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Hiking the Untamed Beauty of Indian Peaks Wilderness

Until a couple of years ago, I had been missing out on a large chunk of Colorado’s raw beauty, where jagged mountain peaks pierce the skies and alpine lakes shimmer in the sunlight.

Welcome to the Indian Peaks Wilderness, a nature lover's paradise in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Here is your next outdoorsy getaway in 2025.

Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass Trail in the Roosevelt National Forest

While we’ve just begun to uncover Indian Peaks hiking trails, we’re here to share six fantastic hiking trails, with more to be added here in the future.

Lace up your hiking boots to hop on scenic trails that wind through dense forests, traverse high mountain passes, and offer awe-inspiring vistas. With tens of thousands of acres of untouched natural splendor, this Colorado wilderness invites adventurers to explore its terrain.

Whether you're an avid hiker, a newbie backpacker, or simply seeking lakeside serenity, we’re sharing some pretty cool hikes in Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Where is the Indian Peaks Wilderness?

Colorado’s Indian Peaks is a stunning 76,000 acres located in the Rocky Mountains.

Part of this protected area sits just west of the small town of Nederland. On the other side of the northern Front Range mountains, you’ll find more trailheads for hikes in Indian Peaks, like the one to Monarch Lake near Granby, just outside Rocky Mountain National Park. Many of these hikes are in the Arapaho National Forest or the Roosevelt National Forest.

The rugged terrain is home to dramatic mountain peaks and encompasses a stretch of the Front Range. It includes seven peaks over 13,000 feet in elevation. The highest point is North Arapaho Peak, standing at 13,502 feet.

This vast wilderness area is easily accessible from various trailheads, making it a favorite destination for locals and visitors looking for a hiking or backpacking adventure in pristine wilderness.

Within the striking Indian Peaks, we relished alpine lakes, lush meadows, and dense forests teeming with ponderosa pine, spruce, and fir.

In lower elevation areas, we traipsed through meadows brimming with wildflowers. At higher elevations, we drank in stunning views of rugged mountain ridges and shimmering glacial lakes.

This wilderness is also part of the Continental Divide, which serves as a natural boundary between the watersheds that flow east and west.

Wildflowers and Wildlife in the Indian Peaks Wilderness

The Indian Peaks are home to vibrant wildflowers in summer and towering pine trees year-round.

In the spring and summer months, the meadows come alive with colorful Indian paintbrush, Columbine (Colorado’s state flower), and more. Early fall ushers in the gold rush as aspen groves burn bright yellow.

Hikers may encounter elk, mule deer, and moose grazing in the meadows during early mornings and late evenings. Moose are generally spotted near lakes and streams. While exploring the area, we are always on the lookout for bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mountain lions, mule deer, black bears, or snowshoe rabbits.

Birdwatchers will delight in spotting hawks, eagles, and the elusive ptarmigan, which loves the alpine environment. The Colorado Indian Peaks are also home to colorful butterflies flitting among the wildflowers, plus scurrying marmots among the boulders.

Related: Colorado Wildflower Hikes

Quick Tips for Hiking in Colorado

Prepare for Changing Weather
Stay Hydrated - always pack more water than you think you’ll need
Pack Snacks
Follow Leave No Trace Principles
Check Trail Conditions
Tell Someone Your Plans
Respect Wildlife by Keeping Safe Distance

We fully unpack these hiking tips for beginners.

Stay hydrated on your hike up to Lake Isabelle

Safety Tips for Visiting Indian Peaks Wilderness

Know the Signs of Altitude Sickness
Hydration is Key!
Be Aware of Weather Changes
Be aware of bear safety protocols in areas with bear activity
Know Trail Etiquette 101
Carry a Map
Carry Emergency Contacts for local authorities and park rangers in case of accidents or emergencies
Consider Taking a Wilderness First Aid Course

We fully unpack these safety tips in our Beginner Hiking Tips in Colorado.

Permits and Regulations for Visiting Indian Peaks Wilderness

To ensure that the Colorado Indian Peaks remains an unspoiled environment for all of us, there are specific permits and regulations in place.

For day hikes, permits are generally not required; however, if you plan to camp overnight in the backcountry, you will need to obtain a permit.

Secure your permits in advance, especially if you have plans during peak seasons, like the summer.

These permits allow for advanced planning and are released for the entire season in early March. During the summer, you can also check the "3 Day in Advance" permits for additional availability.

When camping in Colorado and the Indian Peaks, remember to camp at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams to protect the delicate ecosystems.

Campfires are always prohibited east of the Continental Divide, but are permitted west of the Continental Divide but are prohibited in these certain areas.

Always pack out all trash and minimize your impact on the environment.

Additionally, it's essential to be aware of seasonal closures or restrictions, particularly during the winter months when snow can affect trail access and safety. Check in with the local Boulder ranger district for current conditions, closures, and regulations before your visit will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Hiking Trails in Indian Peaks Wilderness

Whether you are heading out on a short day hike or planning a multi-day backpacking trip, we believe these Indian Peaks hikes promise unforgettable views and memories with your crew.

One of my favorite hikes is Lake Isabelle, which I hiked with my daughter last summer. This moderate trail in the Roosevelt National Forest is great for families and casual hikers, while still providing a taste of the wilderness's grandeur. Read more below to see why we love that Indian Peaks hike and others.

Looking for solitude? Melody loved hiking the Cascade Creek Trail, an adventure deeper into the backcountry, where she found fewer people on the way to Mirror and Crater Lakes.

No matter which trail you choose, we encourage you to be prepared for the varying conditions in Colorado. We’ve seen the weather change rapidly, especially at higher elevations, so we advise everyone to dress in layers and carry all of the necessary supplies.

OUR FAVORITE HIKING GEAR

Here’s what keeps us going on our adventures while hiking in Colorado:

We love the Osprey Sirrus Hiking Daypack for women, or the Stratos version for men, for carrying water, layers, and snacks on Colorado day hikes
Lightweight, versatile Hiking Poles built for a full day’s send on the trail — hike longer and stronger
2L or 3L Water Reservoir — This affordable reservoir is easy to fill
Patagonia Torrentshell - a true waterproof rain jacket and fantastic layering piece
Nano Puff Jacket - our favorite for 3 seasons in Colorado
Sun hoodie - a must have in Colorado
Med kit

We’ve got your full checklist of daypack essentials here.

Looking to backpack and camp overnight in the backcountry? Follow our simple guide for a backpacking trip.

Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass Trail

Trail Length: 6.6 miles Elevation Gain: 663 feet Route Type: Lollipop Difficulty: Moderate

Beginning from Brainard Lake Recreation Area in the Roosevelt National Forest, we embarked on this Indian Peaks hike in late June. Sure, there was some mud and some snow on the trail but it was completely manageable.

When the snow melts, continue hiking past Lake Isabelle to reach the glacier along the Isabelle Glacier Trail

We loved the diverse trail through the woods, and then along Long Lake before heading up to Lake Isabelle. We happily hopped across running streams everywhere and the views were incredible the higher we climbed. We reached 10,875’ once at the alpine lake.

Most people can make this journey without spikes or poles. Just don't be afraid to get a little muddy.

Want a longer, more challenging hike with more fabulous views? Keep going past Lake Isabelle on the Isabelle Glacier Trail, all the way to the glacier. This makes it a 8.6 mile long hike and you’ll gain an additional one thousand feet in elevation. That’s quite a climb!

If you have an annual national park pass, your parking fee will only be two dollars at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, but don't forget to reserve your timed entry parking space online at Recreation.gov. Brainard Lake is just 45 minutes from Boulder, Colorado.

Read more about this beautiful hike and 8 other stunning hikes near Denver.

Cascade Creek to Mirror and Crater Lakes

Mileage: 16 miles Elevation Gain: 2,322 feet Route: Out and Back Difficulty: Hard

Melody claims this to be one of the prettiest hikes she has completed in this area. This trail boasts, not one, not two, but over eleven waterfalls along the way!

Hiking from Mirror Lake up to Crater Lake

The other best part? No reservations are needed for this gorgeous Indian Peaks Wilderness hike. This trail starts near Lake Granby, outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, in the Arapaho National Recreation Area of Arapaho National Forest.

Be forewarned, this is a long hike. We passed mostly backpackers who were spending the night near Crater Lake.

The hike actually begins at Monarch Lake (see below). We arrived at the trailhead around 6:30 am and there were plenty of parking spots to choose from. NOTE: Monarch Lake is popular for SUPers and anglers.

The trail along Cascade Creek to Mirror and Crater Lakes is rocky. Melody was glad to be wearing hiking boots and gaiters, to keep out pine needles and small pebbles.

A steady uphill, Cascade trail is equal parts challenging and enjoyable. Thousands of colorful wildflowers will greet you along the way.

While you are hiking to two dreamy lakes - Mirror and Crater, the real star of this hike are the dozens of waterfalls along the way. They seem to be around every corner as you make your way towards the lakes.

Bring along bug spray or wear long sleeves and pants - hiker’s choice!

How to Get There: US 34 W to CO Hwy 6. Drive around Lake Granby for around 6 miles, arriving at the TH.

Love chasing waterfalls? We’ve rounded up our favorite 27 Colorado waterfall hiking trails here — 13 easy hikes, 11 moderate hikes, and 3 challenging hikes.

Monarch Lake

Trail Length: 4 miles Elevation Gain: 213 feet Route Type: Loop Difficulty: Easy

Just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park and Lake Granby, this is a popular area for cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, fishing, camping, paddle boarding, and hiking.

Tanya and her oldest son enjoyed the easy-going Monarch Lake Loop winding through Arapaho National Forest and the Indian Peaks. The lake sits at 8,340’.

We hiked this well marked trail clockwise while the rest of our family loved paddle boarding on Monarch Lake. You start off at the lake’s edge, and then head into the woods where you will cross sweet little log bridges over both the Arapaho and Buchanan Creeks.

This hike around Monarch Lake is a great option when nearby Rocky Mountain National Park is crowded or you don’t want to pay the fees.

You will pass a popular camping area on your way to the lake. Arapaho Bay Campground is the closest campground to Monarch Lake. Fees and reservations are required to camp.

After your hike, head to Granby for the summer rodeo, which is always a treat!

Lost Lake via Hessie Trail

Trail Length: 4 miles Elevation Gain: 830 feet Route Type: Out and back Difficulty: Moderate

My husband and I loved the hike up to Lost Lake for a sweet picnic lunch. This lake sits at 9,800’. We saw a lot of backpackers on the trail when we hiked it one fall weekend.

While many reported they saw moose, we did not. But definitely keep an eye out!

COHH TIP: Even in early summer, you may hike on packed snow or ice, so pack traction equipment just in case.

While Lost Lake itself is actually just outside of the Indian Peaks Wilderness area, it is near the border. Therefore, wilderness regulations do not apply and permits are not required for camping. Camping at Lost Lake is restricted to eight designated campsites around the lake and is first come, first served.

Use a bear canister while camping here and and park it 200 feet from campsite, so as to not attract wildlife directly to where you are sleeping. Remember, unless seasonal restrictions are in effect, campfires must be attended at all times and cold to the touch with the bare hand before being abandoned.

Lost Lake would be a fun, short overnight backpacking trip. We passed several overnighters on their way up to Jasper Lake or Devil’s Thumb.

Located near the small town of Eldora west of Nederland, we began our hike to Lost Lake from the Hessie Trailhead off County Road 130. This also leads to the Devil's Thumb Trail. Pay attention to the trail signs - we found the trail to be very well marked.

During the busy months, a free shuttle is available for this trailhead, from Nederland High School. Nederland, Colorado is just 16.7 miles from the heart of Boulder.

The Hessie Trailhead is not far from Boulder. Melody unpacks a lot of great Boulder hikes.

Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Devil’s Thumb Lake

Trail Length: 12.1 miles Elevation Gain: 2467 feet Route Type: Out and back Difficulty: Hard

This is on my list as a long day hike or for an overnight backpacking trip. Like the trail to Lost Lake, this one is also pretty rocky.

You will find plenty of water along the trail. During the busy months, a free shuttle is available for this trailhead, from Nederland High School. You might as well take it, or risk turning around after finding a full parking lot at the trailhead.

Many backpackers stop to camp at Jasper lake on night one and then at Devils Thumb for night two. The stars are amazing out here!

COHH TIP: The Devil's Thumb trail falls within the boundaries of Colorado’s Indian Peaks area. In summer (June 1 - September 15), larger groups of 8-12 hikers need a Large Group Day Use Permit for EACH Backcountry Zone they plan to visit. Purchase Large Group Day Use Permit. Visitors in groups of 1-7 DO NOT need a day use permit.

Also, permits are required for overnight stays in the Indian Peaks Wilderness from June 1 to September 15.

Mount Audubon

Trail Length: 7.8 miles Elevation Gain: 2680 feet Route Type: Out and back Difficulty: Hard

Looking to hike a 13er in Colorado’s Indian Peaks? On my bucket list for 2025, the hike to Mt. Audubon is a class two thirteener hike that begins at the Mitchell Lake Trailhead (Brainard Lake recreation area*).

Begin along the Beaver Creek Trail for a short distance until you hop on the Mount Audubon Trail.

Hikers report the trail being well-marked for most of the way until you reach tree line and you make the final push to the summit. Keep your eyes peeled for cairns at this point. This Colorado hiking trail is very popular in summer, and not recommended in winter. Arrive early to get a parking space — don’t forget to make your Brainard Lake reservations online beforehand and recreation.gov.

We always like to remind our fellow hikers that the weather can change quickly at high elevations, especially after noon.

Brainard Lake Recreation Area is just 45 minutes from Boulder, Colorado and Melody shares all of her favorite hikes and breweries in Boulder.

Here are five cool Colorado thirteeners we’ve hiked.

Camping in the Indian Peaks Wilderness

We love spending the night under the stars. With the right camping gear, I usually spend over a dozen summer nights camping each year.

One of the most popular campgrounds is the Pawnee Campground at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, which provides easy access to numerous hiking trails and stunning lake views. From here, you can hike to Lake Isabelle (our first hike mentioned above), Long Lake, Mitchell Lake and more.

We love camping under the stars in Colorado

Brainard Lake Recreation Area fees apply during the summer operating season, typically late June through mid-October. Brainard Lake is just 45 minutes from Boulder, Colorado.

To reduce crowding, the Forest has mandated parking reservations for Brainard Lake Recreation Area. NOTE: As of October 13, 2024, the road into the day-use area and upper trailheads is closed for the winter season. Brainard Gateway parking area remains open.

Conclusion: Experience the Magic of Indian Peaks Wilderness

The Indian Peaks are a captivating destination for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.

We can’t get enough of the breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildflowers and wildlife found along some of the coolest Colorado hiking trails.

As you can see, many of these hikes take you to pretty lakes. We cover all of our favorite Gorgeous Lake Hikes in Colorado too.

Whether you're making the trek to one of the many lakes mentioned above or camping under the stars, every minute spent here is infused with magic.

Pack your daypack, lace up your hiking boots, and set out on an unforgettable journey into one of Colorado's most cherished wildernesses.

Add These hikes in Indian Peaks Wilderness to Your 2025 List