Hike Ouzel Falls
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
You're hiking above 8,500 feet the entire time. If you drove up from Denver that morning, the altitude can hit harder than the trail itself — slow your pace and hydrate aggressively.
The creek crossings near Calypso Cascades get slippery with spray. Watch your footing on wet rock, especially if you're in trail runners instead of boots.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Arrive before 8 AM to snag parking at Wild Basin Trailhead — the lot holds maybe 30 cars and fills fast by mid-morning in summer. Once it's full, you're walking an extra mile and a half on pavement.
When the seasonal gate closes (typically October through May), the road adds 1.5 miles each way to your hike, turning this into a legit 8.4-mile day. Plan your pace accordingly and bring extra snacks.
The old burn area between Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls is the best photography zone on the trail — wildflowers carpet the hillside in July, and the open views of the surrounding peaks only exist because of the fire. Shoot in morning light when the falls face east.
Photos
NPS Photo / Karen Daugherty
