The vast majority of those who visit Rocky Mountain National Park overlook seeing what some call one of the most private, yet easily accessible areas of this national treasure.

The drive to the Wild Basin area in Rocky Mountain National Park at the southeastern edge of the Park traverses spectacular scenery, climbing through forested areas, providing breathtaking views of the Continental Divide, Longs Peak, Mount Meeker and Twin Sisters. Leaving Estes Park south via CO Hwy. 7 – the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (Colorado’s oldest scenic byway) to Wild Basin you’ll travel through terrain that ranges in elevation from 7,000 to 8,500 feet.

From wintry snow-capped magnificence to spring’s innocence and revival, there is always something to inspire and take one’s breath away. Less than 30 minutes from downtown Estes Park lies the Wild Basin area, a unique valley with three of the National Park’s most impressive waterfalls: Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls. A picnic area sits at the base of the trailhead to all three.

A round trip hike to Copeland Falls; an easy trail to follow, is less than a mile. Hikes to Calypso Cascades (about 3 miles round trip) and Ouzel Falls (about 5½ miles round trip) are rated as moderate treks.