Lake Ouzel Trail
Lake Ouzel Trail Map

Lake Ouzel Trail

Rocky Mountain National Park
View Photos
Lake Ouzel Trail

Lake Ouzel Trail

Distance: 10.0mi
Elevation: 1,683ft
Time: 4.5-6h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
No ratings yet

The Ouzel Lake Trail is an awesome day hike in the south of the Rocky Mountain National Park. This adventure is a great introductory hike to the park and delivers stunning mountain views without the need to ascend a technical summit hike. We love this trail, and you will too!

Lake Ouzel Trail Map

Getting there

The Ouzel Lake Trail departs from the Wild Basin Trailhead off County Highway 115.

I’ve done this 0 people have done this
I want to do this 0 want to do this route

About

Backcountry Campground

Ouzel Lake Dispersed Campsites

When to do

May-October

Pets allowed

No

Family friendly

Older Children only

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

High

Route Type

Out and back


Lake Ouzel Trail
Elevation Graph


Lake Ouzel Trail Description

The Ouzel Lake Trail will undoubtedly impress its adventurers. Hike through aspen groves, past several cascading waterfalls and up to the small alpine lake. This trail provides the perfect excuse to get out into nature. Hike the forested path through towering pines interspersed with vibrant aspens and enjoy the epic mountain vistas the entirety of the way. If you are planning to hike this path in the autumn or winter, wear microspikes to navigate the icy terrain! Additionally, hikers must purchase a park pass to access this trail.

Begin your adventure along the Ouzel Lake Trail from the Wild Basin Trailhead. From here, the Wild Basing Trail will guide you southwest and past three waterfalls! Enjoy the meditative sounds of the cascading waters as you trek further into the wilderness. Soon after your departure from the trailhead, you will encounter an intersection. Here, veer left, and you will be delivered to the Calypso Cascades. Enjoy the sight of yet another waterfall and continue hiking. Follow the Wild Basin Trail and navigate the switchbacks up to Ouzel Falls. Admire the picturesque waterfall and track along the path to the next junction. At this point, you will want to keep left, diverting you onto the Ouzel Lake Trail.

Hike along Ouzel Creek and ascend the route up to Ouzel Lake and the campsites. Revel in the grandeur of the encompassing summits and enjoy the sights of the crystalline alpine lake before you. Rest and refuel along the lake’s shore before beginning your descent. When you are ready, retrace your steps along the path back to the trailhead.

Comments

0 Comments

Similar hikes to the Lake Ouzel Trail hike

Lake of the Clouds Hike Map

Lake of the Clouds Hike

Difficulty:
12.6mi
2707ft
6-8h

The Lake of the Clouds Hike is a picturesque adventure on the western border of the Rocky Mountain National Park.…

Shipler Cabin Trail Map

Shipler Cabin Trail

Difficulty:
4.1mi
427ft
1.5-2h

The Shipler Cabin Trail is a magical adventure in the Rocky Mountain National Park through meadowlands and towering pines. Perfect…

Six Lakes Hike

Six Lakes Hike

Difficulty:
7.4mi
1480ft
3.5-4.5h

The Six Lakes Hike is a stunning alpine adventure in the Rocky Mountain National Park. If you love lake hikes…