Fan Falls

Boulder County, Colorado

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Boulder County, Colorado
Access status: Partial guide: final section is unmarked social trails above Thunder Lake
The walk: About 15.5 miles return
Ground & access: Long, strenuous trail, then unmarked social trails with rock, brush and deadfall. Backcountry navigation skills needed.

Dayhikes Near Denver: Fan Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

From the Wild Basin Trailhead, pass Copeland Falls and continue up North St. Vrain Creek via Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls, or by the slightly more direct campsite trail. At the final split, go left toward Thunder Lake. At the lake, follow unmarked social trails along the north side into the forest, then follow the sound of the creek through rock, brush and deadfall to the base of Fan Falls.

Plan your visit

Wild Basin Trailhead via Ouzel Falls and the Thunder Lake Trail to social trails above Thunder Lake to Fan Falls

Dayhikes Near Denver gives 15.5 miles round trip with about 2,530 feet of gain. In winter, parking at the winter lot adds about 3 miles each way. Not measured here.

Long, strenuous trail, then unmarked social trails with rock, brush and deadfall. Backcountry navigation skills needed.

Where to start

Wild Basin Trailhead off Highway 115 (a maintained dirt road) near Allenspark. Parking can fill early. October to May the road may not be plowed to the trailhead.

Timing & water

Late spring through early fall. Start early to avoid afternoon storms.

Before you go

A park entrance pass is required at all hours; the standard pass is $15 to $35. In 2026, timed entry reservations were needed to enter between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. from May 22 to October 12. Dates for 2027 not yet verified. Overnight camping needs a park wilderness permit.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Colorado

Waterfall location

Boulder County, Colorado.

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