This is a long hike to a scenic lake, which includes a trip through a recovering, fire-charred forest. It begins at the Wild Basin Trailhead on the southeast side of the park. Calypso Cascades is reached 1.8 miles from the trailhead. The trail leads past Ouzel Falls and Ouzel Lake on the way to Bluebird Lake. Ouzel Falls is a popular spot where visitors can watch the falls' namesake, (the ouzel, or dipper) plunge into the stream.

The Thunder Lake Trail branches off before the Bluebird Lake Trail leaves the St. Varian Valley. Ouzel Lake, Ouzel Creek and Thunder Lake offer fishing. Ouzel Lake and Creek are catch-and-release. Before fishing, check with the Park Service for license requirements, size and possession limits and other regulations.

Directions: From Estes Park, Travel south on Hwy 7 to the turnoff to the Wild Basin Trailhead, between Meeker Park and Allenspark, to the west of the Highway. The Bluebird Lake Trail is located at the Wild Basin trailhead.

Elevation: 8,500 feet

Ending Elevation: 10,978 feet

Elevation Gain: 2,478 feet

Distance: 6.3 miles

Difficulty: Strenuous

Visitor Information

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