Rocky Mountain National Park guide · 1 min read
Wild Basin's Lakes and Waterfalls
Wild Basin is one of the named corners of Rocky Mountain National Park, and its trails are part of a network of more than 350 miles that wind in, around and over the Continental Divide.
It is a place best experienced on foot, in a park that climbs from montane meadows past alpine lakes to high mountain peaks.
Hiking here means hiking at real elevation. Most of the park sits well above 9,000 feet, and the peaks along the Divide rise past 12,000 feet. Above about 11,000 feet the trees give way to alpine tundra, which covers roughly a third of the park. The air is cooler and thinner up there, and many hikers find themselves short of breath, so pace yourself and plan your turnaround time.
The Continental Divide runs north to south through the middle of the park and shapes everything around it. Water on the western side flows toward the Pacific Ocean, while streams on the eastern side head for the Atlantic. East of the Divide, heavy glaciation carved deep valleys and bowl-shaped cirques. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail also passes through the park for those who want to follow the spine of the Rockies.
For a longer trip, the park's backcountry suits overnight backpacking, with room to settle in among the lakes and ridges after the day hikers have gone. Carrying warm layers makes sense at these heights, since temperatures drop above treeline.
Keep watch for wildlife as you go. The park offers plenty of chances to spot animals, from Clark's nutcrackers among the trees to marmots on rocky slopes higher up. Give every animal plenty of space and enjoy them from a distance.
