Diamond & Upper Diamond Lake

Diamond Lake is a nice hike…but the trail beyond to Upper Diamond Lake is spectacular! Amazing wildflowers….Note that there is some moderate rock scrambling involved on this hike that involves using hands and legs.

DUE TO THE POPULARITY OF THIS TRAIL AND LIMITED PARKING, I AM KEEPING THE GROUP FOR THIS HIKE SMALL. PLUS INDIAN PEAKS WILDERNESS REQUIRES A PERMIT FOR GROUPS OF 8-12 PEOPLE.

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph (slower up…faster down). Everyone is expected to wait at all intersections, creek crossings & periodically otherwise so that no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to have lunch at an appropriatete spot & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

Difficulty: about 9+ miles with 2,000 feet elevation gain. Highest elevation is about 11,800 feet

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This is a hike west of Nederland that leads to high alpine lakes nestled in the forest below Jasper Peak in Indian Peaks Wilderness. The demanding trail leads to Diamond Lake, past a waterfall and multiple cascades, and opens up to the incredible views that make Colorado’s high-country famous. We will continue to Upper Diamond Lake. NOTE THAT A 4WD VEHICLE IS RECOMMENDED TO GET TO TRAILHEAD. See the following hike in Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/upper-diamond-lake

DOGS: NO dogs on this hike please.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: Because the 4th of July Trailhead is a very busy trailhead and because AWD and clearance are recommended, we will meet at the Nederland Middle-Senior High School and carpool from there. To get to the school, if you use google maps, you can type in “Nederland Middle/Senior High School” for directions. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Nederland Middle-Senior High School” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.9926&lon=-105.6501#.ZB-ohS9MFvI

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.