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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 hike was perfect for a first timer. The elevation gave me no issues and the scenery was wonderful!

Did this hike last year (2016) mid-May, and again this year in early April. The main trail leads to the top of a canyon overlooking the waterfall. In mid-May the trail was dry and there was still a good amount of water at the falls. In early April parts of the trail were snow-packed, and parts of it were muddy. There were a few slippery spots, but regular running shoes still worked just fine. The waterfall was completely covered in snow, despite the sunny 65º weather. Overall a nice short day hike.

I did this hike with a few friends over the summer and it was amazing. We hit the trail at about 6:30 and were out before lunch. We missed a lot of the crowds which made it nice, if you don't like a crowded trail I recommend getting their early...the falls were fun to climb around and if you head up the trail a bit further there's a neat log bridge just where an old tree has fallen and it's fun to climb on and walk acrossed. There's lots of great places to take pictures as well. Overall it was a great experience and I'll be going back during the winter

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Upper Maxwell Falls Trail

Boulder The Eggs on the Hidden Fawn Trail

Evergreen Mountain Loop

Three Sisters

Hike the South Loop at Elk Meadow Park

Pence Park's Independence Mountain Trail