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Camping in Indian Peaks
Louise Carr, Leaf Group
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If you're looking for a scenic experience, camping at Indian Peaks ticks all the boxes. Located in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Colorado, Indian Peaks Wilderness is characterized by jagged peaks and granite mountains, interspersed with nearly 50 lakes. Although campers won't find campgrounds in the 76,000-acre Indian Peaks Wilderness, which is managed by the Forest Service and the National Park Service, overnight camping is permitted in accordance with wilderness regulations.
Camping Regulations
Due to the popularity of Indian Peaks and the fragility of the landscape, camping is regulated within the wilderness area. If you are visiting in peak season, June 1 to September 15, purchase a backcountry permit for overnight camping. Quotas are in place. A small section of wilderness along the northern boundary, above the treeline, lies within Rocky Mountain National Park, and no camping is allowed here. Camping is not permitted from May 1 through November 30 in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone. Campfires are not allowed in the eastern section of Indian Peaks and around lakes. Where they are allowed, they must be at least 100 feet from any trail or body of water.
Camping Ethics
Follow the seven "Leave No Trace" principles when camping in Indian Peaks to help ensure this wilderness area is left intact for future generations. Plan ahead and prepare; travel and camp on durable surfaces; dispose of waste properly by packing in and packing out trash and leftover food; leave what you find, including rocks and plants; minimize campfire impacts; respect and never feed wildlife; and be considerate of other visitors. In addition, Indian Peaks Wilderness' rules state that your dogs must be on a leash at all times, and you need to bury human waste at least 200 feet from water in holes that are 6 to 8 inches deep.
Camping List
Make a list before you set off on your camping trip to ensure you're not stuck in the wilderness without essential supplies. You need a map of the Indian Peaks area and a compass, food and water, extra warm and waterproof clothing, a first aid kit and a flashlight. A cook stove has less impact on the environment than a campfire, and you will also need a knife and matches. Don't forget a water filter, whistle, all the tent poles you need, and a sleeping bag.
Indian Peaks offers 110 miles of trails to help you in finding a good camping location and seeing the sights of the wilderness area. For example, the six-mile Arapaho Glacier Trail to Arapaho Glacier Overlook provides views over the City of Boulder Watershed, while the 1.2-mile Rainbow Lakes Trail is an easy trek up to the Rainbow Lakes. In addition, there are four trail passes for vistas over Devil's Thumb, Buchanan, Arapahoe and Pawnee.
Indian Peaks is next to the Rocky Mountain National Park and is one of the most popular wilderness areas in America due to its proximity to the Denver/Boulder metro area. Indian Peaks is an expansive space, but two main access points lead you into the wilderness from the Boulder/Nederland area and from near Lake Granby in Grand County. Nearby towns include Boulder, Nederland, Granby, Grand Lake, Raymond, Ward, Tabernash, Allenspark, Peaceful Valley, Fraser, Winter Park and Eldora.
Colorado Wilderness: Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
The University of Montana: Wilderness.net: Indian Peaks Wilderness
All Trips: Indian Peak Wilderness Area, Colorado
United States Department of Agriculture: Forest Service: Indian Peaks Wilderness
National Park Service: Rocky Mountain National Park: Fees & Reservations
Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance: Planning your trip to the Indian Peaks Wilderness
Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance: Trails and Trailheads in the Indian Peaks Wilderness
Louise Carr has been writing and editing for consumer and business media since 2000. She covers health, travel, literature and current affairs, including for LIVESTRONG.COM and other online publications. Carr holds an honors Bachelor of Arts in American and English studies from Nottingham University, England.
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