Outbound Collective logo

Hike to Maxwell Falls

Evergreen, Colorado

3.4/5
based on 14 reviews

Details

Distance

4 miles

Elevation Gain

644 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Ryan Mckinney

4 mile out and back with 644 feet of elevation change. Awesome waterfall hike less than an hour from Denver. Easy to moderate family-friendly hike.

Located just outside of Evergreen, this is 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 Falls Trail (0.5 miles), and Cliff Trail Loop (3 miles). On this hike I started from the Maxwell Falls Lower Trailhead. I arrived at 8:00am 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 switch backs. The rest of the trail is pretty well marked. Maxwell Falls are 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.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

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

Hike to Maxwell Falls Reviews

This was fun, despite that I actually missed the REAL falls. There was a stopping point where it seemed the falls would have been if there was more water run off. Other people made the same mistake I did too, there was alot of people stopped and looking at the view, which was pretty! But the actual falls are another 1-1.5 miles up the trail. Don't stop when it seems like you've reached them, its a trick falls area. :)

Trail is usually busy. The Upper Maxwell Falls parking is closer to the falls. You can keep right and follow signs down toward the falls to make a loop instead of an out and back.

The Cliff Loop is a good place to see a long-range view of fall foliage. I did that last year in October. Doing the Cliff Loop doesn't add much extra mileage, either.

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Boulder The Eggs on the Hidden Fawn Trail

Hike to Three Sisters

Hike the Evergreen Mountain Loop

Hike the South Loop at Elk Meadow Park

Pence Park's Independence Mountain Trail

Davis Ponds Trail