Disclaimer: this is an opinion about our personal experience of this hike. Others may have a different opinion, and that is perfectly acceptable. Everyone has a right to their own opinion.
We had high hopes for this hike - it is roughly a 30 minute drive from Denver, is a loop trail, and has a waterfall. We love loop trails and really loving having some features other than it being just a hike to be hiking. If it’s an out and back trail, we love if the hike ends at a lake, waterfall, river, etc. So this being a loop and having a waterfall? Sign us up!
Here’s what we think you need to know about this hike:
1. It is VERY crowded.
And we mean VERY. This hike had more people on it than we’ve ever seen on a hike. Ever. We started early, and it was already crowded with it being way more so when we were on the way out. If you want a hike that has a lot of people around, pick this. If you want a hike with very few people around, avoid this one.
2. It’s a bit of a bouldering scramble to get to the waterfall.
There is a sign that is posted that points you in the direction of the waterfall and it tells you to just follow the river up stream. What it doesn’t tell you is that you have to scramble down to scramble back up in order to get to a spot where you can see the falls.
3. Parking is free but spots in the lot are very limited.
The lot itself holds maybe 10 cars, if they all park so 10 can fit. Street parking is available but there are signs that designated no parking zones, so be careful when you street park. No one wants a towed car or a parking ticket!
4. There are three separate trails that all go to the same place.
Yes, you read that right. There are THREE trails once you get to the signs that are either for the loop, or Maxwell Falls. If you take the loop, you can pick from upper or lower. If you take Maxwell Falls, you will be running parallel and on the other side of the river than the waterfall. It does not matter which way you go. You can get to the waterfall with any of your choices.
All in, we give this hike a 3.5 out of 5. The sheer amount of people and the amount of dog poop along the trail knocked this one down for us. We are glad we did it - the hike is a great workout and the waterfall was a nice benefit, but we probably won’t be back to do this one again any time soon. Truly too many people for us.
Happy trails!
~ Liz
