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Ouzel Falls

📍 Allenspark, CO🥾 5.4 mi round trip · moderate🎟 National Park entrance fee required (timed-entry reservation may also apply, late May–mid-Oct)

Moderate 5.4-mile round-trip mountain waterfall hike in Rocky Mountain National Park with steep elevation gain.

DirectionsOfficial site

Getting there

moderate5.4 mi round tripNo dogs

National Park entrance fee required (timed-entry reservation may also apply, late May–mid-Oct)

Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.

Our take

Ouzel Falls is reached via the Wild Basin Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, a moderate 5.4-mile round-trip hike with 950 feet of elevation gain. The trail climbs steadily along creek valleys and through subalpine forest to a waterfall in the park’s remote southern reaches.

An entrance fee and timed-entry reservation are required, especially during peak season (late May through mid-October). Dogs are not permitted on park trails. The trail is confirmed open for 2026; verify current conditions before visiting.

Best visited May through October when park reservations are available and alpine conditions are most stable.

Planning your visit

Best time to go

Visit May through October when park timed-entry reservations are available; alpine trails can be snow-covered outside these months.

How long to budget

3 to 5 hours

What to bring

  • National Park entrance pass ($35/vehicle, valid 7 days)
  • Timed-entry reservation (required late May–mid-Oct; reserve at recreation.gov or nps.gov/romo)
  • Extra water and high-calorie snacks (5.4 miles + 950 ft gain requires sustained effort)

Who it suits

Good for

  • Experienced day hikers
  • Significant elevation work
  • Solitude in Wild Basin

Skip it if

Dogs are not allowed on park trails; if traveling with a pet, this destination is not suitable.

Common questions

Is there a fee to visit Ouzel Falls?

National Park entrance fee required (timed-entry reservation may also apply, late May–mid-Oct)

How do I get to Ouzel Falls?

Via a 5.4-mile round-trip trail rated moderate by the managing agency.

Can I bring my dog to Ouzel Falls?

No — the managing agency's page states dogs are not permitted here (or on the specific trail/area needed to reach the falls).

Ouzel Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

We track 7 waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Other waterfalls near Allenspark

There is 1 other waterfall we track in Boulder County. All Rocky Mountain National Park waterfalls →

Quick facts

HeightNot published
Trail5.4 mi round trip
Difficultymoderate
Fee / permitNational Park entrance fee required (timed-entry reservation may also apply, late May–mid-Oct)
Managing agencyNational Park Service — Rocky Mountain National Park
DogsNot allowed
SwimmingNot published
ADA accessNot published
CountyBoulder County
RegionRocky Mountain National Park
Official pageView source ↗

Directions

Open in Google Maps ↗

Source

nps.gov

NPS official hiking-trail list: Wild Basin Ranger Station to Ouzel Falls is 2.7 mi one-way, 950 ft gain. No 2026 closure alerts found for Wild Basin trails. Checked Sept 2026.

Checked September 2026.