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Maxwell Falls

Evergreen, Colorado

3.4/5
based on 14 reviews

Details

Distance

3.95 miles

Elevation Gain

928 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Ryan Mckinney

Getting to Maxwell Falls is a 4-mile loop with about 644 feet of elevation change. This is an awesome waterfall hike located less than an hour from Denver and is an easy to moderate family-friendly hike.

Located just outside of Evergreen, this beginner hike is a great escape from the city for a few hours. There are three different options to hike to the falls: Maxwell Falls Lower Trail (4 miles), Upper Maxwell Falls Trail (1.1 miles), and Maxwell Falls Bluffs Cliffside Trail Loop (5 miles). On this hike, I started from the Maxwell Falls Lower Trailhead. I arrived at 8:00 am and the parking lot was half full, so I would recommend getting an early start.

There are two creek crossings on this trail. At the first crossing, the trail is not clearly marked. You will come across a large downed tree over the creek; this is where you cross the creek. Turn right and make your way up the switchbacks. The rest of the trail is pretty well-marked. Maxwell Falls is best in Spring and early Summer.

This is an easy-to-moderate hike that is great for the whole family. Don't forget to bring your pup! I saw lots of happy dogs on this trail.

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Running
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Groups
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildlife

Maxwell Falls Reviews

This trail is crowded with people, dogs off leash and bags of dog poop. It is packed on weekends and weekdays it is crowded, too. If you want a nature hike, this is not it. There's little parking - much of it along the edge of the road where there is plenty of local traffic. The trail is crowded and littered. Many dogs rove about off-leash and bother others. Since there are no trash cans there's plenty of litter plus the inevitable dog poop. Colorado has many better trails where you can enjoy nature. This one is a place where crowds of people are ruining nature.

This hike is close to Denver so it makes for a great day hike. Being a beginner hiker there were spots that were challenging hiking up hill. But challenge is a good thing! The pine covered forest is beautiful; feels like you're in the middle of nowhere. The trail is well groomed. Will do again.

Well maintained trail. Dog friendly. Limited parking. Crowded.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Upper Maxwell Falls Trail

Three Sisters

Boulder The Eggs on the Hidden Fawn Trail

Evergreen Mountain Loop

Hike the South Loop at Elk Meadow Park

Pence Park's Independence Mountain Trail