| Biking Summer and early fall find both road bikers and mountain bikers in the Peak to Peak Region for some of the most scenic and challenging rides in the state. Road bikers will find wide shoulders, polite drivers, and many paved, quiet roads. However smooth the shoulder, the terrain is always a combination of both steep and gentle grades (and downhills). Some bikers choose to ride up to Nederland on the RTD bus with their bikes stowed on the bus, and then enjoy the challenges of the Peak to Peak region in either direction, north or south. Mountain bikers have miles and miles of dirt roads and single track trails available to them. They range from fairly easy to challenging. All bikers must remember that no vehicles are allowed inside the boundaries of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. A number of road and mountain biking clubs exist in the area. Check at a local bike shop for current groups. Listed below is a small sampling of some popular trails for mountain biking. Check at the Nederland Visitors Center or a local bike store for other suggestions. Sourdough Trail (Moderate to Difficult) See Map The very popular Sourdough Trail is a heavily forested, occasionally technical ride, located between Nederland and Camp Dick. If you like rocky terrain and single track, check out this famous ride. Access the southern terminus 6.5 miles north of Nederland on Highway 72 at the turnoff to the Colorado Mountain Research Station at the parking lot. The trail intersects with the Brainard Lake road in about 6 miles. A mile further the Sourdough Trail joins the South St. Vrain Trail. To the east about 3 miles is Highway 72; a mile and a half to the west, the Sourdough Trail splits to the right and passes near Beaver Reservoir on County Road 96J. You can complete the entire route (FR 835) by continuing a mile past Beaver Reservoir to Camp Dick near Peaceful Valley on Highway 72. Switzerland Trail (Easy) The historic Switzerland Trail (it used to be a tourist train route) is ridden entirely on dirt roads. The terrain is rocky, but if you use a car shuttle and head in the right direction, much of the route is downhill. From Nederland, take Highway 72 north about 5 miles to the Glacier Lake Trailhead/Road. Look for a dirt road to the right 1/4 mile past mile marker 38. It’s about 18 miles to Ward going through Sunset and up to Saw Mill Road into Ward. The Switzerland Trail can also be accessed from the Gold Hill Road about 5 miles from Highway 72. Rollins Pass (Moderate to Difficult) You can take this historic train route across the Rollins Pass to Winter Park (though you have to navigate the narrow foot trail around the tunnel). If you've still got the energy, you can do some downhill riding at the Winter Park resort. From the beginning of the Rollins Pass Road (eight miles west of Rollinsville) to the top is approximately 15 miles with an elevation gain of about 2,475'. Some bikers have found that near Yankee Doodle Lake on the return trip there is a turnoff (not well marked) for the Jenny Creek Trail that brings bikers back through the national forest to the Eldora Ski Resort Road which leads back to Nederland. Check with the Nederland Visitors Center staff or a local bike shop for a detailed map and directions for this part of the trip. Fourth of July Road (Moderate) See Map The ride from Nederland through Eldora and up to Buckingham Campground is a nearly 20-mile roundtrip route that combines paved and graded dirt roads leading through residential areas and dense aspen and spruce forests. Begin at the Visitors Center in Nederland, ride south a half mile on Highway 119 to the Eldora turnoff and follow the pavement to the old gold mining town of Eldora (don’t go to the ski area!). Continue for another mile where the pavement ends and ride uphill another 5-6 miles to the end of the road at Buckingham Campground. The return trip is all downhill. Enjoy it—you’ve earned it. |
 | |  |
| Recreation Nederland is located only a few miles from the Continental Divide, surrounded by national forest lands and on the edge of the Indian Peak Wilderness Area. Rocky Mountain National Park is within an hour’s drive. Visitors can easily start from one of several area trailheads and hike to 12,000 feet above sea level or higher in just a couple of hours. You can walk across a glacier or see for miles from the top of a 13,000' peak. Longs Peak, perhaps the most famous of Colorado’s 14ers, is a 12–15 hour hike/climb for those in shape to meet that challenge. You can fish a mountain stream, discover old mining digs, bike along abandoned railroad beds, or have a snack at an alpine lake above timberline. Most people visit our area for the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of our mountains. Whether you want to explore on foot, by bicycle, or from the comfort of your car, the Nederland area offers some of America’s most beautiful landscapes. You can find comfortable day hikes or try rock climbing. There are strenuous or relaxing bicycle trails, backpacking or campground camping, ghost towns to explore or day tripping in your car. You can fish a lake or stream, or go horseback riding. In the winter, there is plenty of snow for alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. It’s all here waiting for you to decide how you’ll spend your time in the Nederland area. Choose from the list of activities at the left and learn what opportunities await you. In addition to a good map, all visitors to the high country should be sure to be in good physical condition and have plenty of water in order to avoid high altitude sickness. The purchase of a CORSAR Card supports the Colorado Search and Rescue Fund, and offsets the high costs of back country rescues. CORSAR Cards are available locally at Indian Peaks Ace Hardware. |
| Driving Tours Stanley Steamers were the first cars that brought tourists to the mountains over a century ago, and people have been driving through the mountains ever since. Silvia Pettem’s Excursions from Peak to Peak (Boulder: TARP, 1997) captures the excitement and charm of early auto travel in our area. There are many interesting and beautiful sights to see as you drive through our area. The route from Black Hawk and Central City to Estes Park has been designated the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway by the state of Colorado. The drive of less than two hours takes visitors through aspen and evergreen forests, small towns with a history of mining, state and national forest campgrounds, summer homes and modern conference centers, and dirt roads that wait to be explored. Here are some suggestions for loop drives: Boulder — Gold Hill — Nederland Loop See Map Start in Boulder by driving west on Highway 119 (Canyon Boulevard). Turn north on Four Mile Canyon Road a short distance from town. Drive up the part paved, part graded dirt road to the historic mining town of Gold Hill. Drive west to the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Drive south to Nederland. Drive east down Boulder Canyon (Highway 119) to return to Boulder. Along the way to you’ll follow the route of the Switzerland Trail railroad; you’ll pass several old mining camps, such as Orodell, Crisman, Salina, and Summerville; you’ll see the oldest public school in continuous use in Boulder County (in Gold Hill); you’ll pass by the site of the largest (at the time) tungsten mill in the world; you can relax with some retail therapy in Nederland; and on the way back to Boulder, stop for a short walk to Boulder Falls. Denver — Golden — Central City — Nederland Loop See Map Start in Denver. Drive west on I-70 to US 40 and US 6 to Golden. Then drive west on US 6 about 12 miles to Highway 119 and north to the historic mining town of Central City, just a mile west of Black Hawk. Return to the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway and drive 26 miles north to Nederland. Drive down Boulder Canyon on Highway 119 to Boulder and on to Denver via US 36. Along the way, you’ll pass the headquarters of Coors Beer; you can visit the site of the “Richest Square Mile on Earth” (Central City), and contender for the site of the state capital; a side trip from Central City will take you to the ghost towns of Nevadaville and Russell Gulch; you can hike through the quiet trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park; you might do some shopping or get a bite to eat in Nederland (stop by the Visitors Center for some suggestions); remember to stop at the Boulder Falls parking area eight miles east of Nederland for a short walk to the falls. Boulder — Estes Park — Nederland Loop See Map Start in Boulder and drive north on US 36 to Lyons and on to Estes Park. Drive south on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (Highway 7 and 72) to Nederland. Drive down Boulder Canyon (Highway 119) to Boulder. Along the way, you can see where most of the flagstone used in Colorado buildings is quarried; you can extend your stay in the Estes Park area by driving through Rocky Mountain National Park, either on the paved Trail Ridge Road or the well graded dirt Fall River Road, both of which lead to the park’s Alpine Visitors Center; you’ll have magnificent views of Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, and other peaks that make up the Continental Divide to the west; stop in Nederland for a snack and a gift for those left behind; and on the way to Boulder, stop for a short walk to Boulder Falls. Boulder — Lyons — Nederland Loop See Map Start in Boulder. Drive north on US 36 to Lyons. Go west on Highway 7 to Allenspark. Head south from Allenspark on Highway 7 and 72 to Nederland. Go east on Highway 119 to Boulder. Along the way, you will pass by flagstone quarries and see where miners scratched and dug the earth for gold and tungsten; you can take a 5-mile side trip to view the crest of the Continental Divide reflected in the waters of Brainard Lake at 10,000' above sea level; you can have a good meal at one of Nederland’s outstanding restaurants (or just a cup of great coffee at one of our coffee shops) to put the finishing touches on this 80-mile trip through Colorado’s Front Range. Catch Those Fall Colors Autumn typically offers fantastic weather scattered with a few surprise snow showers. One of the most popular autumn activities is driving the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway and viewing the fall aspen colors. The best time is generally mid-September. Here are some suggestions for viewing the changing aspen in the fall in the Peak to Peak area. We would like to emphasize the benefits of getting out on foot as often as possible. Please stop at the Nederland Visitors Center for free maps and specific directions to each of these areas. The Switzerland Trail This old railroad bed offered famous panoramas of mountain valleys and snow-covered peaks in the early 1900s. Today the road is accessible at several points. Unmaintained, it can be rough on the auto, but the gradual grade provides a perfect trail for leisurely hiking. The best place to access this narrow dirt road is about five miles from Highway 72 down the Gold Hill Road. If you would like to take a short walk, leave from the parking area where the Gold Hill Road and the Switzerland Trail intersect. The first mile skirts aspen covered hillsides and leads to the Mount Alto picnic site. Note: One can also pick up the Switzerland Trail at Sunset or by following the Glacier Lake Road east of the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, about four miles north of Nederland. Golden Gate Canyon State Park See Map This is a good time of the year to visit Golden Gate Canyon State Park, about 10 miles south of Nederland on Highway 119. Of special interest are: The Panorama Point overlook is spectacular. To the west is a long sweep of the Continental Divide, and it looks down into the South Boulder Creek valley. Raccoon Trail runs down from the overlook to the state park campground (about one mile). Campers might enjoy climbing up to the overlook by this trail. Hessie and the Fourth of July Trailhead See Map The paved road to Eldora is flanked by smaller aspen trees that shimmer and shake along the tumbling waters of Middle Boulder Creek. Drive slowly through the town of Eldora: kids, bicyclists, and pets are likely to cross the road any time. Beyond Eldora, the road is rough and slow going, but well worth the trip. Three-quarters of a mile past the end of the pavement in Eldora, the road splits. The right fork heads five miles up to the Buckingham (Fourth of July) campground and is tunneled by tall aspen trees. If you would prefer the left fork, you must choose to park along the side of the road and walk to the site of the old town of Hessie. Or, if your vehicle is worthy of the effort, you can drive the half mile through the rocky and flooded road to the town site. In either case, you end up at the Hessie trailhead (about half a mile from the fork in the road), and from there various trails will take you past waterfalls, rushing streams, and fields of aspens. East Portal/Rollins Pass See Map The East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel burrows its way into the mountain about eight miles west of Rollinsville. The drive down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek to the East Portal follows an ancient valley which spreads itself out before the peaks that rise to the Continental Divide. Along the way you pass Tolland, a community left over from mining’s boom days, populated now by a few hardy souls who wish you would drive slower. The drive is spectacular, with its intermittent eruptions of shimmering gold and red, and watching a train emerge from the black hole in the mountain is a dramatic addition to a fall day. The Rollins Pass Road, which begins just a few hundred yards from the Tunnel, is a favorite route for mountain bikers. If you have a 4 wheel drive or a high clearance vehicle, you might want to drive up the pass road. Be warned that it is narrow and often quite jarring to your car’s shocks and tires, as well as passengers. You can’t drive all the way over to Winter Park because the Needle’s Eye Tunnel is closed from a rock slide just three miles from the summit. However, no matter how far you get, the views are thrilling and luminescent. |
| Day Hikes One of the most satisfying ways to experience our area is by hiking the many trails that lead through the Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests, the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, and Rocky Mountain National Park. The nearest trailheads are found at Hessie and at Buckingham Campground (Fourth of July Trailhead) west of Eldora. There are trailheads in the Brainard Lake area and elsewhere along the foothills and high country. Some of the trails are also excellent for mountain biking, though all vehicles—including bicycles—are not permitted in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Hikers, as well as backpackers and mountain bikers, should never go off without a good map, which are available at many shops in town. John E. Heasley’s Colorado’s Indian Peaks Wilderness (Fort Collins: RAS Pub., 1999) is an excellent guide to the trails in our area, providing maps, photos, and statistical data on all trails in our area. Virtual Trails also provides detailed information about trails in our area. Here are some of the most popular hikes in our area: FROM THE HESSIE TRAILHEAD (elevation 9,000') See Map Lost Lake (Easy) Starting at the Hessie Trailhead a mile and a half west of Eldora, cross the bridge over the creek and climb up a switch back through the aspen. Within half a mile, the trail forks. Take the left fork to the King Lake Trail (which also says “To Lost Lake Trail”) and in another few hundred yards, there is another fork to the left that goes to Lost Lake. This is about a 3-mile round trip with 800' of elevation gain, lots of aspen viewing, and a series of waterfalls just off the trail. Remnants of the area’s mining history remain at Lost Lake. This makes an excellent “first hike” for visitors just arriving from lower elevations. King Lake (Moderate) As you enter the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area at the Hessie Trailhead, you will notice signs at every fork in the trail inviting you to choose from among several destinations higher up toward the Continental Divide. King Lake (elevation 11,648') is an outstanding 5-mile hike (each way) that ends at a peaceful glacial lake just below Rollins Pass, which is a short half mile walk beyond. Along the way, you will pass the turnoff to the nearby Bob and Betty Lakes. The trail winds through dense spruce forests, broad alpine meadows, and the headwaters of the South Fork Middle Boulder Creek. Look carefully for the many ptarmigans that live above timberline. Woodland Lake (Moderate) Shortly after leaving the Hessie Trailhead, hikers will notice a sign pointing the way to Woodland Lake (elevation 10,972'). This is a slightly shorter version of the King Lake Trail with vistas as rewarding and a route through spruce, meadows, and remnants of former mining attempts. Just a short one-third of a mile west of Woodland Lake is Skyscraper Reservoir (elevation 11,220'), built between 1941- 1947 by Everett Long of Boulder who later sold the reservoir and water rights to the City of Boulder in 1966. Devils Thumb and Jasper Lake (Moderate to Difficult) The longest of the trails from the Hessie Trailhead takes hikers nearly seven miles north and west to the intersection of the Corona Trail at Devils Thumb Pass (elevation 11,747'). The views from near the Continental Divide are breathtaking and well worth the effort. Before reaching the Pass, hikers pass by Jasper Lake (elevation 10,814') and Devils Thumb Lake (elevation 11,160'). The trail follows Jasper Creek through meadows dotted with wild huckleberries in the summer, as well as portions of an old mining road. FROM THE FOURTH OF JULY TRAILHEAD (elevation 10,000') See Map Diamond Lake (Easy to Moderate) This 7-mile round trip hike begins about a mile from the trailhead. It winds its way through dense spruce forests and often wet meadow areas before crossing the North Fork Middle Boulder Creek and ending at Diamond Lake (elevation 11,000'), a camping area very popular with backpackers. This is a gentle hike with often a good deal of foot traffic mid-summer. Arapaho Pass and Lake Dorothy (Easy to Moderate) Equally popular with day hikers is the trail from the Fourth of July Trailhead to the Continental Divide at Arapaho Pass (elevation 11,942'). In the first two miles hikers pass through spruce forests, cross several seasonal streams, and finally emerge at timberline near the site of the Fourth of July Mine marked by several pieces of rusted mining machinery and tailings. The top of the pass is visible from the mine: just follow the trail that leads another two miles along the exposed side of the mountain. Hikers who go an extra few hundred yards will be find the alpine solitude of Lake Dorothy, a small gem of a lake with great views and ptarmigans certainly hiding in the rocks around the lake. South Arapaho Peak (Moderate to Difficult) Those who would seek the challenge—and rewards—of a few hundred yards of non-technical scrambling up the side of a mountain will find the views from South Arapaho Peak (elevation 13,397') as spectacular as those from Longs Peak or Mount Audubon. To the east you can see the plains of Colorado (and maybe Kansas on a very clear day?), as well as the Arapaho Glacier just below. To the north and south are the other peaks that makeup the crest of the Continental Divide. Take mittens and a hat (as well as your camera), even in the summer. Take the trail from near the Fourth of July Mine that heads north up the side of the mountain. Close by is North Arapaho Peak (elevation 13,502') which can be reached be crossing the narrow ridge that spans these sister peaks. FROM BRAINARD LAKE (elevation 10,000') See Map Fourteen miles north of Nederland on Highway 72 is the town of Ward. A National Forest Sign on the west side of the highway will direct you to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, five miles from the highway on a paved road. Visitors will be charged a $8 for a five-day pass and $35 for a seasonal pass. Holders of Golden Age, Golden Access, Golden Eagle, America the Beautiful Senior, and Annual pass holders are admitted free of charge. Camping at Pawnee Campground is extra and reservations are advised. On the west side of Brainard Lake, directly opposite Pawnee Campground, are parking areas for three trailheads: Beaver Creek, Long Lake, and Mitchell Creek. Each leads hikers to a variety of beautiful landscapes and breathtaking vistas. Beaver Creek/Mount Audubon Trail (Easy to Moderate) The popular Mount Audubon Trail forks off from the Beaver Creek Trail which begins at the north paved parking area. The summit of Mount Audubon (elevation 13,223') is about 4 miles from the parking area. This makes an excellent and rewarding day hike for those seeking the exhilaration of standing atop a peak with a 360 degree view of lakes, rivers, plains, and neighboring Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail begins gently through spruce groves and soon emerges above timberline where the terrain is steeper and rocky. For the last half mile to the summit the “trail” follows rock cairns across the talus and boulders covering the peak. This is not a technical climb, but it can be physically demanding. Along with your camera, take a hat and gloves, even in mid-summer: the winds on top can be fierce! Always be alert for an incoming thunderstorm. Long Lake Trailhead Jean Luning Trail (Easy) Isabelle Lake and Glacier (Easy to Moderate) Pawnee Pass Trail (Moderate) A few hundred yards from the south paved parking area is Long Lake, an easy stroll through fir and spruce to the east end of the lake. The view across the lake to the west may be satisfying enough for those who want a great photograph and nothing more: the snow-capped peaks, the deep blue sky, and the clear waters of Long Lake may be enough for some visitors. However, for others, the trail beckons. The Jean Luning Trail is a level mile that encircles Long Lake providing information on alpine plants and animals. A little over a mile west of Long Lake is Lake Isabelle, one of the most beautiful spots in the Rockies and a setting that has graced many postcards. Lake Isabelle sits in a cirque surrounded by Pawnee Peak, Shoshoni Peak, Isabelle Glacier, Apache Peak, and Niwot Ridge. This round trip hike can be done by most hikers in half a day, and the views of the surrounding peaks are astounding. Beyond Lake Isabelle is the Isabelle Glacier that feeds the lakes below it. The trail to the Glacier is more challenging, but worth the climb. Leave yourself about six hours to make the round trip hike to the glacier—longer if you decide to try climbing or sliding around on it! Near the beginning of the Lake, the trail to Pawnee Pass (elevation 12,541') splits off to the north, and steeply and steadily climbs well above timberline to the top of the Continental Divide. Expect strong winds and a view that will take your breath away. Hikers should plan about 3-4 hours to reach Pawnee Pass from trailhead at the parking lot. Mitchell Creek Trailhead (Easy) This popular trail begins in the north paved parking area and follows Mitchell Creek 2.4 miles to Blue Lake (elevation 11,352'). The first mile or so of the trail is flat and wide. A short side trail takes you to Mitchell Lake, a total of about a half hour from the parking area. Blue Lake is another mile and a half up the trail which crosses a wide stream, grassy meadows, marshy areas (with boardwalks to cross on), and finally rocky areas and snow fields where the trail comes close to timberline. Blue Lake sits in a cirque below Mount Toll (elevation 12,979'), Piute Peak (elevation 13,088') and Pawnee Peak (elevation 12,943'). OTHER HIKES The entire Indian Peaks Wilderness region and Rocky Mountain National Park to the north abound with well marked trails and hiking opportunities that run the gamut of easy walks like the Switzerland Trail, to the challenge of Longs Peak. Check with the Visitors Center in Nederland for suggestions and conditions. One area to the south of Nederland is worth mentioning for its beauty, accessibility, and popularity with hikers: Heart Lake (Easy to Moderate) Five miles south of Nederland on Highway 119 is the town of Rollinsville. From there drive west (a sign will point you toward Rollins Pass) on a well maintained graded road about eight miles to the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel. Across the tracks from the parking area is the East Portal Trailhead (elevation 9,211'). The trail follows the drainage of South Boulder Creek which is in a fairly large valley. Like most trails in the area, this one climbs steadily from the trailhead, and after three fairly easy miles it gets steeper as you climb to tree line. As the trail breaks into the open and most of the trees fall away, you will have a view of Rogers Pass Lake (elevation 11,860'). Heart Lake (elevation 11,320') is north of Rogers Pass Lake. Round trip time for this hike is approximately one full day, and the distance is about 8 miles with 2,100' of elevation gain. From these lakes, it is possible to climb to Rogers Pass and the Continental Divide, but watch out for thunderstorms during the summer months. |
| Campgrounds Camping is permitted throughout National Forest lands, though campers are cautioned to respect private property, keep their site clear of trash and debris, and restrict their stay to the two-week limit. The danger of wildland fire grows more serious each summer season. Campers are urged to take every precaution to avoid the possibility of a wildland fire. Public and private campgrounds in our area serve tenters and RVs alike. Some are fee based and others are free. AREA CAMPGROUNDS Buckingham (a.k.a. Fourth of July) Campground Six miles west of Eldora on dirt road. RVs not recommended. Rustic. Wilderness access. 7 “official” sites. Free on first come basis. Cold Spring Campground Gilpin County north of Black Hawk on Highway 119. Open late May through early September. 27 sites. USFS fee. (800) 280-CAMP. Columbine Campground Gilpin County three miles west of Central City. Open late May through early September. 47 sites. USFS fee. (800) 280-CAMP. Golden Gate Canyon State Park Gilpin County north of Black Hawk. Two camping areas: Reverend’s Ridge and Aspen Meadows (tents only). 168 total sites. Drinking water, showers, hook-ups, Visitors Center. Hiking trails, biking, fishing, horseback riding. Colorado State Parks fee. Reservations recommended. (303) 582-3707 or on the web. Kelly-Dahl Campground Three miles south of Nederland off Highway 119. Drinking water, trailer sites. Open late May through early September. 46 sites. USFS fee. (800) 280-CAMP. KOA Central City/Black Hawk One half mile off Highway 119 north of Black Hawk. Open all year. Full service camping, tents, and cabins. Kids under 6 free. Reservations at (800) 562-1620 or on the web. Pawnee Campground West of Ward on a good paved road 5 miles at Brainard Lake. Drinking water. Trailer sites. This is a very popular campground and reservations are highly recommended. Wilderness access. Open late May through early September. 55 sites. USFS fee. (800) 280-CAMP. Peaceful Valley & Camp Dick About 18 miles north of Nederland on Highway 72. One half mile on good dirt road to Peaceful Valley and one mile beyond to Camp Dick. Drinking water, trailer sites. Wilderness access. Open late May through early September. 49 total sites. USFS fee. (800) 280-CAMP. Pickle Gulch Group Campground Gilpin County on Highway 118 north of Black Hawk. Open late May through early September. Group camping only, available by reservation only. USFS fee. (800) 280-CAMP. Rainbow Lakes Campground Six miles north of Nederland off Highway 72, then left on turnoff for University of Colorado Mountain Research Station. Six miles to campground over a poorly maintained, bumpy road. Rustic. Wilderness access. Open late May through early September. 18 sites. USFS fee. (800) 280-CAMP. Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds There are several campgrounds located within the park. Some include RV sites and running water. Open all year, but summer reservations are required. 577 total sites. (970) 586-1206 or on the web. |
| Backpacking The Indian Peaks Wildness Area and Rocky Mountain National Park areas provide thousands of acres of wilderness camping opportunities. Both areas require permits and a small fee. Access points for the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area are at Hessie and Fourth of July Trailheads, and Brainard Lake. PETS Pets are permitted in the Indian Peaks Wilderness area on leash only. Pets are not permitted on trails within Rocky Mountain National Park. Check at the National Park Visitor Centers for other restrictions. Indian Peaks Wilderness Area Permits Indian Peaks Ace Hardware 74 Highway 119 South (behind Peak National Bank) (303) 258-3132 Boulder Ranger District 2140 Yarmouth Avenue Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 444-6600 Rocky Mountain National Park Back Country Permits Park Visitor Centers Rocky Mountain National Park (970) 586-1206 |
| Fishing Whether you’re an avid fly fisherman or simply want to drown a worm in a quiet lake on a warm summer afternoon, you can find yourself a place for a challenge or a change of pace in our area. Check at Indian Peaks Ace Hardware or a local fishing store for a license and state regulations. Fishing in our area can be done in streams, alpine lakes, and reservoirs. Most folks who fish don’t like to tell much about where the best spots are, but below are some of the places you see folks all the time. They don’t come with guarantees for catching your limit, but you’ll have a great time trying no matter what you choose. Area Reservoirs Barker Reservoir Located on the east end of Nederland, there is public access along the west and north shores. There is also a small children’s fishing pond at Chipeta Park just west of the reservoir that is usually stocked with good sized catches. Gross Reservoir East and slightly south of Nederland is Gross Reservoir is twice the size of Barker Reservoir. From Nederland, drive south three miles and take highway 72 east toward Pinecliffe and Wondervu and watch for the turnoff to the left to Gross Reservoir. Skyscraper Reservoir Sitting at over 11,000' is the tiny Skyscraper Reservoir about a half mile above Woodland Lake. It’s rarely fished so the cutthroats must be pretty good sized by now. Access is from the Hessie Trailhead. (See the section on hiking to Woodland Lake.) Area Streams Wherever the water flows you’ll find folks fishing. And if they’re fishing, there must be fish, right? Here are some of those places. Middle Boulder Creek As you drive up Boulder Canyon to Nederland on highway 119, you’ll see people fishing at a dozen different spots. Pick one that’s not private property and take your chances. South Boulder Creek Go either east or west of Rollinsville (most folks go west) along this swiftly moving stream all the way to the East Portal. Please respect the “Private Property” signs along the way. There’ll be fish in the public fishing areas also. Alpine Lakes These are the gems of our area. For those who like the solitude of the mountains and the journey getting there—and good fishing—the small lakes near or above timberline are jewels for those who venture off the road. There are really too many to mention. While there are a few roadside locations, like Brainard Lake, most require a hike to reach. Check the section on hiking; most of the trails from Hessie, Fourth of July, and Brainard Lake trailheads pass by or end at a peaceful lake just waiting to tempt you. These alpine lakes are stocked—rainbows, browns, cutthroats, brookies, and occasionally splake—but which ones and when are a carefully guarded secret. Heasley’s Colorado’s Indian Peaks Wilderness offers locations, directions, and what you’re likely to find when you get there. |
| Information below provided by the Nederland Area Chamber of Commerce: |
| Horseback Riding There are at least seven stables and liveries between Nederland and Allenspark that will meet the needs of horseback riders of all levels of experience. Trips through the forests of the Peak to Peak region, including Rocky Mountain National Park, are a special treat for visitors, especially in the summer and early fall. Most operations are open only during the summer months (June through September), but some are open all year. Lessons are available at some stables; others specialize in therapeutic riding and opportunities for special needs riders. All take riders to special areas for vistas and scenery not accessible to most visitors. Get a complete listing of horseback riding opportunities at the Nederland Visitors Center. Reservations are always recommended, in some cases required. Either call or stop by, and the volunteers will help you select an appropriate location. |
- Area Info./Recreation
- Driving Tours
- Day Hikes
- Campgrounds
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
| | |
