The Spirit of the Rockies www.thespiritoftherockies.net

Hike Profiles for Rocky Mountain National Park and Surrounding Areas

Arapaho Pass

Arapaho Pass lies on the Continental Divide between South Arapaho Peak and Mount Neva. The trail passes through an area of dense summer wildflowers, past the long-abandoned Fourth of July Mine, then above timberline to a fantastic vantage point at the pass.

Distance: 3.2 miles one-way Pass elevation: 11,906 feet Trailhead elevation: 10,120 feet Net elevation gain: 1,786 feet Fourth of July Trailhead Indian Peaks Wilderness

Looking north from Arapaho Pass

Major Trail Landmarks Junction of Arapaho Pass and Diamond Lake Trails (1.0 mile one-way from trailhead) Fourth of July Mine (2.0 miles one-way from trailhead) Junction of Arapaho Pass and Arapaho Glacier Trails (2.0 miles one-way from trailhead)

Principal Destinations Near Arapaho Pass Diamond Lake (2.0 miles one-way from trailhead) - via Diamond Lake Trail Lake Dorothy (3.5 miles one-way from trailhead) - via unmaintained route beyond Arapaho Pass Arapaho Glacier Overlook (3.5 miles one-way from trailhead) - via Arapaho Glacier Trail Caribou Pass (4.0 miles one-way from trailhead) - via unmaintained route beyond Arapaho Pass

Backcountry Campsites Near Arapaho Pass Information on Indian Peaks Wilderness camping regulations, backcountry zones, and obtaining a permit is available through this link: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/recreation/wilderness/indianpeaks/

This trailhead is located in the southeast portion of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, west of Nederland. From Nederland, turn west at the south end of town and follow signs toward the Eldora Ski Area. Pass Nederland High School and then through the town of Eldora, bypassing the ski area turnoff. After the pavement ends, bypass the Hessie trailhead parking area, and continue on the right-hand fork of the road as it heads west for a rough 4 miles to the Buckingham Campground/Fourth of July Trailhead parking area. From the trailhead, follow marked signs toward Arapaho Pass as the trail maintains a western heading for 3.3 miles. Bypass spur trails at the Diamond Lake Trail Junction and the Arapaho Glacier Trail Junction and continue on the trail toward Arapaho Pass. A considerable portion of this hike is above timberline, so hikers should be prepared for harsh weather conditions that can set in at these altitudes.

Leashed pets are welcome on the Arapaho Pass Trail

Sample photographs of the hike to Arapaho Pass

Wildflowers on the Arapaho Pass Trail

Arapaho Pass Trail

Satanta Peak, Caribou Lake from the pass

Arapaho Pass, Continental Divide

Arapaho Pass topographic map

Principal summer trail marked by solid red line; unmaintained trail or route marked by dashed red line. Map is oriented with north to the top of the map

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All photographs are property of Mike Amfahr and are protected by copyright laws. Topographic map is property of and copyrighted by Maps a la carte, Inc., and is used on this site with permission.