Ouzel Falls, Calypso Cascades & Copeland Falls in one hike! Located in the Wild Basin region southeast corner of Rocky Mountain National Park which sometimes gets missed.
Rich in wildlife, scenery, waterfalls, & alpine lakes this area is a gem with lots of trail options.
TRAILHEAD
Spring hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park never disappoints! Before the summer season, the trails are less crowded and so peaceful. However, the snow is still here!
I knew we probably would not witness the gushing waterfalls and cascades but what I didn’t know was how incredibly beautiful the 5-6′ drifts of snow along the trails and atop boulders would be.
Note: The road to the trailhead was gated. You will have to hike in about a mile & 1/2 to reach the trailhead and ranger station from the parking lot. Check RMNP website for updates.
HIKING INTO “SCENIC’ SNOWY WONDER!
The trail is packed down from previous hikers so snowshoes were not needed but in spring we always have microspikes to attach to our hiking boots whenever in the backcountry.
At a short distance from the trailhead, we reached Copeland Falls and hiked to the Lower Falls for a peek. Found high snowdrifts with trickles of water cascading down.
Like a winter picture postcard!
It’s spring! (today it is late March) The warmth of the sun is on our backs and we are in a winter paradise. No better way to experience the Colorado mountains.
CALYPSO CASCADES
Calypso Cascades is covered in snow but I can hear water rushing underneath as we cross the bridge. One step off the trail and you are up to your thighs in the snow. Everything is buried in white.
One trail I won’t forget!
Not having enough time we missed going onto Ouzel Falls. Will be back to see this wonder another time.
This is truly a sensational hike in the springtime. Most want to stay at a lower elevation and feel the coming of spring & summer but I encourage you to try a high elevation trail and witness this in the spring months.
However, I am looking forward to discovering this hike in the summer/fall months too.
WEATHER!
Check the forecast for the area you plan to hike, even in spring. If it looks bad, don’t go! However, if it looks nice ALWAYS check for avalanche warnings. They can happen in nice weather too. Throughout the US >>> Avalanche.org.
In Colorado: >>> Colorado Avalanche Information Center
TIDBITS
5.9 miles out & back
to Ouzel Falls
1,062′ elevation gain
Rated: moderate
3.6 miles out & back
to Calypso Cascades
Rated: easy
Restrooms
Wild Basin Trailhead
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Can't wait to see you on the trail!
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