Indian Peaks Wilderness

INDIAN PEAKS WILDERNESS AREA INDIAN PEAKS WILDERNESS HESSIE TRAILHEAD SHUTTLE

The 76,586-acre Indian Peaks Wilderness, one of the most visited wilderness areas in the country, has more than 50 lakes, 28 trails covering 133 miles, seven peaks over 13,000 feet and six passes across the Continental Divide. Known for its pristine wilderness, wildflowers, jutting mountains, roaring streams and high alpine hikes, it is bordered on the south by the James Peak Wilderness and the north by Rocky Mountain National Park. Elevations range from 8,300 to over 13,500 feet. On the east side of the Continental Divide, it can be accessed west of the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway near Rollinsville, Nederland, Ward and Allenspark. Indian Peaks Wilderness Area To encounter fewer people, hike and camp on weekdays and use less popular backcountry zones. Wilderness regulations apply. Permits are required and can be found exclusively on recreation.gov.

Near Nederland, the Hessie, Fourth of July and Rainbow Lakes trailheads provide the best access to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. A permit is required for anyone staying overnight from June 1–Sept. 15 and for groups of 8-12 people. Campfires are prohibited on the east side of the Continental Divide all year and pets must be on a hand-held leash at all times. The Hessie Trailhead west of the town of Eldora on C.R. 130, accesses Devils Thumb Trail (#902), Lost Lake Trail, King Lake Trail (#901), Woodland Lake Trail (#811) and Diamond Lake Trail (#975). This trailhead is extremely popular and parking is limited. Use the Hessie Trailhead Shuttle on weekends and holidays. The Fourth of July Trailhead at 10,100 feet is accessed by five miles of rough road past the Hessie parking area. It is exceedingly popular, and parking is limited. It accesses Arapaho Pass Trail (#904), Diamond Lake Trail (#975) and Arapaho Glacier Trail (#905). At the trailhead is a small campground owned and operated by the City of Boulder called Buckingham Campground. Sites are free and first-come, first-served and no fires are allowed. There are no services. Private property is in the area — do not trespass. The Rainbow Lakes Trailhead, 5 miles down a rough road about 7 miles north of Nederland at MM 39.4 Hwy. 72, provides access to the easy, short Rainbow Lakes Trail (#918) and Arapaho Glacier Trail (#905) for hiking and horseback riding. The Arapaho Glacier Trail reaches to Arapaho Glacier Overlook in 6 miles and intersects the Arapaho Pass Trail (#904) at the Fourth of July Mine in 7.8 miles. Look for the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station sign and turn west onto N.F. Road 298. The adjacent Rainbow Lakes Campground, located at 10,000 feet, is the ranger district’s smallest and least developed. It has 18 tent campsites for tents and small trailers. There is no water, electricity, hook-ups, dump stations or showers. All campsites have a tent pad and bear locker. It is normally full for the weekend by Friday morning, so arrive early. All sites are first-come, first-served. Camping is prohibited within .25 mile of either side of the road. The Indian Peak Wilderness Area east of the Continental Divide can also be entered from the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, Peaceful Valley / Camp Dick area trailheads and Saint Vrain Mountain Trailhead near Allenspark.

THIS IS BEAR COUNTRY! Keep campsites clean and do not place food or other attractants in tents. For information, visit wildlife.state.co.us

Take the free Hessie Trailhead Shuttle from Nederland High School, 597 C.R. 130 / Eldroa Road, Friday-Sunday and holidays through fall. No passes, reservations or fare are required. Leashed dogs are welcome, but bikes are not allowed due to a lack of racks. Shuttle arrives every 15-20 minutes and travel time is approximately 15 minutes. Facial coverings are not required. For more information, visit HessieTrailhead.com or call 303-441-4910.

Schedule

The free shuttle runs through Oct. 9:

• Fridays: 6 a.m.–6 p.m. • Saturdays: 6 a.m.–8 p.m. ( Starting Sept. 10, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.) • Sundays: 6 a.m.–6 p.m. • Independence Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth Observed (June 20) and Labor Day: 6 a.m.-6 p.m. • May 29, June 19, July 3 & Sept. 4: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

No Car Needed

On days when the shuttle operates, RTD route NB from Boulder to Nederland High School is free; visitors are encouraged to park in Boulder and ride to their hike. Park for free and board at Downtown Boulder Station, 1800 14th St., or Boulder County Justice Center, 1777 6th St., and ride to Nederland High School and downtown Nederland/RTD Park-n-Ride. Visit rtd-denver.com for schedules.

Limited Parking Along Road

Limited, designated parking is available along CR 111 / Fourth of July Road. Parking is only allowed between signs. Violators will be fined $50 or towed.

INDIAN PEAKS WILDERNESS

WILDERNESS CAMPING

Camping in the wilderness area, which is divided into Backcountry Camping Zones, is very popular and requires a permit. Decide which zone you are camping within each day of your trip by viewing the Backcountry Zones Map below. Each zone has a limited number of permits. Camping permits are required for all overnight trips June 1–Sept. 15. There is a $5 fee per permit, plus a $6 reservation fee, available at Recreation.gov. Some trailheads require additional fees. Groups of 8-12 and organized groups require permits for all trips. Groups larger than 12 are prohibited. Camping is prohibited in Four Lakes Zone, May 1-Nov 30. In Diamond, Jasper, Crater and Caribou Lake zones, camping is allowed only in designated sites. Camping is also prohibited within 100 feet of all lakes, streams and trails.

Campfires are prohibited in most areas, including the east side of the Continental Divide at all times whether there is a ban or not. Pets must be on a hand-held leash at all times. Failure to leash your dog may result in a fine. Livestock is prohibited in Four Lakes Zone, above Cascade Falls, Diamond Lake Zone and Diamond Lake Trail. Motorized and mechanized equipment including chain saws, vehicles and bikes are prohibited throughout the wilderness. Trail and camping conditions should be reviewed before accessing the high country. Snow can linger through early July. Cross high elevation areas in early morning hours to avoid severe thunderstorms. For more information, call 303-541-2500 or visit fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/indianpeaks. INDIAN PEAKS WILDERNESS AREA CAMPING ZONES

Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park

James Peak Wilderness

Know Before You Go • Learn about and respect the spaces we all own and share. • Find your way to less-visited and off-peak destinations. • Bring reusable water bottles to limit waste and stay hydrated. Stick To Trails • Keep natural areas natural; camp at least 200 feet from water. • Don’t take shortcuts. Trash the Trash • Pack it in, pack it out and leave a place better than you found it. • Wash yourself, dog and dishes with biodegradable soap 200 feet from water. Leave It As You Find It • Leave plants, rocks and historical items as you find them. • Don’t build structures or campsites on public land. • Treat living things with respect. Keep Wildlife Wild • Don’t approach or feed wildlife. • Keep dogs leashed on dog-friendly trails and pack out their waste to a trashcan. Share Our Trails & Parks • Try lesser-known paths and sites. • Silence cell phones; speak softly. • Be considerate when passing others and yield to the uphill hiker and biker. • Listen to nature and keep voices and music soft.

BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE! • Be aware of fire restrictions. • Keep all campfires small, manageable and within existing fire pits. • When putting out a fire, water it until the embers can be handled. • Never let a fire burn unattended. • Use care if smoking, do not litter or throw smoking materials from a car.