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Mar 31, 2024 · Diamond Lake is a heavily trafficked hike located just outside of Nederland, Colorado. This 5ish mile hike starts at the extremely popular 4th of July trailhead and ends at beautiful high alpine lake, Diamond Lake.
- Hiking Upper Diamond Lake Trail
- Stats Forupper Diamond Lake Trail
- Parking & Access
- Season & Weather
- The Upper Diamond Lake Trail
- Backpacking The Upper Diamond Lake Trail
- Dangers
- Logistics Forhiking Upper Diamond Lake Trail
- Afterhiking Upper Diamond Lake Trail
- Upper Diamond Lake Trail in The Indian Peak Wilderness
Trailhead: Fourth of July (10,130′)Type: Out-n-BackRating:StrenuousDistance:8.8 miles (4.4 miles each way)The journey on the Upper Diamond Lake Trail in the Indian Peaks Wilderness begins by finding your way to the patriotically named Fourth of July Trailhead parking lot. Google maps will lead you to the trailhead but there are a few things to know. The final 5-miles of the drive is along a rough dirt road. The Indian Peaks Wilderness states that two-w...
The Fourth of July Road is closed throughout the winter. Typically the road is cleared and opened for Memorial Day and closes with the first big snowfall. This is typically in early November but could be sooner. Regardless snow will linger on the Upper Diamond Lake Trail until early July and return to the area in late September. All the snow melt w...
The trailhead is found at the top of the Fourth of July Parking Area. The terrain climbs quickly away from the parking lot gaining over 600′ in the first 1.25-miles. The majority of the first mile is traversed in thick evergreen forest. At just over 3/4 of a mile, the path begins a half-mile cliffside traverse. This is where you get your first stel...
The Upper Diamond Lake Trail also makes for a great overnight trip into the backcountry. Permits are required in the Indian Peaks Wilderness from June 1st – September 15th. The entire season typically becomes available for reservation on recreation.govin early February. They do hold some permits which they issue 3-days prior to the start of a backp...
The Indian Peaks Wilderness does have black bears so carry bear spraybut the real danger on the Upper Diamond Lake Trail is altitude and severe weather. If you are not acclimated to the elevation make sure you drink plenty of water to stave off altitude sickness. You will also want to make sure that you are back at the tree line in the early aftern...
Water
Water is abundant on the Upper Diamond Lake Trail. The path continuously crosses over fast-flowing creeks and streams throughout the entire hike. Bring a water filterand you can hike with the confidence that you will not run out of the precious resource that helps to stave off the effects of the altitude.
Shade
With the exception of the last half mile that is traversed above the tree line, the Upper Diamond Lake Trail is well shaded. however, this is a high-altitude trail so even if only for that last half mile you should wear long sleeves and a wide brim hat or sunscreen to prevent a sunburn.
Toilets
The Fourth of July trailhead is equipped with two pit toilets. These are the only toilets found on the entire journey on the Upper Diamond Lake Trail.
The small town of Nederland, Colorado is your best choice for accommodation and food options near the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Nederland’s Kathmandu Restaurantis not only our favorite eatery in the quaint mountain town, it is one of the best in the state. This is the best place to get Nepalese cuisine outside of the country of Nepal. Any time we ar...
Beautiful alpine lakes, rushing waterfalls, and rugged mountains await you on the Upper Diamond Lake Trail in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Regardless of whether you take on the 8.8-mile hike as a day trip or a more relaxing multi-day backpacking adventure, the trail is an amazing journey into the remote Colorado wilderness.
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Diamond Lake is located a mile further uphill from the bridge and scenic waterfall. This stretch of trail is on a northeast-facing slope and holds snow long after the Arapaho Pass Trail has melted dry.
- Nederland, Colorado
- Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking.
- Heavy
May 30, 2024 · Colorado Springs, CO. Places to Swim. Take a dip at these awesome places to swim in and around Colorado Springs, CO.
Explore this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Nederland, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 49 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and fishing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
- (2.6K)
- Nederland, Colorado, United States
Diamond Lake is a pristine natural reservoir carved out by millennia of slow glacial movement and filled by meltwater. It is one of many similar lakes in this region of the Rocky Mountains west of Boulder, Colorado, but this one makes for a particularly scenic hike of moderate length and difficulty.
This lesser-known route to Diamond Lake takes hikers through some of the most beautiful alpine vistas in Colorado. Start at the Devil Thumbs Trail and take the Diamond Lake Trail (Forest Service #975) to Diamond Lake.
