Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Sourdough Trailhead
The Sourdough Trailhead is the main trailhead for the Sourdough Trail #835 and is the trails southernmost access point.
View an area map here.
At a Glance
| Permit Info: | No permits are required at this time. |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: |
|
| Closest Towns: | Nederland and Ward, Colorado |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault toilets |
| Operated By: | U.S. Forest Service |
General Information
Directions: From Nederland, travel seven miles north on Colorado Highway 72. Turn west onto gravel National Forest System Road 298, signed as the turnoff for the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station. A parking area is not far on the left.Activities
Mountain Biking
Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:The Sourdough Trail offers great mountain biking opportunities. Connect with Waldrop, South Saint Vrain, Little Raven (and its extension), or Buchanan Pass trails, or Middle Saint Vrain or Coney Creek Roads for loops and side trips.
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:Horse Riding
Recreation areas with activity Horse Riding:This trailhead at the south end of the Sourdough Trail offers ample parking and turnaround space. Sourdough Trail is a longer-distance trail excellent for a day-outing.
| Size Restrictions | none |
| Corrals | none |
| Loading Ramp | none |
| Hitching Rails | none |
| Water Availability | Occasional lakes and streams. |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Recreation areas with activity XC Skiing/Snowshoeing: From Sourdough Trailhead, the Sourdough Trail and Rainbow Lakes Road are both popular ski or snowshoe treks. The Sourdough Trail heads north, climbing over the shoulder of Niwot Ridge to Brainard Lake Road and beyond. Rainbow Lakes Road heads west for 4.5 miles to Rainbow Lakes Campground. Beyond the campground, the Rainbow Lakes Trail and Glacier Rim Trail head into the Indian Peaks Wilderness.| Warming Shelters | none |