Top 10 Snowshoe Hikes - #1 Wild Basin

One of many great snowshoe hikes in RMNP is in the area known as Wild Basin.  This O&B day trip provides exceptional back country beauty, plus there are options depending on the amount of time you have.

Getting there:  From Lyons, head west and north on Rt. 7 to Allenspark.  Turn west on Wild Basin Road to Copeland Lake and the TH.

A family snowshoes in the back country.

Option #1:  A 3.8 mi. R.T. to Copeland Falls is a good first time outing for families with young children.

Option #2  If you are feeling good at Copeland Falls, and want the challenge of more distance and some easy climbing, continue on to Calypso Cascades, a 6 mi. R.T.

Option #3:  If you have planned well, have sufficient water and energy bars, and there are no signs of severe weather overhead move on to Ouzel Falls, a 7.4 mi. R.T.

Its all within Wild Basin.  Be sure to take a camera. There will be opportunities to capture images of a frozen steam, water cascades, and views of Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, and Meadow Mountain.

Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Skill Level:  Novice

Elevation gain:  195' to Copeland Falls; 880' to Calypso Cascades; 1,130' to Ouzel Falls

Map: Trails Illustreted #200 (RMNP)

Backcountry Office: (970) 586-1242 for details on snow cover.