Maxwell Falls

Trail Difficulty:
Moderate

Trail Length:
Approximately 3 miles loop

Trail Description:
From the parking lot (upper Maxwell Falls trailhead) start down the trail toward the falls. 

The trail will fork two times; take the left trail both times and you will be moving up a slight incline. This loop trail (called The Cliff Loop) goes through pine, aspen forest, and up-over-and-around huge rocky cliffs and then eventually down along the Maxwell Falls. 

The falls are really a series of cascades in a beautiful lush, green forest. There is plenty of shade all along the trail. It is well-traveled and maintained. There are many hikers and dogs along the way.

Be careful when you near the end of the loop (above the falls) it is a long way down. Don’t allow your children to wander off the trail. (You will see people lounging on the cliffs above the falls). This is a great place to spend a lazy day and/or make it an early evening hike. Weekdays and evenings at Maxwell Falls are not so busy.

No restrooms available at the trailhead.

Picnic Spot Recommendations:
Pack a picnic and eat on one of the high points of the trail where you can see some views of the surrounding mountains in shades of blue and green trees.

Travel Time:
From Jct C-470 and Hwy 285: Approximately 35 minutes.

How to get there:
From Jct C-470 and Hwy 285 travel south on Hwy 285 for 13 miles to Aspen Park. Exit right onto Barkley Rd. and take an immediate left following Barkley Rd. to Hwy 73. Turn right onto Hwy 73 and then make a left onto Shadow Mtn. Rd. Travel 5 miles up Shadow Mountain Rd. to the upper trailhead parking lot (on the right shoulder of the road). Park in the dirt lot.

Special attractions:
The Coney Island restaurant at Aspen Park is a sure bet for a snack of hot dogs and ice cream on the way home. You can’t miss the place – the building is in the shape of a hot dog!!