Copeland Falls is a 5-foot waterfall on North Saint Vrain Creek in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder County, Colorado. It is the first stop on the trail that continues to Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls.
The falls
The creek runs over two short steps among large boulders, known as Lower and Upper Copeland Falls. Lidar measurements estimate the drop at about 5 feet; earlier inventories gave no height. The lower section drops about three feet, while the upper section is slightly more prominent.
Getting there
The Wild Basin Road ends 2 miles past the park entrance at the Wild Basin Ranger Station, where the trailhead sits at 8,500 feet. Copeland Falls is 0.3 mile one way with 15 feet of gain. A spur on the left leads down to the lower falls, and a small path follows the creek up to the upper falls before rejoining the main trail.
Admission to Rocky Mountain National Park is $30 per vehicle for one day or $35 for seven days, plus $100 per person for non-US residents aged 16 and older unless they hold an eligible pass. From May 22 to October 12, 2026, entering between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. requires a timed entry reservation, which carries a $2 fee.
When to go
Mornings are mostly sunny, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from mid-June to mid-August.
On site
The rocks around both sections are very slippery. Pets are not allowed on park trails.
History and name
The National Register nomination for the historic Thunder Lake Trail lists Upper and Lower Copeland Falls among the features along the route.
Nearby
Calypso Cascades is about 1.3 miles away, Ouzel Falls about 1.6 miles, both on the same trail, and Lyric Falls about 1.9 miles.
Distances are straight-line.