is a solid turnaround spot.

The water does dry up a lot more by Fall so keep an eye out for it as you might miss it like we almost did.

Mile 2.7 – Ouzel Falls

Once you see the sign for Ouzel Falls, the waterfall is literally just around the corner.

Moving at a leisurely pace with multiple breaks to take in the sights, we arrived at Ouzel Falls 1 hr 15 mins later., 2.79 miles from the trailhead.

Ouzel Falls is a stunning 40-foot waterfall plunging through a slot in the rock wall, spraying mist and magic in equal parts. You can view it from the main trail or follow a well-worn side path for a closer (and wetter) experience. 

⚠️ Safety note: The rocks are super slippery—especially near the falls. Don’t be the person who ends up on a rescue report.

There are plenty of boulders along the sides of the trail to have a snack and enjoy the view before hiking back out the same way you came in.

Honestly, Ouzel Falls surprised me a lot—it was more stunning than I was expecting. I didn’t google a bunch of photos beforehand and it wasn’t a destination on my bucket-list; this hike came as a recommendation while I was looking for something chill to do in the park away from the crowds, and I’m so glad I went.

Pro Tip: If you’re driving to Estes Park after, stop by Lily Lake for a beautiful view. It does not require a hike, although you can walk around the lake if you want a little more steps.

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Best Time to Hike Ouzel Falls

You can hike this trail late spring through fall, depending on snow conditions.

• June–July: Peak runoff season. Waterfalls are roaring. Bring bug spray.
• August–September: Wildflowers linger and fall colors start sneaking in.
• October: Quieter, cooler, and golden aspen magic—if you time it right.

Snow can linger into May and return by late October. This trail is not regularly maintained in winter, so if you’re attempting it as a snowshoe hike, be prepared for icy creek crossings and fewer trail signs.

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Tips for a Better Experience

• Arrive early. The Wild Basin parking lot is small and fills up fast—especially on weekends. If the lot is full, you’ll be adding extra mileage from the overflow but it’s really not far at all.
• Bring your park pass. RMNP now uses timed-entry reservations in peak season for certain areas which includes Wild Basin; however, you still need your park pass.
• Respect the trail. Stay on marked paths, pack out your trash, and keep wildlife wild.

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Is Ouzel Falls Worth It?

Yes. And here’s why:

• It’s accessible but still gives that “tucked away in the woods” feel.
• You get multiple waterfalls in one hike.
• It’s a great “intro hike” to RMNP if you’re easing into altitude or bringing visitors.
• It makes a solid half-day adventure that leaves time for lunch in Estes or a scenic drive down the Peak-to-Peak Highway.
  

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Related Posts You Might Like

• The one hike in Rocky Mountain National Park you cannot skip: Lake Haiyaha
• Classic RMNP Hike: Dream Lake and Emerald Lake
• 9 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
• Colorado Front Range Hikes within 2 hours from Denver

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Where to Stay Nearby

• Estes Park – Great home base with plenty of lodging, food, and brewery options. Only 30-40 minutes to the Wild Basin entrance. Touristy.
• Campgrounds – Look into Olive Ridge Campground just outside Wild Basin for a rustic overnight nearby.
• Allenspark – Tiny mountain town with a couple of charming cabin rentals, and way less busy than Estes.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a classic RMNP waterfall hike that isn’t completely overrun, Ouzel Falls hits the sweet spot. It’s beginner-friendly but still feels like an adventure tucked away in nature, with waterfalls spaced perfectly along the way to keep you motivated. I’d call it one of the best short hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, hands down.

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