Is swimming allowed at Calypso Cascades?

No, swimming is not allowed at Calypso Cascades.

Live Conditions · 53 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Calypso Cascades

Q: Are dogs allowed at Calypso Cascades?

No, dogs are not allowed at Calypso Cascades.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Calypso Cascades?

Yes, there is a fee of $30.00. A permit is also required. A timed entry reservation is required to access Rocky Mountain National Park during peak season (May through October).

Colorado • Rocky Mountain National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Rocky Mountain National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Ellyn B. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

jbkalla CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

objectfox CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

700 ft

About Calypso Cascades

Calypso Cascades is a picturesque waterfall located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. It features a series of cascading falls surrounded by lush forest, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

Calypso Cascades sits at 9,291 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, fed by the Colorado River Bl Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Co., in the high alpine of Colorado.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Ouzel Falls (40 ft) lies 0.6 miles to the northwest.

Ouzel Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 3.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 700 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Calypso Cascades is well-maintained and winds through a beautiful forested area with views of creeks and smaller waterfalls along the way. The trail is moderately steep in some sections but is manageable for most hikers.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a serene hike through dense forest, the sound of rushing water, and stunning views of the cascading falls. The area is typically less crowded than other parts of the park, offering a peaceful experience.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Calypso Cascades?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $30.00
Permit required
A timed entry reservation is required to access Rocky Mountain National Park during peak season (May through October).

🏊 Is There Swimming at Calypso Cascades?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the trail is clear of snow and the cascades are flowing strongly due to snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Rocky Mountain National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the cascades. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so be prepared for rain or sudden temperature drops. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Moderate

53 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

56 92 758 1.3k

Based on 23 years of record

1.63 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

COLORADO RIVER BL SHADOW MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR, CO.

USGS 09015000

13.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 190 sq mi

Altitude: 8,326 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COLORADO RIVER BL SHADOW MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR, CO. (21 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

53 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

61 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

44 cfs

9/10

Sun

Moderate

49 cfs

9/10

Mon

Moderate

45 cfs

9/10

Tue

Moderate

41 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

39 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

28 cfs

9/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to early August, peaking in June.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Allenspark hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Calypso Cascades is accessed via the Wild Basin Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trailhead is located off Highway 7, south of Estes Park, Colorado.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Wild Basin Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

9,291 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.194152° N, -105.590558° W

Land Management

Rocky Mountain National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be muddy or icy depending on the season. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for sudden weather changes.

This trail sits at 9,291 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 3.6 miles and 700 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

CAMP DICK

5.8 miles away · 42 sites

Reservable

Overview Camp Dick is the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp that was established in the 1930s. It is located just off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, on the Middle Saint Vrain Creek.Recreation The Middle Saint Vrain Creek is a good fly-fishing stream where anglers cast for rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. Many trails in the vicinity are open to hiking and biking, including Sourdough and Buchanan Pass trails. The Indian Peaks Wilderness boundary is four miles from the west end of the ca

Book on Recreation.gov