Discover the Thrills of Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado | National Parks | Plan Your Trip

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Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park offers challenging hikes, stunning alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and thrilling scrambles. Experience its remote beauty and solitude with adventures for every season, perfect for dedicated explorers.

Wild Basin is one of the crown jewels on the eastern side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Like Glacier Gorge and Longs Peak, it doesn’t surrender its treasures easily. Adventurers must work hard to reach its remote and pristine areas. With stunning alpine scenery, majestic mountain lakes, wildflower meadows, cascading waterfalls, and challenging ridge scrambles, Wild Basin offers a wilderness experience that is both demanding and rewarding.

Whether you’re hiking to Bluebird Lake in the summer or snowshoeing to Sandbeach Lake in the winter, Wild Basin promises unforgettable adventures. Be prepared for long trails, as most adventures in this area involve more than 10 miles of hiking.

First looks at Bluebird Lake in Wild Basin in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park.

Read our complete Colorado travel and adventure guide here.

Getting to Wild Basin

To access Wild Basin, head south from Estes Park on Highway 7 for approximately 12 miles. Turn right at the sign for Wild Basin and follow the road to the Wild Basin Entrance Station. Here, you’ll find parking areas and the Wild Basin Ranger Station, where you can get maps and trail information. The trailheads for many of Wild Basin’s adventures start from this point. Note that parking can be limited, especially during peak summer months, so arriving early is recommended.

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Best Adventures

Summer Adventures

Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, Ouzel Falls: These three stunning waterfalls are must-see destinations within Wild Basin, each offering a unique glimpse into the area’s natural beauty. A relatively easy hike of about 1.5 miles from the Wild Basin Trailhead leads you first to Copeland Falls, where you can enjoy the gentle, cascading waters and serene surroundings. Continuing along the trail, you will reach Calypso Cascades after another 1.8 miles, where water tumbles down a series of rocky steps, creating a picturesque scene perfect for photography.

A further mile brings you to Ouzel Falls, the most dramatic of the three, with water plunging over a high cliff into a refreshing pool below. These falls make for excellent shorter hikes and can be part of longer adventures deeper into the Wild Basin area.

Calypso Cascades

Bluebird Lake: One of the most beautiful and challenging hikes in Wild Basin, the trail to Bluebird Lake is about 6 miles one way. The trail ascends through lush forests, past Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, and Ouzel Falls, eventually reaching the serene Bluebird Lake nestled among towering peaks. The hike is strenuous but rewards with spectacular alpine scenery and vibrant wildflowers. This adventure is ideal for those seeking a blend of physical challenge and breathtaking natural beauty. Plan for a full day hike and bring plenty of water and snacks.

The iconic Bluebird Lake perspective.

Lion Lakes: This adventure involves a strenuous hike of over 12 miles round trip, leading to the picturesque Lion Lakes. Starting from the Wild Basin Trailhead, the trail takes you past Copeland Falls and the cascading waters of Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls. The climb to Lion Lakes is steep and challenging but offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and pristine waters of the alpine lakes. The remote location and stunning scenery make this a rewarding hike for experienced hikers.

Lion Lake #1 with Mt. Alice behind.

Thunder Lake: A 13-mile round trip hike, Thunder Lake is a popular destination for those seeking a challenging adventure. The trail climbs steadily through dense forests, offering glimpses of cascading waterfalls and rugged peaks. Thunder Lake itself is a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by towering mountains, providing an ideal spot for a picnic or a refreshing dip. This hike is well-suited for those who enjoy long, scenic treks with plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings and solitude.

Thunder Lake with Mt. Alice behind it. Photo by: Timo Holmquist.

Adventure Picks

Scrambling to Mt. Alice via Hourglass Ridge: This adventure is for experienced mountaineers. The route involves a challenging scramble up the Hourglass Ridge to the summit of Mt. Alice. The climb is steep and exposed, requiring a good level of fitness and mountaineering skills. The views from the summit are breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of the surrounding peaks and valleys. This adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers looking to test their skills on a demanding and rewarding climb.

Mt. Alice and her cliffs.

Tanima and the Cleaver: A lesser-known but equally rewarding adventure, the route to Tanima and the Cleaver involves a strenuous hike and scramble. The trail is less traveled, offering solitude and pristine wilderness. The scramble to the summit provides thrilling exposure and stunning views of the Wild Basin area. This adventure is ideal for those seeking a challenging and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Looking down the gnarly Continental Divide. The Cleaver is the right-slanted, overhung rock in front of the massive north ridge of Isolation Peak.

Eagles Beak: This challenging adventure involves a long hike and a technical scramble to reach the summit of Eagles Beak. The route is demanding, requiring good route-finding skills and mountaineering experience. The summit offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and the remote wilderness of Wild Basin. This adventure is best suited for experienced climbers looking for a remote and exhilarating climb.

Eagles Beak

Winter Adventures

Snowshoe to Sandbeach Lake: Even when the regular trailhead closes for winter, the adventure to Sandbeach Lake remains accessible. The 9-mile round trip hike requires snowshoes or skis, as the trail is covered in deep snow. The journey through the snow-covered forest is magical, with the lake itself offering a serene and peaceful winter wonderland. The adventure is strenuous, but the solitude and beauty of Sandbeach Lake in winter make it a worthwhile experience. This adventure is perfect for those who enjoy winter sports and are prepared for the challenges of cold-weather hiking.

Sandbeach Lake in Wild Basin near Allenspark, Colorado.

Conclusion

Wild Basin is a true gem in Rocky Mountain National Park, offering a wide range of adventures for those willing to put in the effort. From summer hikes to pristine alpine lakes and thrilling scrambles up rugged peaks to serene winter snowshoeing experiences, Wild Basin has something for every adventurer. The area’s remote beauty and challenging terrain provide a perfect escape for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or a casual hiker, the adventures in Wild Basin will leave you with unforgettable memories and a profound appreciation for the wild beauty of the Rockies. Prepare well, respect the wilderness, and embrace the challenge that Wild Basin offers.

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