Maxwell Falls Cliff Loop Trail

Updated on July 26, 2011 by

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Difficulty

Moderate (elevation gain 600 ft.)

Trail Length

3 mile 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. (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.

Directions

Click Map Below for Directions to the upper Maxwell Falls trailhead. Dirt Lot is located on the right side of Black Mountain Dr.

Attractions

Aspen Park and Conifer area (along Hwy 285) offers a variety of eateries for a quick bite before or after you hike at Maxwell Falls.
Category: 60 Mins from Denver, All Trails, Hikes Near Denver, Moderate, Most Popular Hikes, West of Denver Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

About Mary Norton, Contributor of this Hike

Mary grew up here, so she knows all the best places to go! With a family of 5 children and no lack of enthusiasm for the outdoors, Mary is well qualified to give you tips and hike spots that will challenge you as well as delight your whole family. Whether you have kids, dogs, or are just looking to enjoy nature by yourself, Mary will show you where to go to find what you are looking for.

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  • melinda k

    What a great page for hikes in teh area, we did mt falcon and it was perfect for the family. Love it and thanks.

  • http://www.articlealley.com/article_1594677_29.html El Cid Vacation

    nature trips are awesome! relaxing for the mind

  • marynorton

    Thanks for the comment Melinda. We love the shady trail and the cascading falls…what a great time for the kids!

    • Cindy Martin

      Mary – Could you please help me choose a hike? My 26 yo daughter, myself 58 yo and her golden retriever will be driving from Utah to Denver via Rt. 70. (We are moving her to Nashvile). ANYWHERE along the road, we need a 4-5 hr (with relaxing/eating stops) hike. I love the idea of hiking in the forest along a stream to a water fall (that would allow a quick swim) so puppy can drink water along the way. Vistas of the mountains would be a nice plus but not as necessary since we will see plenty from the car. I know dogs aren’t allowed in the national parks. Can you help?  Cindy from Nashville

      • http://funcoloradohikes.com Mary Norton

        Hi Cindy,
        If you are coming along I-70, I would recommend St. Mary’s Glacier Trail (dogs are always in the water up there), or Lair O’ The Bear Park (also has a creek and trails). Good luck and have a safe trip! -Mary

      • http://funcoloradohikes.com Mary Norton

        If you are coming along I-70, I would recommend St. Mary’s Glacier Trail (dogs are always in the water up there), or Lair O’ The Bear Park (also has a creek and trails). Good luck and have a safe trip! -Mary

      • Mary Norton

        If you are coming along I-70, I would recommend St. Mary’s Glacier Trail (dogs are always in the water up there), or Lair O’ The Bear Park (also has a creek and trails). Good luck and have a safe trip! -Mary

        • Manonbradshaw

          We didn’t realize that we were supposed to park at the upper.  We parked at the lower and hiked with our 1yo and 3yo.  We followed the creek to go to the falls and it took us 1h40 min. The kids were exhausted.  We carried them back and they slept in our arms coming back.  We used the trail on top of the creek to come back and it was much easier,good trail, well-maintained and flat. it took us 1h20 min. The falls aren’t really impressive and the way we did it wasn’t super kid-friendly either, lots of roots, loose rocks and fairly steep.  

  • Asiagoalpacka

    Thanks this is a really convienant website!

  • http://6webdesign.com/ Tim Norton

    Maps for all trails coming soon…making it easier for you to find the trailhead!

  • Laurelm86

    I LOOOOOOVED this trail. It had a little bit of everything. Some spots for lazing around at the top on the cliffs. Some shade. Some beautiful scenery hiking creek side and of course the beautiful falls.

    • http://funcoloradohikes.com Mary Norton

      Thanks for the comment. That is an awesome little area isn’t it?!