Best waterfalls around Allenspark, Colorado, offers access to the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. This region features several waterfalls and scenic hikes. The area is characterized by lush forests and the St. Vrain Creek, providing diverse natural landscapes. Many trails lead to aquatic attractions, offering opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Really fun hike that can be made short or long. Nice variety from mountains and lakes
0
0
Black Lake is a pristine lake sitting between Arrowhead and Spearhead peaks, formed by glaciers, with a waterfall coming directly from the top of the mountain. The dark color of the water contrasts with the snow and the rock formation, offering hikers a beautiful place to enjoy some peaceful moments. After Black Lake you can keep going to Frozen Lake, Blue Lake, or Green Lake, each one in a different direction.
0
0
Be sure to take the side trail here that gives you views of the falls. There are a number of small rushing waterfalls up this portion of the trail.
0
0
Right by the confluence of Fox Creek and Rock creek, the trail crosses Fox Creek in front of an amazing waterfall streaming through a narrow gap in the cliffs into a large pool below. This is a great place to snap some photos, cool off your feet, and look for wildlife on this scenic loop. During the summer, there are amazing wildflowers near this grotto and all along the trail.
0
0
Just past the Camp Dick Campground is the Middle Saint Vrain Trail. This trail takes you parallel to the Middle Saint Vrain Creek with several spots along the way that are excellent for swimming or dipping your feet. There is also a waterfall about halfway down the trail before you hit a junction with Buchanan Pass Trail.
0
0
There are a whole series of waterfalls that follow one another along the Saint Vrain Creek, and the Thunder Lake trail: Ouzel Falls Cleveland Falls and others. Here are the Calypso waterfalls.
1
0
The springtime is ideal for visiting the waterfalls around Allenspark, as they gush with renewed energy from snowmelt. Spring and summer months also offer vibrant wildflowers along the trails, enhancing the natural beauty of the area.
Yes, several trails are suitable for families. Copeland Falls, for example, offers an easily accessible introduction to the Wild Basin's aquatic attractions, with multiple small rushing waterfalls. The trail to Calypso Cascade is also considered family-friendly, offering a picturesque stop along the way.
Beyond the easily accessible ones, Calypso Cascade is a series of beautiful cascades along the Wild Basin Trail. Further along the same trail, you can reach Ouzel Falls, a roughly 40-foot tall waterfall known for its beautiful wooded scenery. The Wild Basin area offers a multi-waterfall experience.
You can expect to see lush forests, diverse flora and fauna, and the scenic St. Vrain Creek. Trails often feature meadows with vibrant wildflowers, especially in spring and summer. Some hikes, like the one to Black Lake, also offer pristine lake settings with contrasting dark water, snow, and rock formations, and a waterfall coming directly from the top of the mountain.
Yes, Cascade Falls, accessible via the Buchanan Pass Trail, is found within a picturesque valley surrounded by towering peaks. This challenging hike offers rewarding views of alpine lakes, waterfalls, and towering peaks, traversing through meadows and crossing babbling creeks.
Besides hiking to waterfalls, the Allenspark area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy options like the Calypso Cascades via Wild Basin Trail, or more challenging ones like the Saint Vrain Mountain Trail. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the Ward General Store – Mud Lake loop available.
Visitors appreciate the serene ambiance and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The trails often provide spectacular waterfall views, diverse wildlife, and the chance to cool off your feet in the refreshing water. Many enjoy the multi-waterfall experiences found along trails like the Wild Basin Trail.
Fox Creek Waterfall is a beautiful spot right by the confluence of Fox Creek and Rock Creek. It streams through a narrow gap in the cliffs into a large pool below, offering a great place for photos and wildlife spotting. During summer, the area is adorned with amazing wildflowers.
If your waterfall hike is within Rocky Mountain National Park, such as those in the Wild Basin area, timed-entry reservations are typically required from late May through early October. It's advisable to check the park's official website for the most current requirements before your visit.
Yes, the Middle Saint Vrain Trail, located just past the Camp Dick Campground, follows the Middle Saint Vrain Creek. There is a waterfall about halfway down the trail before it reaches a junction with the Buchanan Pass Trail, along with several spots excellent for swimming or dipping your feet.
For more details on hiking trails and the best spots for wildflower viewing in the area, you can explore resources like visitallenspark.com/hikes and visitallenspark.com/post/best-hikes-in-allenspark-for-wildflower-viewing.

