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Boulder Ranger District

The Boulder Ranger District encompasses over one hundred thousand acres of the Front Range in western Boulder and northern Gilpin counties. The district includes Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.

Many areas of the district are within an easy two-hour drive of Denver and its suburbs, making this one of the top recreation destinations in the state.

General Information

The Boulder Ranger District encompasses over one hundred thousand acres of the Front Range in western Boulder and northern Gilpin counties. The district includes Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.

Many areas of the district are within an easy two-hour drive of Denver and its suburbs, making this one of the top recreation destinations in the state.

Passes & Permits

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 85 results

Arapaho Glacier (#905)
Hiking
The Arapaho Glacier Trail leads northward from the Rainbow Lakes Trailhead (located before the Rainbow Lakes Campground) and enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Climbing through the woods for about…

Arapaho Pass (#904)
Hiking
Length: Fourth of July Trailhead (TH) to Diamond Lake Trail - 1.2 miles; Arapaho Glacier Trail - 2.1 miles; Arapaho Pass - 3.3 miles. DISTANCES ARE ONE-WAY.Elevation: 10,100 feet at the TH; 11,245…

Arickaree Picnic Site
Site Closed
Picnicking
Located on the north side of Brainard Lake, Arickaree Picnic Site is set in the shade of the subalpine forest adjacent to Brainard Lake Road. The site offers five picnic sites with tables, pedestal…

Beaver Creek Trailhead
Hiking
Beaver Creek Trailhead is adjacent to the same parking area as the Mitchell Lake Trailhead at the west end of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area (BLRA).  Trailhead hosts are available to answer…

Beaver Sourdough Trailhead
Horse Riding and Camping Winter Sports Hiking Biking
The Beaver Reservoir Cutoff Trail (#851) is an extension of the Sourdough Trail that cuts across from the east end of Coney Creek Road (National Forest System Road 507) to intersect the Sourdough…

Boulder Canyon
Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Scenic Drives Climbing and Caving
Carved by the rushing waters of Middle Boulder Creek, Boulder Canyon is popular for scenic driving, fishing and rock climbing. Land in this area is a mix of city, county, national forest and…

Brainard Lake Fishing Site
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities
A very popular destination, Brainard Lake offers a spectacular panoramic view of the lake, surrounding forest, and high peaks along the Continental Divide. A boat launch area is adjacent to the…

Brainard Lake Gateway Trailhead
Hiking Biking
The Brainard Lake Gateway Trailhead is located 2 miles west of the Town of Ward and just east of the entrance into Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The site is an access portal that allows for…

Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Biking Picnicking Winter Sports Hiking Water Activities
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is set in a glacially carved valley offering visitors spectacular panoramic views of Brainard Lake, surrounding subalpine forest, and high peaks along the Continental…

Bright Extension Trailhead
Site Closed
Hiking
Located 2.2 miles east of County Road 82E on the south side of Johnny Park Road (National Forest System Road 118), the trailhead is marked with a small sign near a minor saddle. This trailhead…

Last updated March 18th, 2025

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