Is swimming allowed at Copeland Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Copeland Falls.

Nearby gauge (Grand Lake Outlet) · -50 ft³/s · About average

Copeland Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Copeland Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Copeland Falls. Pets aren't allowed on any trail, tundra or meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park; leashed pets may stay on roads, parking areas, campgrounds and picnic areas.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Copeland Falls?

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 Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Rocky Mountain National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

jbkalla CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Peter Ciro Photography CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

50 ft

About Copeland Falls

Copeland Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. It is part of the North Saint Vrain Creek and is known for its serene beauty and accessibility. The falls are divided into two sections: Upper and Lower Copeland Falls, both offering tranquil views amidst lush forest surroundings.

The Setting

Copeland Falls sits at 8,524 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Ouzel Falls (40 ft) lies 1.8 miles to the west.

Ouzel Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.6 mi distance 50 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Copeland Falls is a short and easy hike along the Wild Basin Trail. The path is well-maintained and follows the North Saint Vrain Creek, offering scenic views and the soothing sound of flowing water. The trail leads to both the Lower and Upper Copeland Falls, which are only a short distance apart.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through a forested area with minimal elevation gain. The falls are not particularly tall but are charming and photogenic. Wildlife sightings, such as birds and small mammals, are common in the area.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Copeland Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on any trail, tundra or meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park; leashed pets may stay on roads, parking areas, campgrounds and picnic areas.

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 Copeland Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the snowmelt increases the water flow. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a serene, snowy landscape.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Rocky Mountain National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls, especially during wet or icy conditions. Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging the environment and for your safety.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Grand Lake Outlet, 14 miles away, not on Copeland Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

-50 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 5 years of record

8.50 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

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

GRAND LAKE OUTLET BLW CHIPMUNK LN AT GRAND LK, CO

USGS 09014050

14 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 76 sq mi

Altitude: 8,365 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge GRAND LAKE OUTLET BLW CHIPMUNK LN AT GRAND LK, CO (23 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

1 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

1 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

1 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

3/10

Sun

Low

0 cfs

4/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

3/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early June to mid June, 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.

Is Copeland Falls Frozen?

Updated about 4 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Copeland Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 53°F to 39°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 1 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Colorado.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The bare-earth surface loses about 22 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 8,509 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 39 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 6 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Copeland Falls near Allenspark, Colorado, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Copeland Falls near Allenspark, Colorado, showing about 22 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 8,509 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 22 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Copeland Falls is located within Rocky Mountain National Park, near the Wild Basin Trailhead. From Estes Park, take Highway 7 south to the Wild Basin entrance. Follow the road to the Wild Basin Trailhead parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

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

Elevation

8,524 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.206374° N, -105.568612° W

Land Management

Rocky Mountain National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy or icy depending on the season. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls and surrounding area.

This trail sits at 8,524 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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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.

For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

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

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

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

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

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

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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

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

5.9 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