Bettie Course: Wild Basin Hike

Want to meet other women who enjoy the outdoors?

This hike is a great opportunity to meet other women who are looking to get outside too! Waterfall enthusiasts will enjoy this spectacular hike to 3 falls in Wild Basin. Start on the south side of Rocky Mountain National Park at the Wild Basin Trailhead, then follow North St. Vrain Creek to Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls. Ouzel is named after the gray bird common to whitewater streams in the West. In the spring and summer expect to see abundant wildflowers along the trail. This shady trail can offer some relief during warm summer days.

This hike is about 5.3 miles round trip with 980 feet of elevation gain and loss.

And we're excited to announce that thanks to a generous donation from the Hydro Flask Parks For All program, each Bettie course participant will receive a 40 oz. Hydro Flask water bottle to take along on future adventures! Thank you, Hydro Flask!

The Conservancy provides transportation to and from the trailhead.

Who: This Bettie Course is offered to women and individuals that identify as female. Participants between the ages of 12 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Friday, June 14th from 8:00am - 1:00pm

Where: We will meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center at 500 Big Thompson Ave in downtown Estes Park, and travel together to Wild Basin in Conservancy vehicles.

What to Bring:

• Our 10 Essentials for Field Courses is a good place to start!
• Bag lunch
• Warm layers (weather depending)
• Waterproof layer(s)
• Water (2 liters recommended)
• Sturdy tennis shoes or hiking boots

Questions? Contact us at [email protected].

These courses are offered through Rocky Mountain Conservancy, where scholarships are provided through the Magnificent Mountain Women Scholarship Fund. For more information about scholarships, please submit an application by completing the form here:

Please note that Bettie Courses are not eligible for member discounts.

Bettie Courses are inspired by the life and work of Beatrice “Bettie” Willard, who was a foundational instructor at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Institute. Her research on alpine tundra ecology has been instrumental to mountain ecology, and her advocacy all throughout the state of Colorado has left a legacy for all women who value land stewardship and conservation. Rocky Mountain Conservancy's Bettie Courses focus on accessible programs that introduce women and those that identify as women to the outdoors through a variety of programs and topics. Courses emphasize science, ecology, and building the outdoor skills and confidence needed to explore and defend wild places.

Host or Publisher Rocky Mountain Conservancy Education Team