Backpacking ~ Arapaho Lakes (SAT 27-28 JUNE)

Join us on this backpacking trip, near Nederland, CO!

This off-trail trek through the James Peak Wilderness requires bushwhacking across fragile alpine terrain, leading hikers through dense forests to the pristine, snow-bordered Arapaho Lakes.

🌞 This is a very busy trailhead and popular hikes (Crater Lakes), but the trail to Arapaho Lakes is unofficial and unmaintained. We can expect few day hikers and backpackers. We are camping below the lakes and we might have the area to ourselves. But, because it is a super busy trailhead, we have to start early to secure parking.

◈ EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
This is an advanced trip because the second half of the trail to camp is Off Trail. Prior backpacking experience is required. You should be fully confident in your gear setup and your ability to carry a weighted pack over steep, strenuous terrain.

RSVP OPENS: Wednesday, June 10th at 12.00 pm

✅MEET AND GREET AT TRAILHEAD: 7:45 am
✅START HIKING: 8:00 am (our hikes start on time)

TRAIL RATING:
🟡Active / Off-Trail
FITNESS: You should be in good shape and comfortable hiking steep sections, multiple stream crossings and bushwhacking.

TRAIL READY
To ensure our group can move together with ease and safety, our adventures are best suited for hikers who are trail ready. Please review the Trail Rating below to ensure this specific trip matches your current conditioning.

TRAILHEAD: (Moffat East Portal Trailhead)

Route type: Out and back
Crowds: Expect to share the trail with day hikers.

DAY 1, Sat June 27:

• 2 miles on established trail | +800 ft elevation gain
• 1.5 miles off-trail | +800 ft elevation gain
• Setup camp
• ⛰️ Optional hike to Arapaho Lakes | .5 miles round trip | +400 ft of gain

DAY 2, Sun June 28:

• 3.5 miles | -1,600 ft elevation gain
• Hike back to cars

WHERE: James Peak Wilderness
HIKE TYPE: Backpacking, one night
TRAIL MAP: https://caltopo.com/m/U8BG8UE#
WEBSITE: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/arapaho-lakes-via-rogers-pass-trail-and-forest-lakes-trail

🚗CARPOOLING (recommended):
Olde Town Station Arvada
Olde Town Arvada, 5575 Vance St, Arvada, CO 80002

Drive Time: 1 hour 15 min
Organize Cars: 6:15am
Start Driving: 6:30 am am (sharp)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD:
GOOGLE MAP LINK

NOTABLES:

• Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather, snowpack, smoke, avalanche danger and low RSVPS.
• 🐶Dogs must be leashed.

⚠️ KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
We are a community of peers not guides or leaders. Hosts are not experts and should not be relied on for advice, medical care, or emergency assistance. You are responsible for your own safety, gear, and fitness, and must be prepared to complete the hike independently. The host's role is simply to be the anchor point; the person who ensures everyone meets at the right spot so the group can head out together.

A signed Safety & Emergency Form is required to join. The link will appear as a required question when you click "RSVP."
Returning members: You only need to resubmit the form if your emergency contact has changed.

GUESTS: Want to bring a friend? Have them join ICB and sign the Safety & Emergency Form first. We'd love to have them!

RSVP EXPECTATIONS: Update your RSVP (including waitlist) at least 48 hours before the event. If you miss 2 events without notice, you'll need to wait 90 days before rejoining the group.

BE PREPARED: We prioritize safety and self-sufficiency so we can focus on the experience. If you need to audit your gear or prep, this REI Checklist is a great resource.

TRIP STYLE:
We backpack to nature. Our adventures are less about the destination and more about the journey itself. We immerse ourselves the splendor of nature. We spend our evenings by the fire, telling stories under the stars. Many trips challenge us but we are never in a hurry to get there.

TRAIL RATING
Trips are rated based on the distance, elevation, and terrain of their most demanding day.

🟡Active
5–7 miles, moderate elevation (1,000 - 2,000’)
Uneven terrain, steady movement throughout, possible stream crossings
You can hike continuously uphill with a full overnight pack without frequent long breaks

🟠Strenuous
7–10 miles, sustained elevation gain (1,500–3,000')
Longer climbs, rocky sections, frequent stream crossings
You can maintain a steady, conversational pace while ascending

🔴Challenging
10+ miles and/or significant elevation gain (3,000’+)
Extended climbs, variable terrain, potential off-trail travel
You have strong endurance and are comfortable being pushed for most of the day