Arapaho Glacier Trail - Hiking trail near Nederland, Colorado, United States - Description

The trail leads northward from the trailhead, entering the Indian Peaks Wilderness. It climbs through the woods for about two miles, then comes out onto the open tundra with a fine view into the City of Boulder Watershed, including Silver Lake, Island Lake, Goose Lake and Triple Lakes. This is private property, do not trespass. After more switchbacks, the trail crosses a col to the south side. From here it is little traveled and can be obscure in places as it continues gently along the side of the ridge. At the highest point on the trail (six miles from the trailhead), the hiker is offered a spectacular overlook of the Arapaho Glacier, the South Arapaho (13,397') and North Arapaho (13,502') Peaks. Past the glacier overlook, the Arapaho Glacier Trail descends 1,300' down a series of switchbacks to intersect the Arapaho Pass Trail at the Fourth of July Mine. Arapaho Pass is 1.2 miles farther west.

Approximately seven miles north of Nederland, on Highway 72, turn west onto Rainbow Lakes Road (County Road 116, or National Forest System Road (NFSR) 298). Look for the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station sign. Drive past the Sourdough Trailhead, and after approximately one mile turn left (south) on NFSR 298, following signs for Rainbow Lakes Campground. This is a rough, native-surfaced road and it is about five miles from Highway 72 to the trailhead. High clearance vehicles are recommended, although passenger cars and other vehicles, driven slowly, should have no problem negotiating the road. Trailhead parking is at the west end of the Rainbow Lakes Campground.