Arapaho Pass Trail

Arapaho Pass is the 11,906-foot crossing of the Continental Divide above the Fourth of July trailhead west of Eldora, reached by a 3.3-mile trail that passes the ruins of the Fourth of July Mine and climbs through the last of the trees onto the tundra. From the pass the view drops west to Caribou Lake and Lake Granby, and the Arapaho Glacier overlook and Lake Dorothy are short side trips. It is 6.6 miles round trip with about 1,800 feet of gain.

From the Fourth of July trailhead at about 10,100 feet, the Arapaho Pass trail climbs steadily north through spruce and fir with the North Fork of Middle Boulder Creek below. At about 1.2 miles the Diamond Lake trail leaves left; stay on the pass trail. The trees thin and the trail crosses open slopes with wildflowers in July and the ruins of the Fourth of July Mine at 1.8 miles, 11,245 feet, a boiler and timbers at the old workings.

Above the mine the trail switchbacks up the tundra to the pass at 11,906 feet, with Caribou Lake in the cirque below to the west and the Arapaho Peaks above to the east. Lake Dorothy, a half mile north, is the highest lake in the Indian Peaks; the Arapaho Glacier trail climbs south from the mine junction for the overlook. Return the same way.

From Nederland, take County Road 130 west to Eldora and continue on the Fourth of July Road (Forest Road 111) about 5 miles of rough dirt to the Fourth of July trailhead at the road's end, past the Buckingham campground. Passenger cars manage the road slowly in dry conditions. The lot holds about 20 cars and is full by 6 AM on summer weekends, with the overflow along the road ticketed by the county. No fee or permit for day hiking. Toilet at the trailhead.

Dogs are allowed on leash in the wilderness. The altitude and the length are why this is not marked kid-friendly; the walk to the mine is a fine family turnaround. Carry two liters and a filter; the creek is below the trail. The mine ruins are unstable. Overnight trips need an Indian Peaks permit from June 1 through September 15. The trailhead is above 10,000 feet. Nederland, 30 minutes away, has groceries and restaurants. Lost Lake starts from Hessie on the same road, and the Indian Peaks region page covers the rest.