Explore & Photograph Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park with a Pro

We will explore and photograph the appropriately named Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park. We will hike along the North Saint Vrain Creek, and stop along the way to photograph several waterfal

We will explore and photograph the appropriately named Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park. We will hike along the North Saint Vrain Creek, and stop along the way to photograph several waterfalls (including Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls). Bring your tripod and a polarizer filter, and I will demonstrate my techniques for capturing waterfalls and other moving water in a variety of lighting conditions, and help you capture great silky water photographs. The full hike to Ouzel Falls is about 5.5 miles (9 km) round trip, with just under 1,000' elevation gain. For those not able to do the full hike, we will do a more leisurely hike to Calypso Cascades (about 3.6 miles round trip, and about 700' of elev. gain), which still takes you deep into a beautiful area, with multiple falls, and wildflowers and fall color in season. Don't have a RMNP timed entry reservation? No need! My commercial use permit means we don't need an advance permit!

From: $0.00

Location: Estes Park

What's Included

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: What's the difficulty level of the hike to Ouzel Falls? Is it suitable for beginners?

A: The hike to Ouzel Falls is moderately challenging but can be manageable for beginners if they're in decent shape. The full round trip is about 5.5 miles with a 1,000' elevation gain, which can be tough, but if you take your time, you should be fine! The alternative to Calypso Cascades is about 3.6 miles and easier, so that’s a good option too. Just make sure to wear good footwear and bring plenty of water!

Q: What happens if the weather's bad? Do they cancel the tour?

A: The provider is pretty flexible with weather conditions! If it's unsafe to hike, they usually reschedule for another day. Just keep an eye on the weather report and reach out to them if you have any concerns. They want everyone to have a great experience, so they'll work with you!

Q: How do parking and logistics work for this experience? Is there a designated spot?

A: The meeting point for the tour is set by the provider, and they usually give detailed instructions when you book. There's generally decent parking at the trailhead, but it can fill up fast during peak season. Arriving early is a good idea to secure a spot. They also provide private transportation as part of the experience, so keep that in mind!

Discussions

Just did the Wild Basin photography tour—what an experience!

I went on the Explore & Photograph Wild Basin tour last weekend in RMNP, and it was absolutely breathtaking! We hiked to Ouzel Falls, and the guide was super helpful with tips on capturing moving water. I didn’t even own a tripod before this, but now I’m hooked. The views were stunning, especially with the wildflowers in bloom. Totally worth every penny—highly recommend it for nature lovers!

Thinking about gifting the Wild Basin experience—any tips?

I’m considering getting this photography tour as a gift for my boyfriend who loves hiking and photography. Is it really beginner-friendly? I don’t want him to be overwhelmed. Also, what kind of stuff should he bring besides the tripod?