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Boulder Ranger District

The Boulder Ranger District encompasses over one hundred thousand acres of the Front Range in western Boulder and northern Gilpin counties. The district includes Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.

Many areas of the district are within an easy two-hour drive of Denver and its suburbs, making this one of the top recreation destinations in the state.

General Information

The Boulder Ranger District encompasses over one hundred thousand acres of the Front Range in western Boulder and northern Gilpin counties. The district includes Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.

Many areas of the district are within an easy two-hour drive of Denver and its suburbs, making this one of the top recreation destinations in the state.

Passes & Permits

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 86 results

Arapaho Glacier Trail
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
The Arapaho Glacier Trail leads northward from the Rainbow Lakes Trailhead (located before the Rainbow Lakes Campground) and enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Climbing through the woods for about…

Arapaho Pass Trail
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
From the Fourth of July Trailhead, the Arapaho Pass Trail climbs the northern slope of the North Fork, Middle Boulder Creek drainage into the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The Diamond Lake Trail…

Arickaree Picnic Site
Site Open
Picnicking
Located on the north side of Brainard Lake, Arickaree Picnic Site is set in the shade of the subalpine forest adjacent to Brainard Lake Road. The site offers five picnic sites with tables, pedestal…

Beaver Creek Trail
Hiking
The Beaver Creek Trail enters into the Indian Peaks Wilderness shortly after leaving the Beaver Creek Trailhead. After a few switchbacks, the trail circles the ridge and intersects with the Mount…

Beaver Creek Trailhead
Hiking
Beaver Creek Trailhead is adjacent to the same parking area as the Mitchell Lake Trailhead at the west end of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area (BLRA).  Trailhead hosts are available to answer…

Beaver Sourdough Trailhead
Horse Riding and Camping Winter Sports Hiking Biking
The Beaver Reservoir Cutoff Trail (#851) is an extension of the Sourdough Trail that cuts across from the east end of Coney Creek Road (National Forest System Road 507) to intersect the Sourdough…

Boulder Canyon
Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Scenic Drives Climbing and Caving
Carved by the rushing waters of Middle Boulder Creek, Boulder Canyon is popular for scenic driving, fishing and rock climbing. Land in this area is a mix of city, county, national forest and…

Brainard Lake Fishing Site
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities
A very popular destination, Brainard Lake offers a spectacular panoramic view of the lake, surrounding forest, and high peaks along the Continental Divide. A boat launch area is adjacent to the…

Brainard Lake Gateway Trailhead
Hiking Biking
The Brainard Lake Gateway Trailhead is located 2 miles west of the Town of Ward and just east of the entrance into Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The site is an access portal that allows for…

Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Biking Picnicking Winter Sports Hiking Water Activities
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is set in a glacially carved valley offering visitors spectacular panoramic views of Brainard Lake, surrounding subalpine forest, and high peaks along the Continental…

Last updated September 12, 2025

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