Wild Basin Area
Wild Basin Area
4.5
About
Scenic walking area through lush forest.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
15 within 3 miles
Attractions
86 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
130 reviews
Excellent
96
Very good
29
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
1
C H
Buffalo, NY9 contributions
Aug 2020
We knew this was a remote dirt road, but we were shocked at how poorly maintained the road is leading back to the Wild Basin trailhead. No effort is being made on upkeep for this road. We're used to dirt roads, but this wasn't graded well at all - there are plenty of deep holes along this road that will keep you driving VERY slowly and navigating what should be a very easy drive. It takes so much longer than it should and causes more wear and tear on your car than the area is worth. Give yourself plenty of time or, better yet, save your car and skip it! The National Park Service is better than this.
Written September 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George S
Miami Beach, FL1,619 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This area of RMNP is not the most popular and well known of all the hiking spots. However, it is very nice and most of all, not overly crowded when compared to the Bear Lake area. It is about 16 miles south of Estes Park on Highway 7. Timed entry reservations were not required. However, the parking lot was not that large.
We hiked in mid-August to Ouzel Falls (5.4 miles round trip) a “moderate” trek with about 950 feet of elevation gain. There are also other much tougher trails to Finch, Ouzel, Pear et al.
We hiked in mid-August to Ouzel Falls (5.4 miles round trip) a “moderate” trek with about 950 feet of elevation gain. There are also other much tougher trails to Finch, Ouzel, Pear et al.
Written November 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dorsalmo
Florissant, MO1,198 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
We visited Wild Basin as a means to get away from the crowds during Independence Day weekend. Also, we went about an hour before dark, which helped. There were a few cars to navigate around on the narrow gravel road, but it was not nearly as crowded as the other areas of the park we saw. We were alone on the trail to Copeland Falls - a short (0.3 mi each way) almost level trail that is great for hikers who don't want a "challenge". By the way, at the end of the road (at the trail head) there is a ranger station which has a restroom.
Written July 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becky
New York223 contributions
Aug 2024 • Business
The Wild Basin area is simply beautiful! Various trails running alongside a series of falls - you can spend as long or as little as you like here. Parking is limited however, so plan on arriving early.
Written August 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul D
Boston, MA14 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
This was my third day in Estes Park and wanted a trail not so busy as around Bear Lake. Most of the reviews that I read were fairly accurate. The road was un paved but fine. Parking was tight but we got in. Hiked to Ouzel Falls and back which was about 6 miles out and back. I am a pretty good hiker so it was not hard for me.
One suggestion that I would make is to walk along the side of the falls to get a better view than on the bridge.
One suggestion that I would make is to walk along the side of the falls to get a better view than on the bridge.
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LizB316
Waterford, MI5 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
Just like the previous reviewer, we parked in the first lot we saw. The map at that lot makes it seem like you are at the trail head. We walked down a dirt road for at least 1.5 miles until we reached the trail head. Once on the trail it was beautiful. Very nice hike. The only part of the hike we found "hard" was the last stretch to Ouzell falls. It took us 4 hours to complete full hike, including the walk from the first lot.
I always do research on parks/hikes, but failed on this one. So hopefully we save at least one other person from walking an extra 3 miles for no reason.
PS: water available in first lot to fill bottles. If you walk from first lot you need more than one water bottle!! (another hard lesson learned)
I always do research on parks/hikes, but failed on this one. So hopefully we save at least one other person from walking an extra 3 miles for no reason.
PS: water available in first lot to fill bottles. If you walk from first lot you need more than one water bottle!! (another hard lesson learned)
Written August 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bldrgal54
Boulder, CO35 contributions
Oct 2011 • Solo
While my most recent hike there was this past October, I have been to this area many, many times over the years. The hike to Ouzel Falls is probably the most popular and somewhat easier/less crowded than many of the Bear Lake area hikes. At 5.5 miles roundtrip (with total elevation gain of 950 ft), and starting out at a lower elevation, you hike along a stream and through woods most of the way. This is one of my favorite hikes in RMNP - especially when I'm not at peak energy or want to see and be near a lot of water. If you go during the summer you need to be there before 9 am to get parking at the trailhead, (or go mid-afternoon, but that increases odds for rainfall). Alternately, you can park a mile from the trailhead and extend your hike. Either way is lovely. In spring and fall it is less crowded, but you may have snow. 1/4 mile from Trailhead are the small but pretty Copeland Falls. Hike along stream and through woods to Calypso Cascades (about 1.8 miles from trailhead). Then you hike with nice views up until Ouzel Falls. You can "rock scramble" and get right up to falls - a lovely lunch spot. (You even get a little cooling mist.) Falls are most impressive in late spring/early summer. If you want a longer hike you can go to Ouzel Lake (adds another couple miles each way), which is pretty. I have not made it to the farther out lakes, though for the super-fit there are more options. You can also hike to Finch Lake or some other area trails. FYI, Wild Basin Lodge is a lovely wedding site both outdoors and indoors (I've been to a couple weddings there). If staying at RMNP or Estes this is a little more out of the way - about a 20 minute drive but quite a beautiful drive and worth it.
Written March 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brcasrvr2001
Kansas City, MO65 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
I wanted to write this post especially to warn newbies to the Ouzel Falls trail area to make sure to get to the trailhead. Dummies us, we got up super early (for us, anyway) to make the parking lot by 7:30 am to ensure a parking spot. We left Estes Park at 7:00 and arrived on time to find no ranger at the entrance station and maybe 2 cars there already. We parked our motorcycles, consulted the posted map, found the trail sign for Ouzel Falls and headed out. After about 20 minutes we were very discouraged that we hadn't reached Copeland Falls yet (they were only supposed to be .3 miles from the trailhead. After an hour (and hiking alongside a gravel road), we reached the actual trailhead. Arggggg! We mistakenly thought the entrance station was also the trailhead. Sooo, from the entrance station's paved parking lot, take the gravel road a couple of miles further to reach the ranger station and actual trailhead. A very unfortunate mistake on our part on a rainy, cool day. It added two hours to our hike.
As far as fitness level goes, I saw quite a few older folks (60's-ish) and children (what actually slows them down anyway) apparently doing quite well. I, however, struggled. I'm 52, 5'-2" and 180 lb, so heavy. I don't work out (obviously) so I struggled cardio-wise with the elevation. My back and knees are not the best so they hurt with the uneven, rocky trail. There are quite a few man-installed rock steps that are steep for a short person. All that to say, I only made it to Calypso Falls (the second one). My husband (6'-0", 190 lbs, doesn't work out but still pretty fit) found it very easy. He headed back to the trailhead with me while our 22yr old son and his girlfriend continued on up to Ouzel Falls. We only had to wait for them 20 minutes so they made really good time. My back and knees were really hurting yet we faced about another hour to get back to the entrance station. We took the gravel road back hoping it would be faster and flatter than the trail. I don't know if it was faster but was definitely flat which made it easier on me. It was pretty sloppy with the rain but we made it without getting our shoes totally soaked by dodging around large puddles.
Rainy hiking advice (we aren't seasoned hikers so this may be obvious to some):
I bought what i thought was a good rain jacket (REI, waterproof and breathable) but I still got wet inside. I don't know if the jacket leaked or if it was condensation from my skin that caused it but I got wet. I wore motorcycle rain pants that are kind of like those white Tyvek envelopes that worked pretty well but still got moist. My husband, son and his girlfriend wore jeans and the lower half of them got wet. I saw a lot of people wearing stretchy hiking pants that I imagine are much more comfortablethan jeans but I wonder if they were getting wet. Our rain jackets had hoods but the rain dripped down onto our faces. A lot of people wore a baseball cap under their hoods to prevent that. Wish we had too.
Also, the falls are only so so. They aren't that tall. They may be more impressive in the spring run off season though. I've seen a lot better at other national parks.
I hope this helps those new to Wild Basin, this trail and hiking in general.
As far as fitness level goes, I saw quite a few older folks (60's-ish) and children (what actually slows them down anyway) apparently doing quite well. I, however, struggled. I'm 52, 5'-2" and 180 lb, so heavy. I don't work out (obviously) so I struggled cardio-wise with the elevation. My back and knees are not the best so they hurt with the uneven, rocky trail. There are quite a few man-installed rock steps that are steep for a short person. All that to say, I only made it to Calypso Falls (the second one). My husband (6'-0", 190 lbs, doesn't work out but still pretty fit) found it very easy. He headed back to the trailhead with me while our 22yr old son and his girlfriend continued on up to Ouzel Falls. We only had to wait for them 20 minutes so they made really good time. My back and knees were really hurting yet we faced about another hour to get back to the entrance station. We took the gravel road back hoping it would be faster and flatter than the trail. I don't know if it was faster but was definitely flat which made it easier on me. It was pretty sloppy with the rain but we made it without getting our shoes totally soaked by dodging around large puddles.
Rainy hiking advice (we aren't seasoned hikers so this may be obvious to some):
I bought what i thought was a good rain jacket (REI, waterproof and breathable) but I still got wet inside. I don't know if the jacket leaked or if it was condensation from my skin that caused it but I got wet. I wore motorcycle rain pants that are kind of like those white Tyvek envelopes that worked pretty well but still got moist. My husband, son and his girlfriend wore jeans and the lower half of them got wet. I saw a lot of people wearing stretchy hiking pants that I imagine are much more comfortablethan jeans but I wonder if they were getting wet. Our rain jackets had hoods but the rain dripped down onto our faces. A lot of people wore a baseball cap under their hoods to prevent that. Wish we had too.
Also, the falls are only so so. They aren't that tall. They may be more impressive in the spring run off season though. I've seen a lot better at other national parks.
I hope this helps those new to Wild Basin, this trail and hiking in general.
Written August 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CraftBeers
Plano, TX24,959 contributions
Jul 2020
Wild Basin is one of the entrances into Rocky National Mountain Park. It's approximately 18 miles south of Estes on Hwy 7. Once you pull off the highway, it's a dusty dirt road for the next mile or so to the gravel parking lot. Reservations online with a fee are required in advance. You cannot just drive to the station and pay to get in. Your reservation will give you a QR code and other reservation data. The park ranger station needs to see this to let your car into the park. Reservations are by car not by person. A reservation is needed for each day. I highly recommend booking it a month in advance. We had a hard time finding any slots let alone the time we desired. We ended up with a few 6:00 AM slots because we waited too long. Other family members waited too long and could not get any reservations. We had to bring them in our car.
Wild Basis parking is a nightmare. There are just a few dozen spots, and then it's full. There are a few more spots along the dirt road, but not a lot. Going to Wild Basin is a bit of a gamble. You have to drive 18 miles from Estes and hope you get a spot. There is not shuttle service similar to what is offered at Bear Lake.
Wild Basis gives you access to four different trail systems:
- Sandbeach Lake
- Thunder and Lion Lake
- Bluebird and Ouzel Lake
- Pear and Finch Lake
We selected the Ouzel Lake trail and stopped at the Falls. It was three miles out and three miles back with about 1000 ft of elevation climb. I do not hike a lot, but I do bike. I feel like my legs are in shape. I consider this a heck of a work out. There are many straight stair-step climbs. I had to rest at each of the falls before moving on to the next one (see TripAdvisor postings on the three falls: Copeland, Calypso, and Ouzel).
If you pick the Wild Basin for hiking, know it's a little less busy than bear lake. However, parking makes it difficult to visit here. I'd say go very early, or start around noon when most people are coming back down.
Wild Basis parking is a nightmare. There are just a few dozen spots, and then it's full. There are a few more spots along the dirt road, but not a lot. Going to Wild Basin is a bit of a gamble. You have to drive 18 miles from Estes and hope you get a spot. There is not shuttle service similar to what is offered at Bear Lake.
Wild Basis gives you access to four different trail systems:
- Sandbeach Lake
- Thunder and Lion Lake
- Bluebird and Ouzel Lake
- Pear and Finch Lake
We selected the Ouzel Lake trail and stopped at the Falls. It was three miles out and three miles back with about 1000 ft of elevation climb. I do not hike a lot, but I do bike. I feel like my legs are in shape. I consider this a heck of a work out. There are many straight stair-step climbs. I had to rest at each of the falls before moving on to the next one (see TripAdvisor postings on the three falls: Copeland, Calypso, and Ouzel).
If you pick the Wild Basin for hiking, know it's a little less busy than bear lake. However, parking makes it difficult to visit here. I'd say go very early, or start around noon when most people are coming back down.
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rad
Waterford, CT215 contributions
Oct 2019
We stumbled along the Wild Basin as we returned from the Chapel down the road. As we drove a 1/4 mile in, we spotted three moose playing fairly close. Drove to end and hiked to the Copeland Falls. Great place that we just found on a whim.
Written October 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the parking situation better on a weekday vs the weekend in June?
We are flying in Saturday morning and leaving late Monday night. I don’t think I should try this on Saturday being my first day to acclimate and if we did it would be in the afternoon. Probably not good for parking...
So I was thinking we would do this Monday. Do you think we can get parking around 9am?
Written June 24, 2019
Would you please let me know what type of clothing is needed for this hike in June? We aren't familiar with the weather in this area. Also, would you recommend special hiking shoes for teens and preteen kids or will running shoes work? Thank you.
Written February 7, 2019
Short sleeves and shorts, but make sure you have a jacket as it will likely have a brief rain shower in the afternoons. Running shoes are fine for most of the popular trails as they are well maintained. Temperatures will be in the 70's to 80's but the elevation gain on most hikes mean you are going to encounter cooler temps the higher you climb.
Written February 11, 2019
Is this a good first day hike to do as far as getting acclimated to the elevation?
Written June 7, 2018
If you need to acclimate, try level lake hikes on your first day. Bear Lake Loop, Sprague Lake Loop, Lily Lake Loop, etc are all flat, easy-to-do routes that are less than a mile long.
Written July 5, 2018
Can I smoke at the wedding venue called wild basin lodge
Written February 8, 2018
I don’t know what their tobacco policy is. Sorry. Perhaps call and inquire if smoking is allowed.
Written February 12, 2018
Looking for a good, car accessible, place to tent camp with a fire pit
Written June 25, 2017
vicf23
Fort Myers, Florida
Does this mean they have repaired the bridge at Ouzel Falls? Or did you have to go the long way around?
Written December 14, 2015
Showing results 1-7 of 7
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing