Connect with Facebook
Indian Peaks Wilderness
CO- Front Range
- Indian Peaks Wilderness
Weather Averages
|
High
|
Low
|
Precip
|
Days w/
|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
169 mi 272 km of trail — 11 Featured Hikes
1 Gem
11 Trails
26 Trails
4 Trails
Local Info
Indian Peaks Wilderness became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1978 and spans 76,711 acres. This wilderness shares borders with James Peak Wilderness to the south and Rocky Mountain National Park to the north. Elevations range from 8,300 to just over 13,500 feet. Indian Peaks is one of the most visited Wilderness areas in the United States. To encounter fewer people, hike and camp on weekdays and use less popular backcountry zones. Trailhead parking is limited. Always use Leave No Trace to help keep this area wild and pristine. For recorded information call 303-541-2519.
Camping & Lodging
Permits: The Indian Peaks Wilderness is divided into backcountry zones. View a map of Indian Peaks Wilderness & Backcountry Zones (pdf, 274Kb). Permits are issued according to zone and required for camping between June 1 and September 15. Large groups (8 - 12 people) and/or organized groups such as scouts, churches, schools, internet outdoor groups and hiking clubs require permits year-round for day and overnight trips. Download a wilderness permit application form (pdf 134Kb).
Permits are limited and must obtained in advance from the Boulder Ranger District (2140 Yarmouth Ave, Boulder, CO 80301) or Sulphur Ranger District (9 Ten Mile Drive, P.O. Box 10, Granby, CO, 80446). Please download and complete the wilderness permit application form before visiting the office.
Camping: Click here for a list of Boulder Ranger District Campgrounds.
Permits are limited and must obtained in advance from the Boulder Ranger District (2140 Yarmouth Ave, Boulder, CO 80301) or Sulphur Ranger District (9 Ten Mile Drive, P.O. Box 10, Granby, CO, 80446). Please download and complete the wilderness permit application form before visiting the office.
Camping: Click here for a list of Boulder Ranger District Campgrounds.
Visiting Tips
July & August are the best, but also the busiest months to visit the IPW.
Food & Drink
After the Hike: Local Favorites
Hernando's Pizza and Pasta Pub
Dip your pizza crust in honey. I know, it sounds weird, but it's just plain awesome.
Rise & Shine Bakery
Winner of Westword's Best of Denver 2010 - Best Breakfast Under $2!
Fontenot's Seafood & Grill
Excellent service. The surf and turf was great. Steak was better than the Capital Grill.
Carvers
The service was great. Get the Mexican Scrambler and share one of the cinnamon rolls. Delicious!
Azteca
Enchiladas
Randi's Grill & Pub
I saw someone fart on my grilled chicken.
Pepe Osaka's fishtaco Tequila bar
The soft shell crab was about as generic as it gets. Dining mate said the spicy pork was the best
The Smokehouse BBQ
Try the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce! With pork ribs.
Fraser Valley Dog
Bison Brat was awesome! The jalapeño adds just the right kick to the brat.
New Hong Kong
Curry Triple Delight was delightful.
Casa Mexico
Fajitas for two were absolutely delicious. More than enough food for 2 people. The service was great and everyone was very friendly.
New Moon Bakery and Cafe
This is a great place for a morning meeting. Quiche and coffee is my breakfast of choice here.
Gems in Indian Peaks Wilderness - 1
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Gems
Featured Hikes in Indian Peaks Wilderness - 11
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Hikes
Airplane Gully Route
Trails in Indian Peaks Wilderness - 30
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Trails
|
7.9 mi
12.8 km
#1
Arapaho Glacier Trail
Nederland, CO
|
7.9 mi 12.8 km | Nederland, CO |
|
9
|
|
4.5 mi
7.3 km
#2
Pawnee Pass Trail
Nederland, CO
|
4.5 mi 7.3 km | Nederland, CO |
Minor Issues
Update
Snowy, Some Mud, Fallen Trees - Still some snowpack, GPS helps to find the trail in spots, Buchanan Pass trail still buried, most clear and runnable.
43 days ago
|
6
|
|
15.0 mi
24.2 km
#3
Buchanan Pass Trail
Nederland, CO
|
15.0 mi 24.2 km | Nederland, CO |
|
3
|
|
2.1 mi
3.3 km
#4
Isabelle Glacier Trail
Nederland, CO
|
2.1 mi 3.3 km | Nederland, CO |
Minor Issues
Update
Muddy, Snowy, Mostly Dry - Mostly dry with a few steep snowfields to cross/climb. No special gear required
38 days ago
|
9
|
|
3.6 mi
5.9 km
#5
Diamond Lake Trail
Nederland, CO
|
3.6 mi 5.9 km | Nederland, CO |
Minor Issues
Update
Some mud and puddles on trail due to recent rains and a couple minor stream crossing. Wild flowers are in full swing!
14 days ago
|
8
|
|
1.1 mi
1.8 km
#6
Crater Lake Trail
Granby, CO
|
1.1 mi 1.8 km | Granby, CO |
Minor Issues
Update
Muddy: Muddier and rockier than expected. I would not agree that it is 91% runnable. Views make up for it at the turn around.
14 days ago
|
2
|
|
12.3 mi
19.8 km
#7
High Lonesome Trail
Fraser, CO
|
12.3 mi 19.8 km | Fraser, CO |
All Clear
Update
Wildflowers are popping off hard. Perfect conditions. Of course there are a few water crossings. No big deal though
31 days ago
|
4
|
|
6.6 mi
10.6 km
#8
Devil's Thumb Trail #902
Nederland, CO
|
6.6 mi 10.6 km | Nederland, CO |
|
3
|
|
13.1 mi
21.1 km
#9
Arapaho Pass Trail
Nederland, CO
|
13.1 mi 21.1 km | Nederland, CO |
All Clear
Update
Mostly Dry: Wild flowers were great as 07/16! There are a few water crossings/muddy spots, but waterproof shoes are not necessary.
28 days ago
|
3
|
|
9.7 mi
15.7 km
#10
Cascade Trail
Granby, CO
|
9.7 mi 15.7 km | Granby, CO |
Minor Issues
Update
Muddy: Muddier and rockier than expected. I would not agree that it is 91% runnable. Views make up for it at the turn around.
14 days ago
|
2
|
|
4.2 mi
6.8 km
#11
Caribou Pass Trail
Fraser, CO
|
4.2 mi 6.8 km | Fraser, CO |
All Clear
Update
Wildflowers are popping off hard. Perfect conditions. Of course there are a few water crossings. No big deal though
31 days ago
|
3
|
|
0.5 mi
0.7 km
#12
South Arapaho Peak Southeast Ridge
Nederland, CO
|
0.5 mi 0.7 km | Nederland, CO |
All Clear
Update
Wildflowers are popping off hard. Perfect conditions. Of course there are a few water crossings. No big deal though
31 days ago
|
1
|
|
3.4 mi
5.4 km
#13
Coney Lake Trail #914
Nederland, CO
|
3.4 mi 5.4 km | Nederland, CO |
Minor Issues
Update
Some Mud, Fallen Trees: Muddy areas with downed treas in some locations. It has been raining in the afternoons so plan an earlier hike.
13 days ago
|
1
|
|
1.3 mi
2.1 km
#14
Jean Lunning Trail
Nederland, CO
|
1.3 mi 2.1 km | Nederland, CO |
Unknown
Update
|
2
|
|
2.1 mi
3.5 km
#15
Mount Audubon Trail
Nederland, CO
|
2.1 mi 3.5 km | Nederland, CO |
Minor Issues
Update
Snowy, Some Mud, Fallen Trees - Still some snowpack, GPS helps to find the trail in spots, Buchanan Pass trail still buried, most clear and runnable.
43 days ago
|
2
|
|
2.6 mi
4.1 km
#16
Woodland Lake Trail
Nederland, CO
|
2.6 mi 4.1 km | Nederland, CO |
Minor Issues
Update
Muddy, Snowy, Mostly Dry - Mostly dry. Gets marshy/muddy at times and a decent amount of snow in the last 2 miles to Woodland Lake. You don't need ...
53 days ago
|
3
|
|
6.9 mi
11.2 km
#17
East Shore Trail
Grand Lake, CO
|
6.9 mi 11.2 km | Grand Lake, CO |
Unknown
Update
|
3
|
|
6.9 mi
11.1 km
#18
Beaver Creek Trail
Nederland, CO
|
6.9 mi 11.1 km | Nederland, CO |
Unknown
Update
|
2
|
|
4.4 mi
7.1 km
#19
King Lake Trail
Nederland, CO
|
4.4 mi 7.1 km | Nederland, CO |
|
1
|
|
2.6 mi
4.3 km
#20
Niwot Ridge Trail
Nederland, CO
|
2.6 mi 4.3 km | Nederland, CO |
Unknown
Update
|
1
|
|
3.1 mi
5.0 km
#21
Saint Vrain Glacier Trail
Nederland, CO
|
3.1 mi 5.0 km | Nederland, CO |
Unknown
Update
|
1
|
|
0.8 mi
1.4 km
#22
Betty & Bob Lakes Trail
Fraser, CO
|
0.8 mi 1.4 km | Fraser, CO |
Unknown
Update
|
1
|
|
6.4 mi
10.3 km
#23
Saint Vrain Mountain Trail #915
Estes Park, CO
|
6.4 mi 10.3 km | Estes Park, CO |
All Clear
Update
Mostly Dry: Ran into some snow patches at 10,500, but other than than clear except for the creek crossings.
37 days ago
|
1
|
|
6.2 mi
10.1 km
#24
Roaring Fork Trail # 3
Grand Lake, CO
|
6.2 mi 10.1 km | Grand Lake, CO |
Minor Issues
Update
Snowy, Fallen Trees - Really nice but lots of fallen trees and snow. passable without much difficulty however!
44 days ago
|
|
|
3.2 mi
5.2 km
#25
Gourd Lake Trail
Grand Lake, CO
|
3.2 mi 5.2 km | Grand Lake, CO |
Unknown
Update
|
1
|
|
1.3 mi
2.1 km
#26
Devil's Thumb Bypass
Nederland, CO
|
1.3 mi 2.1 km | Nederland, CO |
|
1
|
|
0.6 mi
1.0 km
#27
Red Deer Lake Trail
Nederland, CO
|
0.6 mi 1.0 km | Nederland, CO |
Unknown
Update
|
1
|
|
2.2 mi
3.5 km
#28
Cooper Pass Traverse Route
Grand Lake, CO
|
2.2 mi 3.5 km | Grand Lake, CO |
Unknown
Update
|
1
|
|
21.3 mi
34.3 km
#29
CDT: Rollins Pass to Monarch Lake (CO Sec. 34)
Fraser, CO
|
21.3 mi 34.3 km | Fraser, CO |
All Clear
Update
Wildflowers are popping off hard. Perfect conditions. Of course there are a few water crossings. No big deal though
31 days ago
|
|
|
12.6 mi
20.3 km
#30
CDT: Monarch Lake to Grand Lake (CO Sec. 35)
Grand Lake, CO
|
12.6 mi 20.3 km | Grand Lake, CO |
Unknown
Update
|
|
Photos of Indian Peaks Wilderness - 129
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Photos
Classes & Events Near You
Shop REI Adventures
Hiking Project is part of the REI Co-op family,
where a life outdoors is a life well lived.
