Diamond Lake is a heavily trafficked hike located just outside of Nederland, Colorado. This 5ish mile hike starts at the extremely popular 4th of July trailhead and ends at beautiful high alpine lake, Diamond Lake. This hike contains a reverse elevation profile meaning you gain elevation on both the way there and way back to the car. Departing from the Fourth of July Trailhead, you’ll spend about 1.2 miles along the Arapaho Pass Trail before turning left at the trail junction for the Diamond Lake Trail. After a short distance, you’ll descend to the Middle Boulder Creek and cross to the other side, where you’ll begin the final ascent to Diamond Lake. Length: Fourth of July Trailhead (TH) to Diamond Lake Trail - 1.2 miles; Arapaho Glacier Trail - 2.1 miles; Arapaho Pass - 3.3 miles. DISTANCES ARE ONE-WAY.Elevation: 10,100 feet at the TH; 11,245 4th of July Road is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Nederland, Colorado. Fourth of July Trailhead and a small associated campground are located approximately 30 miles west of Boulder at an elevation of approximately 10,100 feet. There is no fee for camping, and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fourth of July Trailhead provides access to Arapaho Pass, Diamond Lake, and Arapaho Glacier Trails inside the Indian Peaks Wilderness. It was worth the 32-year-long wait. Nestled in the heart of Indian Peaks Wilderness outside of Nederland, Colorado, this 7.2-mile out-and-back trail winds through the Roosevelt National Forest and reads like a backcountry explorer’s dream. Sparkling fields of bright wildflowers dot the landscape. Chirping marmots scurry about the alpine forest. If you live either north or south of Eldora, use the following directions: Go north or south on Colorado 119 to the town of Nederland. Traveling north on 119, turn left at the Eld The trail begins at the Fourth of July Trailhead There is a steady uphill from the parking area at the end of a bumpy gravel road. Forested for the first half, then the trail emerges in spots for views across the canyon towards Diamond Lake area and Diamond Creek Falls. The Hessie Trailhead weekend shuttle takes you to several popular hiking trails in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, west of Nederland, Colorado. The Hessie Trailhead, located off Fourth of July Road, provides access to the Indian Peaks Wilderness and the following trails: Lost Lake Devil's Thumb King Lake Woodland Lake Diamond Lake trails Head out on this 8.1-mile out-and-back trail near Nederland, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 28 min to complete. This is a very popular area for camping, cross-country skiing, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail begins at the 4th of July trailhead, which is located near the Eldora ski area and can be crowded during the summer and weekends. The road is rough in places but passable by any car when dry. From the parking area begin hiking the Arapaho pass trail, which will gently gain elevation through forests with occasional glimpses across the valley. Just after a mile into the hike there will The Hessie Trailhead is a busy access point to US Forest Service lands and popular trails. Consider using the free shuttle as parking is limited. Discover this 4.0-mile out-and-back trail near Nederland, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 18 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. • Indian Peaks The 4th of July Trailhead is located just past Nederland, Colorado, outside the small ski town of Eldora, and it’s is easy to find on Google Maps. The final four miles until the trailhead, on the aptly named 4th of July Road, are along a bumpy and high-clearance dirt path. Caribou Lake via 4th of July Trailhead is a 9.0 mile backpacking trip that offers panoramic vistas, wildlife, and great fishing. The Fourth of July Trailhead is a popular access point to the east side of the southern Indian Peaks Wilderness. Accessible from this point are South and North Arapaho Peaks, Mount Neva, Jasper Peak, Arapaho Pass, Lake Dorothy, Diamond Lake and a number of smaller, unnamed lakes and peaks. Directions to Diamond Lake Trail & Trailhead Drive for approximately for 1hr from Denver to Nederland, Colorado. From Nederland, drive south on CO 119 for about half a mile. Turn right onto CR 130 towards Eldora, then proceed westward through the town of Eldora on Eldorado Avenue which will turn into Hessie Road as it leaves town. At the intersection with CR 111 (4th of July Road) turn right Expert local hiking guide to the 4th of July Trailhead hikes and climbs in Indian Peaks. Get in-depth knowledge about where to hike, camping, & scrambling. Topo Map Google Map Trailhead If you live either north or south of Eldora, use the following directions: Go north or south on Colorado 119 to the town of Nederland. Traveling north on 119, turn left at the Eldora turnoff. Coming from the north, turn right at the Eldora turn-off (County Road 130).
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