Compelling scenery, prized fishing and thinner crowds distinguish the hike to Ouzel Lake. A subalpine forest culled by a 1978 fire yields sweeping views across the Wild Basin Area while illustrating the natural recovery and ecological succession of plant communities in a burn area.

Bull moose can reach 1500 lbs with antlers 5' across that take 3-5 months to fully develop each season; antler symmetry provides a general indication of a moose's health

The Ouzel Lake Trail runs across a high, divisive ridge between the Ouzel Creek and N St Vrain drainages with excellent views across the Wild Basin Area

The main trail continues past the lake access spur with good views across the lake basin to Mount Copeland (13,176')

The Wild Basin Area drains into N St Vrain Creek, which flows into Ralph Price Reservoir near Lyons, CO

Bluebird Lake (10,978') is located 1.9 miles and 968' up from Ouzel Lake on what can be a much more challenging climb through summer snowfields

Ouzel Creek originates at Junco Lake just under the Continental Divide, and plunges through a steep, narrow chute at Ouzel Falls

Cony Creek originates at Finch Lake and tumbles down Calypso Cascades before meeting N St Vrain Creek in a powerful confluence

Research by CU scientists Drs. Jessica Metcalf and Andrew Martin concluded in 2012 that the only population of true greenback cutthroat trout survives today in Bear Creek, a small tributary of the Arkansas River west of Colorado Springs

Steep snowfields on the climb through treeline from Ouzel Lake to Bluebird Lake

Golden Banner is a member of the pea family; its similar appearance to lupine is reflected in its Genus name (Thermopsis)