Darby’s Top Reasons to Love this Hike:

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1. Lots of waterfalls and streams to get my feet wet and my drink on. This area stays snowy until...you guessed it... 4th of July! Wait until then to hike this trail.

2. There are so many wildflowers along the trail, we even saw some Rocky Mountain Columbine. 

3. We start out at 10,100 ft, so it is cool in the heat of the summer. Plus, we get to see the views of the mountains around us and their waterfalls.

4. At the summit of our hike, we are at 11,500 ft at Diamond Lake. It is so pretty and the water is very cool to dip your toes into.

5. This trail has snow on it until, well the Fourth of July. You can camp at Diamond Lake, or at one of the 10 campgrounds at the base.

 

County: Boulder- Indian Peaks Wilderness

Round Trip Length: Approximately 4 miles round trip. There is another trail that splits off (Arapahoe Pass) and you can hike a little longer.

Start and End Elevation: 10,100 to 11,500 ft

Skill Level: Switchbacks and some balancing on log bridges throughout. Easy to moderate.

Pet Regulations: Dogs Allowed On Leash Only

Weather: July through Sept

Bikes: No

Picnic Tables: Yes, in the campgrounds

Restroom : Yes, in the parking lot

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Directions: Follow SR 119 west through Nederland. Just past Nederland, head west on CR 130 through the town of Eldora. Shortly beyond Eldora, the pavement becomes a fairly rough dirt road (town of Hesse)  After approximately 0.7 mile, the road forks; follow the right fork approximately 4 miles to Fourth of July Trail head parking lot. Note: This road is not maintained and can be quite bumpy. SUV's or trucks are the best way to get there.