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Photo Essay At Thunder Lake And The Wild Basin Waterfalls, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

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Wild Basin is a vast, untamed area in Rocky Mountain National Park. Only one road leads to it, and the rest of its 21,000 acres can only be reached by strenuous off-trail hiking. Thunder Lake, and the Wild Basin Waterfalls: Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascade, and Ouzel Falls all make for an unforgettable journey here.



Wild Basin, nestled in the expansive wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park, stretches over nearly 21,000 acres, offering a profound escape into nature’s rugged beauty. Access to this pristine area is limited to a singular road that winds for just two miles into the basin, preserving its untouched essence. From there, the exploration of Wild Basin becomes a true backcountry experience, with trails that weave through dense forests and along the base of towering peaks.

This area is a haven for those seeking solitude and the raw energy of mountain wilderness. The trail network within Wild Basin invites adventurers to venture beyond the trodden paths, where the landscape unfolds into hidden alpine cirques, serene lakes, and challenging ridges. The journey to Thunder Lake, one of the more ambitious hikes, is particularly enchanting. Starting from the trailhead, hikers are treated to a symphony of water sounds from the very beginning.

The trek includes stops at Copeland Falls, where the water dances over rocks in a playful cascade, followed by the more robust Calypso Cascade, and finally, the majestic Ouzel Falls, where the water plunges dramatically, filling the air with a misty coolness. Each waterfall adds a layer of scenic beauty to the hike, making the long journey not only a physical challenge but a visual feast. The path to Thunder Lake, while demanding, rewards with views of these waterfalls before ascending into a more serene, high-altitude environment, where the lake itself mirrors the surrounding peaks, encapsulating the wild spirit of the basin. This trail, rich with natural features, is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in one of nature’s most spectacular settings.

Combining a trip to Thunder Lake with Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascade, and Ouzel Falls makes for an excellent and well-rounded, albeit long, adventure into Wild Basin. See our detailed trail review.

I hiked up to Thunder Lake and the Wild Basin Waterfalls while backpacking on June 24 and 25, 2021. This is my photo essay.

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