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Rocky Mountain Recreational and Camping Guide When the temperature starts to climb and the dry winds blow along the Front Range, there is an option that combines adventure with cool, refreshing breezes - head to the high country. Here are some of the numerous options within an hour's drive from Boulder County. On this page:
A short drive west of Denver on Interstate 70, Clear Creek County is home to four of Colorado’s “14ers” (peaks over 14,000 feet) and two historic byways with spectacular vistas and outdoor recreation. The 28-mile Mt. Evans Scenic and Historic Byway is the nation’s highest paved road. It begins at Idaho Springs and crests at Mt. Evans’ summit, accessing trails to several mountain lakes. The Forest Service also maintains three picnic areas and a campground along the byway. Visit the Heritage Museum and Visitors Center, 2060 Miner St. in Idaho Springs. Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway is a 23-mile paved and gravel route in the Pike and Arapaho National Forests that links the historic silver-mining towns of Grant and Georgetown. Hikers and mountain bikers can make excursions to nearby mining camps and explore Mt. Evans Wilderness Area and Geneva Basin via backcountry trails from the summit of Guanella Pass. The byway accesses five campgrounds and two picnic areas managed by the U.S. Forest Service. For Colorado n Rocky Mountain National Park, the last two weeks of September and the first week of October are prime time, both for bugling elk and for golden quaking aspen. Keep this Mountain Guide on hand to find some gorgeous nearby spots for autumn hiking, fishing, camping, climbing or flora- and fauna-watching.
Eldorado Canyon State Park is 4 miles southwest of Boulder on Colorado Highway 170 adjoining Eldorado Springs. The 1,442-acre park is a world-renowned technical rock-climbing area, with over 500 routes on cliffs rising more than 850 feet above South Boulder Creek. For nonclimbers, Eldorado offers streamside picnicking and fishing, and hiking and mountain biking on five trails: Eldorado Canyon Trail (7 miles round trip, moderately difficult), Rattlesnake Gulch Trail (3.6 miles round- trip, moderately difficult), Fowler Trail (wheelchair-accessible, 1.4 miles round trip, easy), Streamside Trail (wheelchair-accessible for 300 feet, 1 mile round trip, easy) and Crescent Meadows Trail (part of the 13-mile Walker Ranch Loop Trail, 3 miles round trip, moderate). Through Labor Day, the fee is $3 for walk-ins or $7 per vehicle. The off-season entrance fee is $3 for walk-ins or $6 per vehicle at the gate. An annual pass valid at all state parks or recreation areas may be purchased at the gate or at the Visitors Center. Cost is $55 through November, $60 thereafter ($27 for Colorado seniors, $30 thereafter; ask for details). Go to www.parks.state.co.us, e-mail eldorado.park@state.co.us or call 303-494-3943.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is 22 miles south of Nederland. Take Colorado Highway 119 south for 18 miles; then turn east onto Colorado Highway 46 for 4 miles. It can also be reached by going west for 15 miles on Golden Gate Canyon Road off Colorado Highway 93 north of Golden. The park offers 35 miles of hiking trails as well as mountain biking, fishing, picnicking, backpacking and beautiful views of the plains and the Continental Divide. Stop by the Visitors Center (open 9 am-4 pm) for maps and literature. Motor vehicles are charged a $5 entrance fee. Camping is available for $14 per night ($18 with electrical hookup) at Reverend’s Ridge, a 97-site campground with tables and fire rings. Showers, drinking water, toilets and laundry facilities are available until the end of September. Reverend’s Ridge also offers two yurts and five cabins year-round at $60 per night. A full-amenity four-bedroom guest house sleeps eight and accommodates horses for $220 per night with a two-night minimum. Aspen Meadow is a 35-site tents-only campground with drinking water, tables, fire rings and toilets. The fee is $14 per night. Rifleman-Phillips is a tents-only campground that can accommodate groups of up to 75 people. Reservations must be made at the Visitors Center (303-582-3707). Nineteen backcountry hike-in campsites ($8 per night) and four backcountry shelters ($8 per night) are available on a first-come, first-served basis; register for these at the Visitors Center. Some areas are pet-friendly, but charge a $10 pet fee. Go to www.parks.state.co.us, email golden.gate.park@state.co.us or call 303-582-3707. For camping reservations, call 303-470-1144 or 1-800-678-2267.
Grand County lies west of Rocky Mountain National Park and north of Interstate 70. It’s home to Grand Lake (Colorado’s largest natural lake), Winter Park, Fraser Valley and the towns of Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs and Grand Lake. The area offers a variety of water sports and recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, boating, water-skiing, bird-watching, rafting, horseback riding and ATV trails. Used less frequently than Roosevelt National Forest, Arapaho National Forest offers numerous hiking and camping opportunities in the mountains south and west of Boulder. Some popular trailheads include Roaring Fork/Knight Ridge (18 miles east of Granby), Monarch Lake (20 miles east of Granby) and Meadow Creek (10 miles east of Tabernash). Trailheads are accessible via Granby, Winter Park and Grand Lake. Call the Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce at 1-970-627-3402 or 1-800-531-1019, or go to www.grand-county.com. Call the Winter Park/Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-903-7275 or 1-970-726-4118, or go to www.winterpark-info.com. For national forest information, contact the U.S. Forest Service, Sulphur Ranger District, 9 Ten Mile Drive, P.O. Box 10, Granby, CO 80446, 1-970-887-4100.
For information or to apply for a use permit, contact the U.S. Forest Service, Boulder Ranger District, 2140 Yarmouth Ave., 303-541-2500, or Sulphur Ranger District, 9 Ten Mile Drive, P.O. Box 10, Granby, CO 80446, 1-970-887-4100. For recorded information, call 303-541-2519.
Rocky Mountain National Park, adjoining Estes Park on U.S. 36, is a spectacular escape from civilization. Incredible views and frequent elk sightings are common from Trail Ridge Road, which reaches 12,183 feet in altitude and crosses the Continental Divide. It stays open (weather permitting) until mid-October. Mountains shoot up to 14,255 feet (Longs Peak). The park has 346 miles of hiking trails, as well as backpacking, technical climbing and picnicking. Elk, moose, bighorn sheep, ptarmigans, marmots, pikas and other wildlife thrive within park boundaries. Fishing is allowed year-round, subject to Colorado fishing regulations and specific park restrictions. Pets are not allowed on any trails and must be leashed in established campgrounds and along roads. Hunting is not allowed. Entry fee to this 265,000-acre park is $20 for a private vehicle for seven days; a one-year pass is $35. Single-entry pedestrian or bike passes good for a week ($10) or National Parks passes valid for a full year at all national parks ($80) may be purchased at the gates. Aspenglen, Timber Creek and Longs Peak campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis at $20 per night. Moraine Park (247 sites) and Glacier Basin (150 sites) require reservations and cost $20. Campsites for groups of varying sizes are available at Glacier Basin for $3 per person per night in the summer (minimum of 10 people); after mid-September, when the water is turned off, campground fees drop to $14. Longs Peak campground, near the main trailhead to Longs Peak, is 4 miles north of Wild Basin on Colorado Highway 7 and offers 26 tents-only sites with drinking water, tables, fire rings and toilets. Aspenglen offers 54 sites with drinking water, tables, fire rings and toilets. Moraine Park, Timber Creek and Longs Peak campgrounds are open year-round; Glacier Basin and Aspenglen usually close in late September. A permit is required to use the park’s 267 backcountry campsites, which are open year-round. The fee is $20 from May 1-Oct. 31 and free from Nov. 1-April 30, regardless of the number of nights or campers. Call the backcountry office at 970-586-1242 for information. Reservations must be made in person or by mail between May 15-Sept. 30. Go to www.nps.gov/romo/ or call 970-586-1206 or 970-586-1333 (recorded information). To reserve campgrounds in national parks, call 877-444-6777 or visit www.nps.gov.
Roosevelt National Forest adjoins Boulder’s western edge and offers numerous trails and campgrounds. Popular trailheads include Brainard Lake ($8 entry fee through Sept.; free thereafter until spring), six miles west of Ward on County Road 102 off Colorado Highway 72; St. Vrain Mountain Trail in Allenspark, 1.5 miles south on County Road 107/ Forest Service Road 116; Middle St. Vrain on Colorado Highway 72 at Peaceful Valley, 10 miles north of Ward; Rainbow Lakes, 13 miles north of Nederland and 5 miles west on Forest Road 298, a rough dirt road at the turnoff for the Colorado Mountain Research Station; and Ceran St. Vrain, 4 miles west of Jamestown on Colorado Highway 94. Roads and campgrounds are open depending on weather conditions. For more information, call the U.S. Forest Service, Boulder Ranger District, at 303-541-2500 or visit www.fs.fed.us/arnf.
1. CONEY CREEK TRAIL Five miles south of Peaceful Valley and 15 miles north of Nederland at the turnoff for Beaver Reservoir (County Road 96). A four-mile, four-wheel-drive trail leads to Beaver Reservoir and Coney Flats Trailhead, where you’ll find an open meadow, a beautiful creek and spectacular views of Indian Peaks. A hiking trail continues three miles to Coney Lake. No trail maintenance. 2. MT. AUDUBON TRAIL Six miles west of Ward on Brainard Lake Drive (County Road 102) off Colorado Highway 72. Starts at Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and continues to 13,223-foot Mt. Audubon. Excellent views of the surrounding Indian Peaks and the Plains. 3. MITCHELL LAKE TRAIL Six miles west of Ward on Brainard Lake Drive (County Road 102) off Colorado Highway 72. Starts at Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and continues to higher elevations, with the option of going to Mitchell Lake (0.75 miles) or Blue Lake (two miles). 4. SOURDOUGH TRAIL Southern access is at Rainbow Lakes Road (Forest Road 298), 13 miles north of Nederland at the turnoff for the Colorado Mountain Research Station. Northern access is at Beaver Reservoir, five miles south of Peaceful Valley at the turnoff for County Road 96 off Colorado Highway 72. This rugged mountain biking and hiking trail winds through aspen and pine forests. 5. LONG LAKE TRAIL Six miles west of Ward on Brainard Lake Drive (County Road 102) off Colorado Highway 72. Starts at Brainard Lake Recreation Area, with a short 0.25-mile hike to Long Lake from the trailhead. There’s also a three-mile loop around the lake. Great views all around. 6. GLACIER RIM TRAIL/ARAPAHO GLACIER TRAIL Starting at Rainbow Lakes campground (13 miles north of Nederland on Forest Road 298 at the turnoff for the Colorado Mountain Research Station), the trail follows the edge of Boulder’s watershed. This high-elevation trail provides a panoramic view of several lakes including Silver Lake, Goose Lake, Green Lake and Arapaho Lake. 7. RAINBOW LAKES TRAIL Starting at Rainbow Lakes campground (13 miles north of Nederland on Forest Road 298 at the turnoff for the Colorado Mountain Research Station), this trail accesses Rainbow Lakes after a short 0.25-mile hike. 8. ST. VRAIN MOUNTAIN TRAIL From Allenspark, go south on County Road 107/Forest Service Road 116 approximately 1.5 miles until you reach a junction. The right fork goes to St. Vrain mountain; the left fork goes to Rock Creek. 9. HESSIE AND FOURTH OF JULY Three and seven miles (respectively) west of Nederland via County Roads 130 and 111 off Colorado Highway 119. Trails offer access to Diamond Lake, Arapaho Pass and Jasper Reservoir. Great hiking area for wildlife, wildflowers, creeks, lakes and backcountry beauty. The area is often congested on weekends, with limited parking. 10. CAMP DICK is eight miles south of Allenspark on Colorado Highway 72, and one mile west of Peaceful Valley campground. This 41-site campground at 8,640 feet on Middle St. Vrain River offers some multifamily campsites, tent and trailer pads, drinking water, vault toilets, fire rings, barbecue grills, trash pickup and picnic tables. Reduced services Sept. 16-November, weather-permitting. Twenty campsites can be reserved from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September. 11. KELLY DAHL is three miles south of Nederland on Colorado Highway 119. The 46-site campground at 8,600 feet offers tent and trailer pads, drinking water, fire rings, vault toilets, a children’s playground, picnic tables, barbecue grills and trash pickup. Reduced services Sept. 16-November, weather-permitting. Twenty-six campsites can be reserved through mid-September. The rest are first-come, first-served. 12. OLIVE RIDGE is one mile north of Allenspark on Colorado Highway 72. The 56-site campground near Rocky Mountain National Park and the North St. Vrain River offers tent and trailer pads, drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, barbecue grills, trash pickup, a children’s playground and an amphitheater. The campground at 8,350 feet is the starting point for many trails leading into the mountains. Twenty-seven sites are available by reservation from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September. The rest are first-come, first-served. Reduced services Sept. 16-November, weather-permitting. 13. PEACEFUL VALLEY is eight miles south of Allenspark on Colorado Highway 72, and one mile east of Camp Dick. The 17-site campground at 8,525 feet on Middle St. Vrain River offers tent and trailer pads, some multifamily sites, drinking water, vault toilets, fire rings, barbecue rings, picnic tables and trash pickup. Eight sites can be reserved from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September. Horse rentals available at nearby stables. Reduced services Sept. 16-November, weather-permitting. 14. PAWNEE is six miles west of Ward in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area on Brainard Lake Drive (County Road 102) off Colorado Highway 72. The 55-site campground at 10,360 feet offers tent and trailer pads, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, barbecue rings, hiking, biking, fishing and nonmotorized boating. The campground closes Labor Day, but the area remains open for recreational day use year-round. 15. RAINBOW LAKES is 13 miles north of Nederland and five miles west of Colorado Highway 72, down a rough gravel road at the turnoff for the Colorado Mountain Research Station (Forest Road 298). The 16-site campground at 9,960 feet offers tent and trailer pads, tables, fire rings, barbecue grills and vault toilets, but no drinking water or trash pickup. Reservations are not accepted. Campground closes at the end of October. Fee is $6 per night, plus $5 per additional vehicle. For maps and information, contact the U.S. Forest Service, Boulder Ranger District, 2140 Yarmouth Ave., or call 303-541-2500. To reserve campgrounds in any national forest, call 1-800-280-2267 at least five days prior to your camping date.
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This spectacular 73,391-acre wilderness area spans 16 miles of the Continental Divide, with Rocky Mountain National Park as its northern border. Indian Peaks offers scenic vistas of high mountain passes, remnant glaciers, alpine lakes and crystal streams, but because of longtime overuse, the U.S. Forest Service has imposed regulations to protect and preserve the fragile ecosystems. Permits are required for overnight camping through Sept. 15 and cost $5 for up to 14 consecutive days. Organized groups need a permit year-round for day use and overnight camping. No fires are permitted east, and in some areas west, of the Divide. Camping quotas and limitations on fires and horse and llama use are enforced. Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times. Motorized vehicles and bicycles are prohibited. Brainard Lake Recreation Area, which is adjacent to but outside Indian Peaks Wilderness, offers picnic areas with tables, drinking water and toilets, hiking, fishing and spectacular scenery. The facility-use fee to enter the Brainard area is $6 per vehicle for up to five people, plus an additional $1 per person for six or more. A $1 entry fee is charged for pedestrians and bicyclists. Passes are good for five days. A season pass is available for $25. Fees end when Brainard Lake Road closes around Nov. 1.
