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Recreation Region: Boulder Ranger District

South Boulder Creek (#900)

East Portal Trailhead to Heart Lake is 4.2 miles and to Rogers Pass is 4.6 miles one-way. From the East Portal Trailhead, follow the South Boulder Creek Trail around the north side of the train tunnel. The trail soon enters James Peak Wilderness. It is 1.2 miles on the South Boulder Creek Trail to the signed Forest Lakes Trail junction. South Boulder Creek continues straight ahead, intersecting Crater Lakes Trail after another half mile. The last 2.5 miles of trail roughly follows South Boulder Creek. The trail reaches a small pond, followed soon by Rogers Pass Lake. Traverse the ridge north of Rogers Pass Lake to overlook Heart Lake or to reach Rogers Pass and intersect the Continental Divide Trail.

General Information

Click here for a trail summary.

View a trail map here.

Motorized equipment and mechanized transportation are prohibited. Pets must be on a hand-held leash at all times. Campfires are prohibited year round. Campsites must be at least 100 feet away from water and trail. Group size is limited to 12 (people and livestock combined). Certified weed-free feed is required for stock.

Dogs must be on a hand-held leash.

Getting There

Elevation

9,211 feet at East Portal TH; 11,300 feet at Heart Lake; 11,060 feet at Rogers Pass Lake; 11,900 feet at Rogers Pass

Directions

From Nederland, travel south for 4.5 miles on Colorado Highway 119 to Rollinsville. Turn west onto the gravel Gilpin County Road 16 and continue eight miles to the Moffat Tunnel. A large parking area is available at the East Portal Trailhead.

Parking

A large parking area is available at the East Portal Trailhead.

Facility and Amenity Information

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.

Certified weed-free feed is required for stock.

Recreation Opportunities

Recreation Groups

alpine lake above treeline with dots of white snow in mountain setting

These recreation sites and trail segments are located along the Continental Divide Trail.

Last updated February 26th, 2025