SubscribeDate of Trek: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Quick Summary: An out-and-back hike with stops at Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, and Ouzel Falls
Description
A 5.4 mile out-and-back hike that passes numerous waterfalls and cascades. The trail begins by following North St. Vrain Creek to Copeland Falls, a series of falls dropping 12ft. Later, the trail crosses the creek and climbs to Calypso Cascades, a 90ft series of cascades streaming down the mountain fed by Cony Creek. After crossing the cascades on a series of bridges, the trail climbs another mile to Ouzel Falls, a 60ft waterfall fed by Ouzel Creek. Turn around here for the 5.4mi hike or continue on to Ouzel or Bluebird Lakes if you desire a longer trek.
| Distance | 5.39 mi / 8.67 km | Starting Elevation | 8409 ft / 2563 m |
| Lowest Elevation | 8409 ft / 2563 m | Highest Elevation | 9465 ft / 2885 m |
What You Will See
Where You Will Go
Details
| Has Facilities | yes | Has Food Available | no |
| Facility Info | Ranger Station at Trailhead | Food Types | |
| Has Restrooms | yes | Has Drinking Water | no |
| Restroom Type | Pit toilets at trailhead, pit toilet at Ouzel falls | ||
| Hours | dawn to dusk | Parking Spaces | 30+ |
| Fees | national park fees | ||
| Trail Usage | hiking,snowshoeing,equestrian | Pets Allowed | no |
| Terrain | rocky/uneven,dirt | Pet Rules | |
| Foliage | deciduous,evergreen | Wildlife Possiblities | elk, mule deer, squirrel |
Trek Report
I attempted this hike twice in the month of May. The first attempt occurred on May 7th and failed due to deep snow up near Calypso Cascades. The snow was 3ft deep at the bridges crossing the cascades and only got deeper from there after. I didn’t have snowshoes along and I was sinking in up to my knees so I aborted the hike and tried again three weeks later. By then, all the snow was gone all the way to Ouzel Falls.
The second attempt had its share of challenges too. Shortly after reaching Copeland Falls, it started to rain. Then, the rain changed to sleet. Then, to hail. I hid under some pine trees and tried to stay dry. The storm only lasted 15 minutes or so and then the sun came back out. I dried out and continued my trek.
Calypso Cascades are not as immpressive as they sound. The area is strewn with fallen logs, making the hillside look like a mess. I found it hard to come up with a pleasing composition when photographing them as a whole. I did better by zooming in to small sections of the cascades that were clear of debris.
If you stay on the trail, you won’t get a very good view of Ouzel Falls. To get a better look, scamper up the rocks to the left of the bridge and circle around to view the falls head on. This is where I got most of my pictures of the falls.
There are not a lot of panoramic views along this hike, but the waterfalls and numerous opportunities to view the rapids and cascades along the various creeks you follow and cross more than make up for it.
