Snowshoe Forest Lakes & Possibly Arapahoe Lakes

James Peak Wilderness / East Portal Trailhead

DISTANCE: 8 - 11 MILES ROUNDTRIP (Depends on if we add Arapaho Lakes)

SKILL LEVEL: MODERATE TO STRENUOUS (This is not a hike for beginners)

ELEVATION GAIN: +1,641' net elevation gain

ELEVATION CHANGE: 9,211' - 10,852'

ALL MEMBERS MUST JOIN THE WAIT LIST TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS HIKE... Members will be added based on my own and/or the groups past hiking experience with members and other factors. RSVP and no-show history will be considered as well. If you do not make it on the attending list for this hike, we will see you on the next one! :)

CARPOOLING: 8:00 is the Carpool time, NOT the Trailhead time!!

For those interested in carpooling from Denver, I suggest meeting at the Wooly Mammoth Park-n-Ride (Section BB, across from Conoco) in Morrison at 7:50 and leaving no later than 8:00. I will not be at the carpool location, but will meet attendees at the trailhead. We will leave the trailhead by 9:20.

GETTING THERE:

From Denver take US-6 West to Golden and then continue straight on CO-93 for about 8.3 miles. Turn Left on CO-72/Coal Creek Canyon Road and continue approximately 18.5 miles. Turn left on CO-119 and continue 1.9 miles. Turn right (west) onto Rollins Pass Rd / Tolland Rd. and keep straight until it dead ends at the Moffat Tunnel.

The East Portal Trailhead is located at the end of the Rollins Pass Road, a 8.2 mile dirt road west of Highway 72. Rollins Pass Road is located 4.9 miles south of Nederland, CO.

TRAIL RESTRICTIONS:

Dogs must be leashed at all times on this trail (no exceptions).

Group size limited to 12 persons

ABOUT:

This trail is within the James Peak Wilderness Area. Forest Lakes trail is a heavily used trail system, but Arapahoe Lakes is harder to find and the trail is not marked as well (or at all). We will hike to Forest Lakes and depending on the group and how adventurous we feel, we can always try to find Arapahoe Lakes on our way back. It would be an additional 3 miles roundtrip if we find them! :)

EXTRAS:

Bring snacks, water, sunscreen, extra layers, toe & hand warmers recommended, snowshoes/traction devices and hiking poles. Additionally, please bring cash for splitting fuel costs.

By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety and will do the necessary research to understand the conditions of this hike and the gear you will require.

APRES-SHOE:

Wild (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=70%20East%201st%20Street%2C%20Nederland%2C%20CO) Mountain Smokehouse & Brewery

70 East 1st. Street, Nederland