Trip Date: 9/3/2019
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park - Wild Basin
Permit/Pass: Automobile - 1-Day Pass $20, 7-Day Pass $30
Trail maps: NPSmap
Directions: From US Hwy 25 just east of Longmont Colorado take CO 66 west through Longmont to the small town of Lyons. From here head south on Hwy 7 (also S. St. Vrain Dr.) for about 19 miles to Allenspark. As you pass through the small town the northwest trending road will circle to the northwest and then north. Keep an eye out for RMNP signs as well as for the Wild Basin Lodge and Event Center. Turn left (west) on Country Rd 84 W to enter the park. Follow the signs for the Wild Basin Trailhead on the eventually unpaved road for 2.2 miles to the parking area.
Synopsis: A beautiful medium-effort (accounting for altitude) hike through sub-alpine habitat featuring waterfalls and cascades.
Trail sequence: Bluebird Lake trail
Type: Out and back
Distance: 5.7 miles
Elevation: Min. - 8535', Max. - 9418'
Profile:
Rating: Moderate (factors: altitude, climbing, rocky trail)
Notes: Adding some extra mileage to the hike can either take you up to Ouzel Lake (out and back total about 10 miles) or to a half-mile spur trail that meets another trail (heading to Thunder and Lyon lakes) which allows the hiker to turn this out and back into a lasso-loop hike.
Track: Ouzel Falls - Rocky Mountain NP: GaiaGPS
Turn by Turn:
-- Find the trailhead on the south side of the parking area and head south initially, turning very quickly to the west.
-- At about 0.3 miles there is a spur trail off to the left that heads past Copeland Falls and then connects back to the main path.
-- A little over one mile of trending southwest and climbing gradually you come to a junction. Go left (south) here to head toward Calypso Cascades.
-- As you pass Calypso Cascades (about a quarter mile along) the trail merges with the Finch Lake Trail. Head right (west) at this junction and begin a slightly steeper climb.
-- After a mile or so you come up Ouzel Falls to the left. Crossing the bridge take you further along the trail (see Notes).
-- Retrace your route, paying attention to the signs at trail junctions, back to the trailhead.
Photos: Flickr