Is swimming allowed at Ouzel Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Ouzel Falls.

Live Conditions · -196 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Ouzel Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Ouzel Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Ouzel Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Ouzel 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). Additionally, a park entrance fee is required.

Colorado • Rocky Mountain National Park • 40 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Rocky Mountain National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

jbkalla CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Jesse Varner CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

drakenclimber CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

WiggyToo CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

5.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

950 ft

About Ouzel Falls

Ouzel Falls is a stunning 40-foot waterfall located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. It is a popular destination for hikers due to its scenic beauty and the relatively moderate trail leading to it.

The Setting

Ouzel Falls sits at 9,498 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park, in the high alpine of Colorado. The falls drop 40 feet.

Height: 40 feet

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 5.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 950 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Ouzel Falls begins at the Wild Basin Trailhead and passes by Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades before reaching the main waterfall. The path is well-maintained but includes some rocky and uneven sections. The elevation gain is steady but manageable for most hikers.

What to Expect

The falls drop 40 feet.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ouzel Falls?

❌ 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). Additionally, a park entrance fee is required.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Ouzel Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Ouzel Falls is late spring through early fall when the trail is free of snow and the waterfall is flowing at its peak. Summer offers the most accessible conditions, but fall provides beautiful foliage.

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 prepared for sudden weather changes, especially in the summer when thunderstorms are common. The trail can be icy or snow-covered in winter and early spring, requiring traction devices. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the environment and for your safety.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 16 minutes ago Barely Flowing

-196 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

Based on 15 years of record

8.57 ft

Water depth at gauge

56°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a bracing 56 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility. PH is normal at 8.4 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

8.4

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

1.7 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

68 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

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

12.4 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 76 sq mi

Altitude: 8,365 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Ouzel Falls is accessed via the Wild Basin Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trailhead is located off Highway 7, near the town of Allenspark, 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

9498 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.198874° N, -105.601114° W

Land Management

Rocky Mountain National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring plenty of water, as the trail can be sunny in some sections. Wear sturdy hiking shoes due to rocky terrain. Check weather conditions before heading out, as storms can develop quickly in the mountains.

This trail sits at 9,498 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.

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With 5.4 miles and 950 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

6.5 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