- Take More Adventures
- Posts
- Discover Ouzel Lake: A Must-Do Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park!
Discover Ouzel Lake: A Must-Do Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park!
Waterfalls, alpine lakes, and breathtaking views—explore one of the park’s best-kept secrets!
Take More Adventures
March 06, 2025
🌿 Why Ouzel Lake Should Be Your Next Hike
Hey Adventurer! 🌲❄️
ELooking for a scenic, less-traveled hike in Rocky Mountain National Park? Ouzel Lake is a hidden gem with waterfalls, lush meadows, and breathtaking mountain views. This 9.9-mile roundtrip hike offers everything from cascading falls to a peaceful subalpine lake—a perfect adventure for any nature lover.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a memorable day in the mountains, this guide has everything you need to conquer the Ouzel Lake trail with confidence!
📍 Read the full guide → 18 Tips for Camping in the Rain
What’s your top bucket list destination? |
We’d love to know! 🌟
🏔️ Hike to Ouzel Lake: A Hidden Gem in Rocky Mountain National Park
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just love exploring off-the-beaten-path trails, this hike delivers unspoiled wilderness and plenty of “wow” moments. Ready to lace up your boots? Let’s hit the trail! 🚶♂️🏔️
🗓️ Best Time to Hike Ouzel Lake The best months to hike to Ouzel Lake are May through October when: ✔ Wildflowers are in full bloom 🌸 ✔ Waterfalls are flowing 💦 ✔ Temperatures are perfect for hiking ☀️ ⛈️ Summer Afternoon Thunderstorms: Start early to avoid storms that often roll in during the afternoon. | 📍 Trail Overview: What to Expect 📌 Location: Rocky Mountain National Park 🏔️ Trailhead: Wild Basin Trailhead 📏 Distance: 9.9 miles (round trip) ⬆️ Elevation Gain: ~1,500 feet 🔥 Difficulty Level: Moderate to strenuous 🚶♂️ Features: Waterfalls, alpine lake, stunning views 🌲 Terrain Breakdown: ✔ Forested paths with shade and cool breezes ✔ Rocky terrain with moderate elevation gain ✔ Scenic waterfall stops along the way ✔ Serene lake views at the top |
🚗 Getting to the Trailhead
📍 From Estes Park:
1️⃣ Drive 12.6 miles south on CO Highway 7
2️⃣ Turn right onto Wild Basin Road
3️⃣ Continue 2.2 miles to the Wild Basin Trailhead
4️⃣ Arrive early—parking is limited!
🥾 Hiking to Ouzel Lake: Trail Highlights
🌊 1. Lower Copeland Falls & Sandbeach Creek (0.3 miles) ✔ Quick waterfall stop right near the start ✔ Peaceful spot to take photos or relax 🏕️ 2. Backcountry Campsites (1.3 miles) ✔ Perfect for overnight hikers ✔ Requires a backcountry permit 💦 3. Calypso Cascades (1.6 miles) ✔ 200-ft waterfall framed by towering pines ✔ Great rest stop before heading deeper into the forest | 🌲 4. Ouzel Falls (2.7 miles) ✔ 40-foot waterfall—one of the best in the park! ✔ Side trail available for a better view 🏔️ 5. Ouzel Lake (Final Destination - 5 miles in) ✔ Alpine lake with stunning panoramic views ✔ Great for fishing, photography, and relaxation |
🎣 Activities at Ouzel Lake
 | 🏕️ Camping: ✔ Backcountry sites available (permit required) ✔ Quiet, peaceful spot for overnight stays 🎣 Fishing: ✔ Allowed with a Colorado fishing license ✔ Great spot for catching native trout 📸 Photography: ✔ Crystal-clear water reflecting the mountains ✔ Wildlife sightings including moose, elk, and birds |
⚠️ Safety Tips for the Ouzel Lake Hike
⏰ Start Early:
✔ Avoid afternoon thunderstorms ✔ Beat the crowds & heat
⚡ Watch for Lightning:
✔ If a storm rolls in, avoid exposed areas ✔ Descend quickly to lower ground
🚰 Stay Hydrated:
✔ Bring at least 2 liters of water per person ✔ Use a hydration pack or water filter
🐻 Be Bear Aware:
✔ Store food properly in bear-proof containers ✔ Carry bear spray if camping overnight
🚶♂️ Other Incredible Day Hikes Nearby
🥾 Bluebird Lake Hike (Additional 7.2 miles roundtrip)
✔ More challenging but incredibly scenic ✔ Less crowded than other hikes
🏔️ Thunder Lake Trail (12.6 miles roundtrip)
✔ Stunning lake views & peaceful surroundings ✔ Great for an overnight trip
⏳ Ready to Experience the Beauty of Ouzel Lake?
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, fishing in alpine lakes, or capturing breathtaking views, Ouzel Lake is a must-hike destination in Rocky Mountain National Park. 📍 What’s your favorite hidden gem in the Rockies? Reply & let us know! 🌲 See you on the trails! 🏞️ |
🌍 More Travel Inspiration!
If you’re dreaming of budget-friendly adventures, we’ve got plenty more guides to help you plan your next trip:
🔹 Love scenic road trips? Check out these Best Day Trips from the Bay Area 🚗 🔹 Looking for an unforgettable camping experience? Try a Tree Tent Campsite 🌲 🔹 Exploring Mexico? Don’t miss our guide to the Best Things to Do in Tijuana 🇲🇽 🔹 Chasing waterfalls? Plan a Hike to Ouzel Lake 🏔️ 🔹 Rainy camping trip? Be prepared with these Tips for Camping in the Rain 🌧️🏕️ 🔹 Camping in California? Check out the Best Campgrounds for Tents & RVs 🏕️ | 🔹 Hiking fan? Explore the Top Hiking Trails in America 🥾 🔹 Heading to Vietnam? Plan your trip with our Vietnam Travel Guide 🇻🇳 🔹 Want to camp in Utah? Here are the Best Places to Camp in Utah ⛺ 🔹 Exploring Texas? Don’t miss these RV Parks in Texas 🚍 |
Wherever you’re headed, we’re here to help you Take More Adventures! ✈️🌎 🚀
Did you enjoy this post? |