The Fourth of July trail is located near Nederland, Colorado and is the doorway to peaks, lakes, mountains, and a glacier. The trail is named for old mine remnants that can be found along the path. This trail is the entrance to Indian Peaks Wilderness and is considered a moderate climb. There is hiking, camping, mountain climbing, and bird watching. Dogs are allowed on this nature trail.

Historical Facts

The artifacts on the trail lead us to a very interesting history to an old mining project, the mine generated some attention but the mine never produced. The Fourth of July trail is named after the first claim staked on July 4, 1872. The mine produced some gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, and ore. Mostly a chemical element called tellurium.

There was an attempt to build a wagon road with funding from the federal government in 1906, but the money did not last long and what was left of the road is now the current hiking trail. The mine ran until its abandonment in 1937.

Up above the mine there is a flat area filled with Krummholz, or vegetation that have been stunted and deformed by freezing winds and continual exposure. This area has been home to hunters and explorers for over 9,000 years. There is water, shelter, and is a major crossroad over the Continental Divide.

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Interestingly, archaeologists have found Eden and Scottsbluff projectile points or arrowheads. The First Nation used both of these points for hunting, and the hunting ground was right up the trail on Arapaho Pass. These points have been dated back 9,000 years and is a confirmation that this area has been home to humans for a long period of time.

Hiking Fourth of July Trail

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To get to The Fourth of July trail there is a rough five mile, four-wheel drive road. Once you hit the trailhead there is limited parking. There is no winter access. The Fourth of July gives is a trail that leads to Arapaho Pass, Diamond Lake, Arapaho Glacier and is located within Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Arapaho Pass Trail is a 1.2 mile hike with an elevation of 11,906 feet. Diamond Lake Trail is a connection from Fourth of July trail and is an elevation of 11,245 feet. There is an additional lake by the name of Lake Dorothy that can be seen if you continue hiking another .25 miles with an increase in elevation to 12,061 feet.

The trail continues as a part of the old road that was created with federal funding. The cliff was blasted to create Caribou Pass. Some of this trail is very rocky and narrow. Bravery is definitely needed through this part of the path. This path continues onward and drops 750 feet for approximately nine more miles to Monarch Lake. A heavily wooded area ends at the Continental Divide Scenic Trail.

If there was too much snow at that first intersection then continue on the trail named Mt. Neva at 12,814 in elevation. There is a lake and 4 plus terrain with snow climbing. There are plenty of wildflowers as far as the eye can see.

Other option for hiking are to S. Arapahoe Peak at 13,379 feet that has a class 3 climb over to N. Arapahoe Peak at 13,502 feet. There is even a Cessna plane crash wreckage if you are into morbid scenery amidst nature. There are plenty of waterfalls to take a perfect photo too.

While hiking in any wilderness it is important to remember:

• Temperatures can change within a very short time period. Carrying layers is very important that will protect from sun, wind, or rain. There may be snow even in the summer month of July.

• The trail can be very busy, especially during the summer so arrive early to secure parking.

• Bring a lunch to pack out, and bring plenty of water (water-bladder is recommended) , with hiking or climbing in high altitude staying hydrated is very important.

• You may want to bring binoculars since there is an abundance of wildlife. You can find elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat.

Arapahoe Glacier

As we have previously discussed, this particular section of the Indian Peaks National Forest has been a hunting ground for Native Americans for centuries. But, it was not until 1920, that tourists started to arrive in cars and horseback to visit this amazing glacier. The glacier itself falls 1,300 feet downward in a series of switchbacks intersecting Arapahoe Pass. During the early period people would slide down the glacier, but today this is not allowed.

Technically, Arapahoe Glacier is now considered a snowfield or a permanent expanse of snow. The elevation of the Arapahoe Glacier is 12,434 feet. This area is considered a mountain glacier since it is surrounded by mountain terrain, and a cirque glacier or bowl shaped. The glacier is the largest in Colorado, but is only one quarter mile long, a half mile wide, and 15 feet thick.

The glacier is a water source for Boulder City and is shrinking yearly. The water source is closely monitored, but it has been determined that it will soon dry up. Some scientists believe the Arapahoe Glacier will disappear within 60 years.

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If you are ever on this side of Mother Earth, take a day and make your way up to the glorious Fourth of July Trail. You definitely will not be disappointed. Peace.

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