Trail Description

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Ouzel Falls drop some 40' through a narrow chute and continue beneath a scenic bridge spanning Ouzel Creek. The creek continues down-valley for a short distance to a dramatic convergence with North St Vrain Creek, The Wild Basin Area's primary drainage. While the falls are subjectively impressive, the lively riparian corridor through which you'll travel is compelling, with many streamside locations well-suited for a lengthy respite. Crowds do build quickly, so an early arrival is recommended.

The trail rises gently beside North St Vrain Creek on a groomed path lined by lodgepole, fir and aspen. Two short spurs lead to Lower and Upper Copeland Falls (.35 and .45 miles, respectively), worthwhile excursions if time permits. The trail continues with nominal elevation gain past the backcountry campsite access trail junction (1.35 miles : 8,860') to a scenic crossing over the creek and tumbling fall; from here the grade steepens for .45 miles to Calypso Cascades (1.8 miles : 9,077').

Calypso Cascades - powered by the Cony Creek drainage - fan out across a steep granite cliff face. Two mist-sprayed bridges span a wide area over the cascade's confluence with North St Vrain Creek. From Calypso Cascades the trail winds up and along a north-facing valley wall, passing for a short time through an area stricken by the 1978 Ouzel Fire (2.0 miles : 9,100').

Grasses and wildflowers brighten these once charred hillsides, while young aspen and pine emerge in replenished soils. Downed trees momentarily open the forest to sweeping views of Mt Meeker, Longs Peak and the northern Wild Basin Area. A mild, steady climb through lodgepole, spruce and fir leads to Ouzel Falls (2.7 miles : 9,366'), where a lengthy bridge spans its turbulent base.

A social trail leads from the bridge's east-end to a much closer - and more favorably angled - view of the falls. Climbing the falls is discouraged however, as the boulder-strewn chute is uneven and deceptively slippery. Exercise caution when scrambling around the falls and do not under-estimate its current. Those with time may consider continuing to Ouzel Lake or Bluebird Lake, 2.25 miles and 3.65 miles up from the falls, respectively.

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N40 12.464 W105 33.990 - Wild Basin Trailhead

• N40 12.230 W105 34.391 - .45 miles : Spur to Upper Copeland Falls

• N40 12.051 W105 34.982 - 1.0 mile mark

• N40 12.022 W105 35.293 - 1.35 miles : Spur to backcountry campsite access trail

• N40 11.731 W105 35.426 - 1.8 miles : Calypso Cascades

• N40 11.939 W105 35.788 - 2.25 mile mark

• N40 11.919 W105 35.981 - 2.7 miles : Ouzel Falls

Worth Noting

• Ouzel Falls and Ouzel Lake are named for the Ouzel - or Dipper - a small bird that dives into cold mountain streams and 'flies' underwater to catch insects on the bottom.



• Fishing regulations are location-specific and subject to change. Check with a Ranger for current restrictions.



• There are numerous back country campsites en route to Ouzel Falls and Lake. Check with the backcountry office well in advance, as they're popular sites that occasionally close due to bear activity.



• The Wild Basin Area is heavily traveled; get an early start to avoid crowds and secure parking.

Camping and Backpacking Information

Backcountry Campsites are listed below.

PINE RIDGE
Distance: 1.4 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead
Elevation: 8,880' elevation
Number of sites: 2
Privy available: Yes
Water Source: Obtain water from North St. Vrain Creek. Boil or adequately treat all water.
Site Description: 2 backcountry sites located in a lodgepole pine forest on the north side of the trail just east of the bridge across North St. Vrain Creek. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Pitch tent(s) as close to the indicated site as is safely possible out of potential hazard from standing dead trees. Food storage cable is about 8 steps beyond the spur to site #1. It is in a small clearing to the left and runs perpendicular to the trail.

TOHOSA
Distance: 1.7 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead
Elevation: 9,040' elevation
Number of sites: 1
Privy available: No
Food Storage: Bear Box available
Water Source: Water is available from the North St. Vrain Creek, approx. 160 yds. downhill from the site. Boil or adequately treat all water.
Site Description: Site is located in a stand of spruce and lodgepole pine at the edge of a small rocky bluff. Follow the unimproved trail .3 mile to the site from the junction of the regular trail. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Pitch tent(s) as close to the indicated site as is safely possible out of potential hazard from standing dead trees.

ASPEN KNOLL
Distance: 2.3 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead
Elevation: 9,400' elevation
Number of sites: 1
Privy available: No
Food Storage: Bear Box available
Water Source: Water is available from North St. Vrain Creek, approximately 200 yards downhill from the site. Bring container to carry water back to site. Boil or adequately treat all water.
Site Description: Site is located in a stand of aspen interspersed with spruce and lodgepole pine. Follow the unimproved trail from Pine Ridge toward the North St. Vrain campsites. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Pitch tent(s) as close to the indicated site as is safely possible out of potential hazard from standing dead trees.

SISKIN
Distance: 3.2 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead
Elevation: 9,460' elevation
Number of sites: 1
Privy available: No
Food Storage: Bear Box available
Water Source: Water is available from the North St. Vrain Creek, approx. 135 yards downhill from the site. Boil or adequately treat all water.
Site Description: Site is located in a stand of lodgepole pine. Follow the unimproved trail from Pine Ridge toward the North St. Vrain campsites or follow the maintained trail to drop down from No. St. Vrain. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Pitch tent(s) as close to the indicated site as is safely possible out of potential hazard from standing dead trees.

NORTH ST. VRAIN
Distance: 3.5 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead
Elevation: 9,560' elevation
Number of sites: 2
Privy available: Yes
Food Storage: Cable is about 20 adult steps up the access trail in a small clearing on the left and parallel to the trail.
Water Source: Water available from North St. Vrain Creek. Boil or adequately treat all water.
Site Description: The campsites lie in a thick forest of lodgepole pine on the north side of the trail just after it crosses North St. Vrain Creek. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Pitch tent(s) as close to the indicated site as is safely possible out of potential hazard from standing dead trees.

OUZEL LAKE
Distance: 4.9 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead
Elevation: 10,020' elevation
Number of sites: 1
Privy available: Yes
Food Storage: Bear Box Available
Water Source: Water may be obtained from the lake or from the inlet stream. Boil or adequately treat all water.
Site Description: Ouzel Lake lies in a spruce-fir forest on the northeast slope of Copeland Mountain. The site is located north of the trail and east of the privy. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Pitch tent(s) as close to the indicated site as is safely possible out of potential hazard from standing dead trees.

UPPER OUZEL CREEK
Distance: 5.6 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead
Elevation: 10,600' elevation
Number of sites: 1
Privy available: No
Food Storage: none available
Water Source: Water may be obtained from the creek. Boil or adequately treat all water.
Site Description: The camping area is above the creek approx. 0.7 mi. below Bluebird Lake and is marked by a wood sign. The site is north of the trail above the hitchrack and natural terraces. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Pitch tent(s) as close to the indicated site as is safely possible out of potential hazard from standing dead trees.

Directions to Trailhead

From Boulder, take Highway 36 north 14 miles to the town of Lyons. Remain on 36 to the Highway 7 intersection. Turn left onto Highway 7 towards Allenspark. Remain on Highway 7 and look for the Wild Basin Trailhead entrance on the left (approximately 37 miles from Boulder). Turn left on the dirt road to the entrance station .15 miles ahead. The Wild Basin Trailhead is located 2.3 miles from the entrance station.

Contact Information

Rocky Mountain National Park
Visitor Information:
970-586-1206

Backcountry:
970-586-1242

Campground Reservations:
800-365-2267