Last Updated on January 23, 2024 by foxintheforest

The 76,711 acres of Indian Peaks Wilderness is a special place featuring lakes, streams, mountains, and 133 miles of hiking trails, just an hour and a half drive from Denver.

Indian Peaks Wilderness hikes are some of the most stunning in all of Colorado, with lots of alpine lakes, waterfalls, wildflowers, aspen groves, and jaw-dropping views of the mountain peaks.

If you’re looking for the very best hiking recommendations in Indian Peaks Wilderness from a local, I’ve got you covered.

I’ve called Colorado home for nearly 15 years now and have hiked a huge number of trails all over the state.

As a local hiking expert, I’m here to help you explore the best Indian Peaks Wilderness hikes like a local, not a tourist.

About this Guide to Indian Peaks Wilderness Hikes

Inside this local guide to the Indian Peaks Wilderness, you’ll find expert advice about:

• Where is Indian Peaks Wilderness + Indian Peaks Wilderness map
• The best Indian Peaks Wilderness hikes, broken down by difficulty
• Indian Peaks Wilderness camping info
• Additional Colorado travel planning resources

Where is Indian Peaks Wilderness?

Indian Peaks Wilderness is located west of Boulder and south of Rocky Mountain National Park, mostly within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.

The most popular place to access Indian Peaks Wilderness is from Brainard Lake Recreation Area near Ward. You can also access Indian Peaks Wilderness from Monarch Lake in Grand County.

Here is an Indian Peaks map to give you the lay of the land.

The Best Easy Indian Peaks Wilderness Hikes

For a simple jaunt into the wilderness, consider these easy trails in Indian Peaks.

1. Lake Isabelle

This trail starts at Long Lake as you hike through the woods to reach Lake Isabelle. There are a few connecting trail options to loop back or continue on if you want.

Distance: 4.4 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 374 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

2. Rainbow Lakes Trail

For an easy intro to Indian Peaks Wilderness hikes, check out Rainbow Lakes. The trail takes you to a series of Colorado lakes and beaver ponds below the Continental Divide.

Distance: 2.6 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 341 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

The Best Moderate Hikes in the Indian Peaks Wilderness

For more of a challenge, these hikes deliver big views and take a bit of sweat.

3. Fourth of July Mine via Arapaho Pass

One of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado, Fourth of July Mine via Arapaho Pass features quintessential mountain views. You’ll also encounter some Colorado waterfalls along the way.

The road to the trailhead is not maintained over winter and it’s long – so be prepared for quite the day! Honestly, it’s best to wait until the road is passable, typically this happens in mid-June and by November the road closes for the season.

Local Tip: You’ll want a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to access the Fourth of July Trailhead.

Distance: 4.1 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 1,131 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 2-2.5 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

4. Diamond Lake Trail

Enjoy one of the best lake hikes in Colorado to Diamond Lake, through forests and past waterfalls along Arapaho Pass. You can continue to Upper Diamond Lake if you like.

Distance: 5.4 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 1,220 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 2.5-3 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

5. Arapaho Pass & Lake Dorothy Trail

This popular trail extends your hike from the Fourth of July Trailhead through one of the prettiest places in Colorado to Lake Dorothy below Mt. Neva.

Distance: 7.1 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 1,942 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 3.5-4.5 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

The Best Challenging Indian Peaks Wilderness Hikes

For real butt-busters, take on these challenging Indian Peaks hikes.

6. Paiute Peak and Mount Audubon Loop

This is one of the more adventurous Indian Peaks Wilderness hikes, with off-trail scrambling, ridge walking, and lots of exposure.

The rewards of summitting these peaks are absolutely breathtaking views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Distance: 8.4 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 3,080 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Estimated Time: 6-6.5 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

7. King Lake Trail

Follow this trail along the south fork of Boulder Creek to reach the stunning alpine lake. From King Lake you can continue on a ridge for a half mile to the Continental Divide.

Local Tip: If you have a capable vehicle and offroad driving experience, you can reach King Lake starting from the top of Rollins Pass.

Distance: 12.2 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 2,542 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Estimated Time: 6-6.5 hour
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

8. Devils Thumb Lake Trail

The hike to Devil’s Thumb Lake is one of the best wildflower hikes in Colorado, but you’ll definitely have to work for your views with lots of steep elevation gain.

Distance: 12.1 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 2,467 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Estimated Time: 6-6.5 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes

9. Arapaho Glacier Trail

One of the must-do Indian Peaks Wilderness hikes is Arapaho Glacier Trail which takes you through beautiful terrain to the base of South Arapaho Peak.

You can scramble up to the 13,397’ summit of one of the top Colorado 13ers if you’re cool with rock hopping on talus.

Distance: 13 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 3,130 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Estimated Time: 7-8 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

10. Cascade Creek Trail

The Cascade Creek Trail offers some of the best backpacking in Colorado.

This 16-mile adventure features everything from waterfalls to alpine lakes to aspen groves to mountain views.

You’ll be greatly rewarded with a stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak – Colorado’s prettiest mountain!

Distance: 16 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 2,322 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Estimated Time: 7-8 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash

Indian Peaks Wilderness Camping

Indian Peaks Wilderness camping is divided into 17 backcountry zones, each with a permit quota limit.

From June 1 – September 15, you need an overnight permit ($11 fee) for each backcountry zone you camp in. From September 16 – May 31, you do not need an overnight permit as long as your group is 7 people or less.

All campsites must be at least 100 feet away from any lakes, streams, and trails. Certain areas, including Diamond Lake and Crater Lake, allow camping only in specific designated sites.

For more info about Indian Peaks Wilderness camping, check the Forest Service site.

What to Pack in Your Hiking Bag

Be prepared with these essentials

Additional Colorado Hiking Resources

• Winter Hikes in Colorado You’ve Got to Check Out
• Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that Will Blow Your Mind
• Boulder Area Hikes to Put on Your Bucket List