Maxwell Falls FAQ

Day use only; no camping, fires or shooting. Current conditions

Frequently asked questions

These are the questions we hear most, answered briefly, with a link to the longer version. If yours isn’t here, ask us.

Planning your hike

How long is the hike to Maxwell Falls?

About 0.6 miles each way from the upper trailhead (1.1 miles round trip), or about 1.7 miles each way from the lower trailhead (3.4 miles round trip). Figure 30–45 minutes for the upper route and 1.5–2 hours for the lower. See the route comparison.

How much elevation gain is there?

About 260 ft from the upper trailhead, nearly all of it on the walk back to the car. From the lower trailhead it's about 850 ft round trip, since the trail climbs to a saddle, drops to the creek and then climbs again. Details.

Upper or lower trailhead: which is better?

The upper trailhead is the short one that families like, though the climb comes at the end. The lower trailhead is a real hike, with a footbridge and a stretch along the creek. Compare trailheads.

What is the Cliff Loop?

A 1.15-mile side trail (#39.1) over a rocky ridge with an overlook. It rejoins the main trail near the falls, making a 2.4-mile loop from the upper trailhead or a 4.5-mile loop from the lower. Cliff Loop guide.

Getting there and parking

Where is Maxwell Falls?

In the Arapaho National Forest a few miles south of downtown Evergreen, Colorado, about 45–50 minutes from Denver. Both trailheads are off the county road that heads south from Highway 73. Directions.

Where do I park?

In the small, free lot at either trailhead. The lower one is on South Brook Forest Road and holds fewer than 18 vehicles, with an overflow lot for about 15 to 20 more. The upper one is off Black Mountain Drive and holds about 15. Trailheads and parking.

Is there a fee, pass or reservation?

No. Parking and the trail are free, and you don't need a permit, pass or reservation. Parking details.

What if the parking lot is full?

On busy summer days, especially weekends and holidays, the lots fill fast. The lower trailhead has an overflow lot. If that's full too, try the other trailhead, park legally on the road, come back early or on a weekday, or go do another hike nearby.

Can I park on Brook Forest Road?

Yes, where it's sensible, safe and not signed "No Parking" (the signs mark spots where the shoulder is too narrow). Both road-side tires have to be fully off the road, past the white painted edge line; Colorado law bars parking on the main-traveled part of the road. The Jefferson County Sheriff does write tickets on busy days. Parking rules.

Can I walk back to my car on the road?

Please don't. It's 2.8 miles between the lots, much of it with no sidewalk or shoulder, with 25–30 mph traffic on blind curves and spotty cell data. Hike out and back, bring two cars, or pick a loop. Road warning.

Are there restrooms at Maxwell Falls?

No. Neither trailhead has restrooms or water, so stop in Evergreen or Conifer on the way up (many visitors come in from Conifer and US 285). At the trailhead.

Is there a trash can at the trailhead?

No. The signs at the trailheads read "No garbage service. Please pack it out!" Pack out everything, dog-waste bags included. Neighbors really do not appreciate bags left at the trailhead or along the trail. Rules.

Rules

Is Maxwell Falls open?

Yes, for day use only, as of September 27, 2026. Check our conditions page and the USFS alert page before you go.

What are the hours?

Sunrise to sunset. The Forest Service order prohibits being in the area, parking lots included, between sunset and sunrise. Rules.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, on a hand-held leash, per the Forest Service. Jefferson County's leash law applies too; the Sheriff's Office sign at the kiosks lists a maximum fine of $1,000. Bring water for your dog and take every waste bag home with you. Dog rules.

Can I camp or have a campfire?

No. Camping and campfires are prohibited. Under the Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect through December 31, 2026, charcoal grills are out too, but a gas or liquid-fuel stove is OK on ground cleared for three feet around. Fire rules.

Is target shooting allowed?

No. Since August 13, 2025, the Forest Service's Permanent Recreational Shooting Order 02-10-00-25-02 has prohibited discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun in this area, until rescinded. Licensed hunters hunting legally are exempt. Shooting rules.

Can I mountain bike or ride a horse?

Yes. Bikes and horses are allowed on the Maxwell Falls trails and on Cub Creek Trail, which the Forest Service lists as open. Bikes have to stop at the wilderness boundary, e-bikes aren't allowed on Cub Creek Trail, and motor vehicles aren't allowed anywhere. The riding is steep and technical, and there are a lot of hikers. Rules.

Who manages Maxwell Falls?

The U.S. Forest Service, through the Clear Creek Ranger District of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. It isn't a state or county park. This website is an independent guide; we're not the Forest Service. About us.

Is it trail #39 or trail #111?

#39, with #39.1 for the Cliff Loop. The posts at both trailheads read "Maxwell Falls Trail No. 39," matching the Forest Service's mapping data and COTREX. Older Forest Service web pages still say #111. Same trail either way. More on the numbers.

Are the trails well marked?

Not very. The area is crisscrossed with unofficial trails, old roads and junctions that aren't officially mapped or signed. Know your route before you go, and save it to your phone or GPS so it works without a signal. The free COTREX app, Colorado's official state trail map, works offline once you've saved the area. GPX and printable map.

Seasons and conditions

When is the waterfall at its best?

Late May through June, when snowmelt runoff peaks. By late summer and fall it's often a trickle. Seasons.

Is Maxwell Falls frozen in winter?

Often, fully or partly, especially in January and February. Expect snow or ice on the trail from about December into spring, and bring microspikes. Winter guide.

When is it least crowded?

Weekdays, and early mornings on weekends. It's busiest from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on nice weekends. Best times.

On the trail

Are there downed trees on the trail?

As of September 2026, no significant ones are blocking the trails. Wind brought trees down earlier in the year and a storm can drop more, so watch for fresh blowdown. See Safety.

Is Maxwell Falls good for kids?

Yes. The upper route is short and a family favorite. Just remember the climb comes on the way back, and keep kids off the wet rocks around the falls. Upper route.

Is it stroller or wheelchair accessible?

No. The trails are dirt, with roots, rocks, loose gravel and short steep grades, and there are no accessible facilities. Accessibility.

How tall is Maxwell Falls?

Nobody has officially measured it. It's a series of tiered cascades over granite ledges, informally put at about 25 ft in total. About the falls.

Is there cell service? Will 911 work?

Signal is spotty for many carriers, and in the canyon even 911 may not connect. If a call fails, text 911 (Jefferson County accepts texts) or get to higher ground; locals get the best signal at Meditation Rock on the Cliff Loop. Tell someone your plan before you go, and carry an offline map. Emergency tips.

Are there bears, mountain lions or moose?

Yes. Bears are most active in late summer and early fall, when they feed heavily before hibernation. Neighbors have found lion kills in off-trail parts of the area. Moose show up too (locals know two as "Maximus Moosimus" and "Mini Max"), and the Forest Service posts a "Moose active in this area. Do not approach" notice at the trailheads. Stay on the trail, keep kids close and dogs leashed, and give moose a wide berth, because moose treat dogs like wolves. Wildlife safety.

Can I swim at the falls?

We haven't found a rule against wading, but in spring the water is very cold and fast and the rocks are slick. Most people stay on the bank. Safety.

Why is it called Maxwell Falls?

Honestly, we don't know yet. The falls are named for Maxwell Creek, but we haven't figured out who the Maxwells were. If you know, tell us. Nature and history.

Still have a question?

We live nearby and we’re glad to help. For official rules and closures, call the Clear Creek Ranger District at 970-295-6600. For anything about this guide, including corrections and trail reports, contact us.