Indian Peaks Wilderness

Indian Peaks Wilderness is a popular destination for hiking, fishing and more. The Wilderness is divided into 17 backcountry zones, each with a permit quota to limit the adverse impacts due to repeated use.

Requirements - Overnight Permits, Day Use Permits and Parking Reservations are required depending on season, group size, and location. Bear Canisters are required in certain backcountry zones and trailheads.

Overnight Permits

Visitors need an Overnight Permit for EACH Backcountry Zone they plan to camp in depending on season and group size. The maximum group size is 12 people including pack stock.

June 1 – September 15:
- Visitors in groups of 1-7 NEED an Overnight Permit for EACH Backcountry Zone they plan to camp in.
  - Purchase this permit Full Season in Advance or 3 Days in Advance
- Visitors in large groups of 8-12 NEED an Overnight Permit for EACH Backcountry Zone they plan to camp in.
  - Purchase this permit Full Season in Advance or 3 Days in Advance
September 16 – May 31:
- Visitors in groups of 1-7 DO NOT need an Overnight Permit to camp.
- Visitors in large groups of 8-12 DO NOT need an Overnight Permit to camp.

Day Use Permits

June 1 – September 15:
- Visitors in groups of 1-7 DO NOT need a day use permit.
- Visitors in large groups of 8-12 NEED a Large Group Day Use Permit for EACH Backcountry Zone they plan to visit.
  - Purchase Large Group Day Use Permit
September 16 – May 31:
- Visitors in groups of 1-7 DO NOT need a day use permit.
- Visitors in large groups of 8-12 DO NOT need a day use permit.

Parking Reservations

Visit Parking for Indian Peaks Wilderness

Several trailheads that access Indian Peaks Wilderness and allow parking require a reservation, like those within Arapaho National Recreation Area and Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Additionally, Boulder County provides shuttle access to Hessie Trailhead. Parking Map.

Brainard Lake Recreation Area

Open year-round – no parking reservation required
- Brainard Gateway Trailhead
  - Day and overnight parking allowed
Open June-October – lower trailheads – parking reservation required
- Brainard Lake Picnic Site/Trailhead
  - Purchase Day Use Parking Reservation
  - Purchase Overnight Parking Reservation
Open July-October – upper trailheads – parking reservation required

Arapaho National Recreation Area

Open year-round – ANRA Pass required
Open mid-May – mid-Nov – ANRA Pass required
- Monarch Lake

Hessie Trailhead

Shuttle runs Memorial Day weekend - Oct 9 - Shuttle Information
- Hessie Trailhead

General Information

Overview: The Indian Peaks Wilderness was designated as a protected wilderness area in 1978 by an act of Congress. It encompasses 73,391 acres with over 50 lakes, 28 trails covering 133 miles, and six passes across the Continental Divide. Elevations in these wilderness areas vary from 8,400 to over 13,500 feet, from montane to sub-alpine and alpine zones. It is bordered by the James Peak Wilderness to the south and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) to the north.

Trails in the Indian Peaks Wilderness:

Group size is limited to 12 people/livestock combined.

Campsites must be located at least 100' away from all lakes, streams & trails.

These backcountry zones allow camping only in designated sites: Caribou Lake, Crater Lake, Diamond Lake & Jasper Lake.

Camping prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone May 1-Nov 30.

Campfires prohibited east of the Continental Divide.

Campfires permitted west of the Continental Divide but prohibited in these areas: Crater Lake, Caribou Lake, Columbine Lake, Gourd Lake, Pawnee Lake & Upper Cascade Creek.

Permit is required for organized groups or commercial outfitters entering the Wilderness.

Motorized equipment & mechanized transportation are prohibited. Wheelchairs are exempt.

Pets must be on a hand-held leash.

Hobbling, tethering or picketing livestock is prohibited within 100' of lakes, streams or trails.

Weed-free feed is required.

Stock prohibited in these backcountry zones: Crater Lake, Four Lakes, Diamond Lake, Upper Cascade & Diamond Lake Trail.

All fees can be found at recreation.gov