Type: Trail, Out-and-back
Difficulty: 7 / 10
Altitude: 10 ft
Elev. Gain/Loss: 1,806 ft / 1,806 ft
Dog Friendly: No
Jog-Stroller Friendly: No
Filed Under: Hiking, Running
From the 4th of July Trailhead, the Arapaho Pass Trail climbs the wooded, northern slope of the North Fork, Middle Boulder Creek drainage. It soon enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This well-constructed trail traverses a side hill, crossing steep slopes full of flowers in the early summer. After 1.2 miles, the Diamond Lake Trail veers left where the Arapaho Pass Trail takes a switchback to the right. The trail climbs for another half mile, then follows a bench to the Fourth of July Mine (elevation 11,245'), 2.1 miles from the trailhead. At the mine, the Arapaho Glacier Trail intersects. Following this trail to the northeast (right) leads up to the Arapaho Glacier Overlook and eventually down to Rainbow Lakes Campground. The Arapaho Pass Trail continues west on an old road 1.2 miles to Arapaho Pass (elevation 11,906') and the intersection with the Caribou Trail.
From Nederland turn west off of Highway 119 onto paved County Road 130, following signs for Eldora Ski Resort and the town of Eldora. Go through the town of Eldora. Continue westward as the pavement ends. Go right at the fork in the road. Another four miles brings you to the 4th of July Trailhead.
This portion of the road is rough but passable in a passenger car.
The trailhead sees extremely high use, especially on weekends, and parking is limited. Plan to arrive early and watch for signs along the road indicating legal parking spots if the trailhead parking lot is full.
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