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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.

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Features

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

Hike to Maxwell Falls Reviews

This is a pretty place, but the crowds can get annoying. The trail from the Upper Maxwell Falls parking is much shorter and usually less crowded. There are no garbage cans so pick up and pack out your dog poo. There is not much of a waterfall, so don’t expect much there. The trees and rock formations are pretty. Also- there is no trail to the base of the “waterfall.”

So underwhelming. I kept waiting for the scenery to become beautiful, never happened. Just a creek through the woods on a really crowded trail.

This trail kind of sucked. Very crowded and the falls weren't as exciting as they'd seem. Dog poop everywhere. Not sure why this trail is regarded so highly.

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

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Hike to Three Sisters

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Pence Park's Independence Mountain Trail

Davis Ponds Trail