Boulder Hiking and Backpacking Travel Guide

Boulder Hiking and Backpacking Travel Guide

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Aerial view of Boulder, Colorado
Boulder, Colorado (courtesy, Colorado Convention & Visitors Bureau)
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Boulder Hiking and Backpacking Travel Tips

By Kim Lipker
  • You will almost certainly end up in Indian Peaks Wilderness if you want an overnight trip in the Boulder area. Camping permits are limited, so get a permit now in Boulder or in Nederland, the typical jumping off point to trails here. Most trails ascend to the west toward the Continental Divide, which dominates the skyline. Trailheads are in the 9,000-foot elevation range, making almost every hike here an alpine experience.
  • Campsites with great views of the peaks sit near timberline on the Rogers Pass Trail. Pitching your tent along the shore of an alpine lake makes these campsites even better. South Boulder Creek runs alongside the trail and is impressive in the springtime—just make sure you don't go too early, as you might hit snow higher up. Some campsites can be found in the trees a little lower on the trail.
  • The Peak to Peak Highway parallels the Continental Divide. Traveling north on the Peak to Peak from Nederland are four other groups of trailheads that access Indian Peaks: Hessie, Rainbow Lakes, Brainard Lake Recreation Area, and Peaceful Valley. All are excellent for the pure beauty of the alpine scenery.
  • Four trails cross the Continental Divide and are the most common routes to get over the top of the divide and camp on the lesser-used west side. Go back the way you came, make a loop, or arrange a car shuttle from Winter Park. Some people separate into two groups, start from both sides, camp together, and then continue to the opposite trailhead. Remember to exchange car keys if you do this.

Boulder Travel Guide

Although Boulder is known primarily as a college town (the University of Colorado is here), it would be inaccurate to begin and end the description there. Sophisticated and artsy, Boulder is home to numerous high-tech companies and research concerns; it also attracts countless outdoor sports enthusiasts with its delightful climate, vast open spaces, and proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park. Read More

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Hotels

Black Dog Inn Bed & Breakfast

650 S. Saint Vrain Ave.
Estes Park , CO 80517 Map

Distance: 27.3 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Good For Hiking and Backpacking
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0

Stanley Hotel

333 East Wonder View Ave.
Estes Park, CO 80517 Map

Distance: 28.4 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Good For Hiking and Backpacking
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
from: $103

Millennium Harvest House

1345 28th Street
Boulder, CO 80302 Map

Distance: 0.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Good For Hiking and Backpacking
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
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Attractions

Indian Peaks Wilderness

expert favorite attraction
Good For Hiking and Backpacking
Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests


Distance: 3.1 mi. (from destination center)

Description: The glaciers at Indian Peaks lay above ice fields, valleys, and jewel-clear lakes.... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Gem Lake Trail

expert favorite attraction
Good For Hiking and Backpacking
Access: Twin Owls Trailhead
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Distance: 29.1 mi. (from destination center)

Description: This trail leads from Twin Owls Trailhead north of Estes Park, to Gem Lake, cradled high among the... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Peak to Peak Highway

Good For Hiking and Backpacking
Boulder, Colorado

Distance: 0.5 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Drive along the Peak to Peak Highway, which parallels the Continental Divide.... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
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Airports

Major Airports near Boulder

Distance (mi.)
Denver International Airport 33.8 map
Colorado Springs Municipal Airport 88.0 map

Other Smaller Airports near Boulder

Distance (mi.)
Fort Collins/Loveland Municipal Airport 40.5 map
Hayden Yampa Valley Airport 91.3 map
Eagle/Vail Eagle County Airport 91.4 map

Flight Deals to Boulder

Originating From
Salt Lake City (SLC) to Denver (DEN) $106
Albuquerque (ABQ) to Denver (DEN) $106
Oklahoma City (OKC) to Denver (DEN) $139
Omaha (OMA) to Denver (DEN) $145
Kansas City (MKC) to Denver (DEN) $146

Feature Articles

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Trip Ideas

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Boulder Vacation Rentals

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from: $51

Upper Level Guest Quarters - Victorian Home

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Sleeps: 5
Amenities: BBQ, Cable/Satellite TV, Coffee Maker, Hair Dryer, Internet Access, Iron, Linens, Microwave, Non-Smoking, Pets OK, Playground, Refrigerator, Restaurant, Swimming Pool, TV
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from: $700

Durango Vacation Home

Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3
Sleeps: 12
Amenities: BBQ, Balcony, CD Player, Cable/Satellite TV, Computer Access, DVD Player, Dishwasher, Fireplace, Full kitchen, Hot Tub, Internet Access, Laundry, Linens, Microwave, No Pets, Non-Smoking, Patio, Refrigerator, Stereo, TV, Utensils
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from: $300

Eco Custom Home/Sunshine Canyon/Free Skiing at Eldora

Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5
Sleeps: 10
Amenities: Cable/Satellite TV, DVD Player, Dishes, Linens, No Pets, Towels, Wireless Internet Access
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