Calypso Cascades
Colorado · 200-foot drop · Rocky Mountain National Park · Last verified 2026-06-26
The park has an active closure alert: "Wild Basin Road Will Be Closed for Road Maintenance July 21 - July 23."
Right now
Overnight
50°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Wednesday
80°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
Today's daylight
Sunrise 5:50 AM · Sunset 8:26 PM · 14h 36m
Other park alerts
- Wild Basin Road Will Be Closed for Road Maintenance July 21 - July 23(Park Closure)
- A Fire Ban (Stage 2 Fire Restrictions) Are In Effect(Park Closure)
- Update on Transponders(Information)
Snapshot built 11m ago. Sources: NWS BOU.
Calypso Cascades is a 200-foot stair-step cascade on Cony Creek in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail covers 3.6 miles round-trip with 620 feet of gain — moderate difficulty, with the famous Copeland Falls passed on the way in. Best viewed from the wooden bridge across Cony Creek where the trail crosses it. Named for the Calypso orchid that grows along the trail. Wild Basin is the quietest part of RMNP and doesn't require timed-entry reservations.
A short history
Named for the Calypso orchid (Calypso bulbosa), a rare native wildflower that grows along the trail and blooms in early summer.
The trail
3.6 miles each way, rated moderate with 620 feet of elevation gain. Wild Basin Trailhead off County Hwy 115. RMNP entrance fee $35/vehicle. Wild Basin does NOT require a timed-entry reservation.
Compare to nearby falls
If this one isn't the right fit, here's how it stacks up against the closest documented falls. Every column is filterable on the site — not buried in 13,000 reviews.
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Trail | Dogs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calypso Cascades (this page) | — | 200 ft | moderate · 3.6 mi | N | $35 |
| Ouzel Falls | 1 mi | — | — | N | — |
| Hidden Falls | 1 mi | — | — | N | — |
| Upper Copeland Falls | 1 mi | — | — | N | — |
| Lower Copeland Falls | 1 mi | — | — | N | — |
| Copeland Falls | 1 mi | — | — | N | — |
Related waterfalls
Similar height (~200 ft)
- Bent Mountain Falls200 ft
- Fairy Falls200 ft
- Schirmer Cascade200 ft
- Seven Teacups200 ft
- Sydney Falls200 ft
Same best season in Colorado
- Adams Falls55 ft
- Silver Falls—
Questions visitors ask about Calypso Cascades
Answers built from our structured data. If a question isn't here, the fact is unverified — we'd rather omit than guess.
How tall is Calypso Cascades?
Calypso Cascades is 200 feet (61 m) tall. Height is sourced from RMNP.
Is Calypso Cascades in a national or state park?
Yes — Calypso Cascades is inside Rocky Mountain National Park. See the park page for fees, hours, and current conditions.
Can I bring my dog to Calypso Cascades?
No — dogs are not allowed on trails here. Most National Park trails prohibit pets to protect wildlife. Service animals are an exception per ADA.
Can you swim at Calypso Cascades?
No — swimming is not safe or not allowed at Calypso Cascades. Cony Creek flows fast through a steep granite chute — no safe swimming. Trail crosses the creek on a wooden bridge that gives the best photo angle.
When is the best time to visit Calypso Cascades?
Peak flow is typically June, July, August, September, October. Season-wise: summer, fall. Snowmelt and recent rain affect day-to-day volume.
Is there a fee to visit Calypso Cascades?
Yes — entry costs around $35. Most Rocky Mountain National Park entrances accept the America the Beautiful annual pass.
How far is Calypso Cascades from a major city?
Calypso Cascades is 5 miles from Allenspark (about 12 minutes' drive).
More waterfalls in Colorado
Where it is
40.1948, -105.5907
Sources and live status
Where we got the data, and where to check current conditions before you drive.
Last verified by Fallspots: 2026-06-26
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