Niwot Mountain & Ridge Hike

On this hike, we will hike to Niwot Mountain… then cut across the terrain and continue along the Ridge Trail.

Difficulty: about 14 miles with about 2,600 feet elevation gain. Highest elevation is over 12,000 feet.

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. Although the group may split up due to different hiking paces, everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that we can regroup and so no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to take a break at an appropriate spot depending on weather & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Niwot Mountain is a gem of a Peak that rests at 11,471’ and gains approximately 1,370' in elevation from the Lefthand Reservoir Trailhead. From Lefthand Reservoir to the summit, the views of surrounding Peaks like Longs Peak, Mount Audubon and Mount Meeker are incredible. The Niwot Ridge Trail is simply spectacular and the view from the top of Niwot Ridge is one of the best views of the Indian Peaks that you can get. It's an interesting view because you are not looking down on the peaks (as if you climbed Mt. Audubon) you are almost eye level with the peaks. This makes for a unique and inspiring view of the Continental Divide and the Sawtooth Ridge above Isabelle Glacier. At the very top of the Ridge, there are great views of Lake Isabelle, Isabelle Glacier, Shoshoni Peak, Apache Peak, and Navajo Peak. From there circle around to the south where you will get a rare glimpse into the Green Lakes Basin, which is off limits as it constitutes Boulder County Watershed. This basin consists of a stunning series of about 6 pristine alpine lakes...the Green Lakes. Up-valley is a wonderful alpine cirque of Kiowa Peak, Arikaree Peak, and Navajo Peak. See the following hike in alltrails to Niwot Mountain, except we will NOT loop around down to the reservoir: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/niwot-mountain-summit-route-via-left-hand-reservoir-road
From Niwot Mountain, we will cut across to the Ridge Trail. Here is a link to the alltrails for the Ridge: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/niwot-ridge-trail
I will post a photo of our route.

DOGS: NO dogs on this hike please.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Winter Lot (aka Gateway Trailhead Parking Lot) which is the parking area on your right, right before the entry station to Brainard Lake Recreation Area. To get there, you can click on the Niwot Mountain alltrails link above and click directions. DO NOT use the Niwot Ridge alltrails for directions as that link will take you into the park. If you use Google maps, you can type in “Brainard Lake Winter Lot” 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, bug repellant, 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?lon=-105.56531216045812&lat=40.05322528211977

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.