The rushing waters of modest Maxwell Falls are best visited in late May or June when the runoff is brisk.
Within an hour from central Denver, this outing is ideal for the early or late hiking season and begins from the lower, more accessible trailhead. The Cliff Loop offers a pleasant extension to the short hike to the falls.
Begin on foot up the trail to the south through sparse forest. After three-quarters of a mile, cross a creek. Ascend another one-third of a mile to a grove of small evergreens and a four-way intersection. Continue straight (west northwest) and descend a half-mile to a bridge crossing of Maxwell Creek. Just beyond lies a signed fork. The trail on the right will bring you back to this point if you hike clockwise around the Cliff Loop.
Proceed straight up the valley to the south southwest, another half-mile to Maxwell Falls on the left. Be careful in your attempts to get a good view.
For the Cliff Loop, continue by trail up and to the south. Quickly reach another signed fork and hike to the right (north northwest). With vistas to the left (west), keep right (north) as a dirt road is reached. Continue the loop up to a high point and then back down through the trees to the lower signed fork just above Maxwell Creek. From there, return as you came.
Dave Muller, a Denver psychiatrist in private practice, is the author of several hiking guides.
The details
Hike distance: 2.1 miles to falls. 1.0 mile on Cliff Loop. 1.5 miles back. (Total 4.6 miles)
Hiking time: Up to falls in 53 minutes. Around Cliff Loop in 35 minutes. Down in 35 minutes.
Starting elevation: 7,760 feet
Highest elevation: 8,550 feet
Elevation gain: 1,410 feet (includes 310 extra feet each way)
Trail: All the way
Difficulty: Moderate
Relevant maps: Trails Illustrated number 100; Conifer 7 1/2 minute; Meridian Hill 7 1/2 minute;
Jefferson County No.2;
Arapaho National Forest
Getting there: From the junction with Colorado 74 in central Evergreen, drive south on Jefferson County 73 for one mile, then turn right on Jefferson County 78, the Brook Forest Road. After 3.5 miles on this road, park on the left at the lower Maxwell Falls trailhead.
