Lower Maxwell Falls Trail – A Frozen Wonderland in March

A Winter Escape in the Mountains

As the first hints of spring warm the metro area, the mountains stubbornly cling to winter’s embrace. This morning, Greg and I stepped into a scene straight from a snow globe—a quiet forest dusted in fresh white powder, where every tree sparkled as if dusted with diamonds. The air was crisp, the world was hushed, and the only sound was the soft crunch of our boots as we ventured along the Lower Maxwell Falls Trail in Arapaho National Forest near Evergreen, Colorado.

Trail Overview

This 3.4-mile out-and-back hike winds through a lush pine forest, following the gentle flow of Maxwell Creek. With about 700 feet of elevation gain, the trail offers just the right amount of challenge while keeping the focus on the breathtaking winter scenery. Well-packed snow made for easy travel, and with microspikes, we moved confidently across the frozen landscape.

Into the Snowy Forest

At the Lower Maxwell Falls Trailhead, we were immediately immersed in the towering evergreens and the quiet sounds of nature. The first section of the hike is a gradual ascent, transitioning from forest paths to rocky terrain and steeper climbs. In winter, the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland, where the creek and waterfall form intricate ice sculptures.

As we walked through the serene forest, surrounded by towering pines and snow-covered aspen trees, Greg led the way along the well-packed trail. The fresh snow clung to the branches, creating a peaceful winter scene that felt untouched by time.

*Greg walking through the snow-covered forest, surrounded by tall evergreens and aspen trees. The winter landscape felt untouched, with the quiet beauty of freshly fallen snow.*

Following Maxwell Creek

Along the way, Maxwell Creek meandered through the snowy landscape, its icy surface occasionally breaking open to reveal dark, flowing water beneath. The gentle trickling sound of the creek added a calming rhythm to our hike, a quiet reminder that even in winter’s grasp, the forest is still alive.

Maxwell Creek winding through the snowy forest, its clear waters shimmering under the filtered sunlight. Snow-covered banks lined the creek, creating a serene and peaceful contrast between the untouched white powder and the dark, flowing water beneath.

The Frozen Beauty of Maxwell Falls

As we neared the falls, the distant murmur of water whispering beneath layers of ice beckoned us forward. And then—there it was: Maxwell Falls, draped in cascading sheets of ice, frozen in time yet still pulsing with life beneath the surface. The contrast between the frosty blues and whites of the ice and the deep, earthy tones of the rocks created a scene so mesmerizing it felt almost unreal.

A breathtaking view of Maxwell Falls, almost entirely frozen over. The icy surface glistened in the sunlight, with deep blue-green hues peeking through layers of snow. Icicles clung to the surrounding rock formations, and the entire landscape looked as if it had been sculpted by winter itself.

Final Thoughts

Though March signals the slow return of spring in the lower elevations, up here, winter still holds the mountains in its grasp, offering a secret world of icy beauty for those willing to explore. If you’re craving a solitary, snow-draped adventure, this trail delivers. Just bring microspikes, warm layers, and an appreciation for the magic of winter’s last stand.