Beautiful Maxwell Falls Day Hiking Near Denver

Maxwell Falls is a popular day hike close to Denver.

If you don’t want to get up into the high country but want mountain fresh air, Aspens and Pine trees. This is it!

Added bonus is a waterfall!

The Trailhead is about 40 minutes from Denver and just outside of the beautiful mountain town of Evergreen, CO.

I’ve lived in Evergreen for 47 years and what used to be a secret high school hangout has now become a popular hiking destination.

Maxwell Falls is perfect to get your heart pumping and keep in shape for snowshoeing or summer hiking on the high country trails.

NOTE!!! Due to the increase in popularity and the proximity to Denver this area has become a bit of a trash pit. Being a local I ask that not only on this trail but ANY trail in our National Forests throughout Colorado you be considerate and abide by Leave no Trace ethics and that includes those little colorful dog poop bags.

There are two trailheads, we started at the Lower Trailhead. It’s a pretty steady incline but manageable through a thick forest of pines and Aspens.

There are several options after the footbridge. You can continue on for about 2 miles to Maxwell Falls or take Cliff Loop trail which will take you just above the Falls and hike down to them. Either way its a nice hike.

Really quiet in winter, not many hikers about or wildlife. The smells of snow and pines and the crisp air seemed to envelope us.

Two more highly recommended hiking destinations in the mountains not far from Denver, Flying J Ranch Open Space and Staunton State Park.

So pumped up we hiked right past the Falls. It was easy to miss, you couldn’t hear the Falls, they are frozen and the signage is slightly hidden and very small.

It’s a short, rocky hike down to the Falls.

A trail you want to be prepared for with appropriate hiking gear. Please check out “What’s in Your Day Pack” for a list of recommended items anytime hiking.

So different in winter, a must see!

Back on the trail, go above the Falls, beautiful scenery, lots of rocks and a perfect spot for lunch. Here we continued on past the Cliff Loop Trail turn for about another ½ mile to see the upper Trailhead.

For a shorter hike to Maxwell Falls. Start at the upper Trailhead and hike down ½ mile to the Falls, and hike back.

LOCATED: South of Evergreen CO, on Hwy 73, take Brook Forest Rd for 3 miles for the Lower Maxwell Falls Trailhead. Keep on Brook Forest Rd until you reach Black Mountain Rd, turn left and go about 1 ¼ miles to Upper Trailhead.

3 hiking options to the Falls

Short hike – upper Trailhead, 1 mile

Cliff Loop Trail – 3 miles

Lower Trailhead – 4 miles out and back

TIDBITS

4.2 miles

Rated: moderate

Family friendly

Dogs allowed on leashes

Horseback and mountain biking

Lots of shade

Extremely busy in summer

Arapaho National Forest