Your Guide to the Best Hiking Trails in Nederland & Gilpin County

It’s almost hiking season! As temperatures warm and the snow melts away, it’s time to dust off those hiking boots and get ready for an epic season on the trails. Located just 1.5 hours from the bustling city streets of Denver and 30 minutes from the popular trails of Boulder, the quieter hiking opportunities in Nederland offer a serene, peaceful experience where you can truly connect with nature. 

SkyRun’s local staff knows all the best trails to visit during your trip. Regardless of your skill level, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, and we’ve got the local knowledge to offer the best recommendations. Discover our favorite local trails, plus plan a seamless outing with our insider tips and tricks on reservations, timing, what to bring, and more!

When to Visit Nederland for the Best Hiking

Sitting at an elevation of 8,235 feet, Nederland and surrounding Gilpin County can remain pretty cold and snowy throughout March and April. The month of May is when temperatures really begin to warm, so mid to late spring is usually your first opportunity for good hiking conditions. At this time, much of the snow will have melted away, making the trails easier to navigate. These conditions will only continue to improve as summer arrives and will remain ideal through the beginning of fall, which means any time between May and October is great for planning a hiking trip:

• Late Spring: While spring can still be somewhat cold, temperatures will rise and conditions will improve in the later half of the season. You should still expect to encounter some snow and ice on the trails, so be prepared with appropriate shoes and jackets.
• Summer: Summer is peak hiking season in the mountains because the snow will have fully melted and temperatures will be higher throughout the day, making for a more comfortable experience. You’ll also start seeing wildflowers at lower elevations in June and can catch peak bloom in July.
• Early Fall: If you’re looking for fewer crowds and crisp mountain air, autumn is a great time to hit the trails. In the early fall, the aspen trees paint the peaks with vibrant yellow hues, which is truly a sight to behold when the afternoon sun hits just right.

What to Bring on a Hike

When exploring the trails, it’s always good to be prepared. If you’re new to hiking, you may be unsure what to bring, but we’ve got you covered. For shorter hikes (1 to 2 miles) the main thing you’ll want to bring is water and maybe a snack—it’s always nice to enjoy a treat with a mountain view. If you’re planning to go for the full mountain experience and venture out on a longer hike, we suggest packing a small bag and bringing the following:

• Plenty of water—the added altitude makes this a must-have
• Snacks—especially if you’re planning a longer hike
• Layers, including a rain jacket–weather conditions change quickly
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, or sunshirt to help protect you from the strong Colorado sunshine
• Bear spray—just in case you encounter any bears who call the area home
• Phone with trail map—download the All Trails app to get detailed information about each trail, including a map.

Easy Hikes in Nederland

Sometimes, you just want a nice easy stroll with some mountain views—and there are plenty to choose from in Gilpin County. An easy, shorter hike is perfect for beginner hikers as well as for families with small children. If you’re looking to experience nature without the stress and sweat of a hard hike, we’ve picked out our easy favorites for you.

Mud Lake Loop

This is a short route that takes you around Mud Lake, offering picturesque views of the lake and a quiet forested setting. There are benches around the lake where you can stop to enjoy the views or bring a snack. You may even encounter moose—just be sure to give wildlife plenty of space!

• 0.6 miles, 49 feet elevation gain
• Large dirt parking lot and bathroom at trailhead
• No reservation required
• Leashed dogs are permitted

Rainbow Lakes Trail

Explore this short route that takes you to a series of 9 connected lakes and beaver ponds. With minimal elevation gain, this is a great hike for all ages and abilities. You’re likely to see elk and moose as they frequent the beaver ponds along this trail.

• 2.7 miles, 334 feet elevation gain
• Road to trailhead is unpaved and requires 4WD vehicle
• Road subject to seasonal closures until June 1
• Limited parking at trailhead—try to arrive early
• Bathroom at trailhead
• No reservation required
• Leashed dogs are permitted

 

Long Lake

Get ready for stunning lake views! This trail circles Long Lake, offering glimpses of the Indian Peaks, Niwot Ridge, Isabelle Glacier, and Mt. Audubon along the way. The trail is mostly flat with minimal elevation gain, taking you through evergreen forests and crossing a bridge over a creek.

• 1.8 miles, 85 feet elevation gain
• Timed entry and parking reservation for Brainerd Lake Recreation Area required in the summer months (more info can be found at recreation.gov)
• Day use fee applies seasonally 
• Paved parking and bathrooms at trailhead
• Leashed dogs are permitted

Moderate Hikes in Gilpin County

If you’re looking to up your hiking game with a bit more of a challenge, we suggest trying out a more moderate level hike. This level of hike will get your heart rate up and provide a challenge that will have you feeling accomplished at the end of the day. We’ve picked our favorite moderate hikes for you to try on your visit to Gilpin County.

Snowshoe Hare Trail

Located in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, this loop starts at Aspen Meadow campgrounds. The route takes you through a wooded section to a small fishing hole where you can drop a line or just enjoy the views. 

• 3.0 miles, 649 feet elevation gain
• Valid Colorado State Parks Pass required for each vehicle (can be purchased at park entrance)
• No reservation required
• Parking at trailhead, but fills quickly on weekends
• Leashed dogs permitted

Mountain Lion Trail

Up your challenge with this longer route also located in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. You’ll get to experience a little bit of everything on this trail, including creek crossings, elevation changes, aspen groves, and open plains.

• 6.9 miles, 1,584 feet elevation gain
• Valid Colorado State Parks Pass required for each vehicle (can be purchased at park entrance)
• Limited parking—arrive early for best parking options
• Trash cans and outhouse located at the trailhead
• No reservation required
• Leashed dogs are permitted

Diamond Lake Trail

Get ready for an adventure—this trail takes you through lush forests, over streams, and past waterfalls, finally bringing you to a beautiful alpine lake. Pack a sandwich and enjoy lunch with a lake view. It’s the perfect Colorado day!

• 5.5 miles, 1,220 feet elevation gain
• Road to trailhead is bumpy and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended
• Limited parking fills quickly—recommended to arrive early
• No bathrooms at trailhead
• Leashed dogs are permitted

Lost Lake via Hessie Trail

Located west of Nederland in the small town of Eldora, this trail takes you on a modest, steady climb to the stunning Lost Lake at an elevation of 9,800 feet. The route can hold snow into the summer months, so appropriate footwear is recommended and traction equipment may be needed on slippery sections.

• 4.2 miles, 830 feet elevation gain
• No reservation required
• Parking is very limited—arrive early for best parking options
• Free shuttle available during peak season from Nederland High School
• Leashed dogs are permitted

Hard Hikes Near Nederland

Are you a type-two fun kinda person? If your idea of a good hiking day includes questioning your choices and challenging your endurance, there are plenty of options in Gilpin County. These trails will get your heart pumping with intense inclines and test your skills with rocky terrain. We’ve put together a couple of our top hikes for experienced hikers—approach these hikes with caution, as the high altitude will make them an even bigger challenge.

Devil’s Thumb Lake Trail

If you’re already planning to complete the Lost Lake hike, you can push yourself even further and continue the challenging route up to Devil’s Thumb Lake. The trail gets much quieter where it splits off from Lost Lake, taking you on a strenuous climb past Jasper Lake and ending at Devil’s Thumb Lake, sitting at an elevation of 11,000 feet. It’s a long trek and a full-day adventure, but it’s worth it.

• 12.4 miles, 2,454 feet elevation gain
• No reservation required
• Parking is very limited—recommended to arrive early
• Free shuttle available during peak season from Nederland High School
• Leashed dogs are permitted

Mount Audubon

If you’re really ready to test your skills, you can tackle this Colorado thirteener. This trek begins at Mitchell Lake Trailhead, but instead of heading to the lake, you’ll push up a steady climb all the way until you reach the summit of Mount Audubon, sitting at an elevation of 13,223 feet. The final summit push is above tree line, so you’ll want to start early to ensure you have plenty of time to descend before the afternoon.

• 7.7 miles, 2,670 feet elevation gain
• Timed entry and parking reservation for Brainerd Lake Recreation Area required seasonally in the summer months (more info can be found at recreation.gov)
• Day use fee applies seasonally 
• High altitude peak—be sure to check weather beforehand and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions above treeline
• Leashed dogs are permitted

Stay Near the Trailheads

A day of hiking already requires an early start. Why make it even earlier by tacking on an hour commute from the nearest city? Staying close to the trailheads means you can get some extra rest before setting out on your adventure.

SkyRun’s homes in Gilpin County put tons of alpine trailheads right at your doorstep, so you can wake up, grab your boots, and hit the trails. Whether you’re going on a solo trip or exploring with friends, we have a home to accommodate your needs, including pet-friendly options for the pup. Start planning your next mountain adventure with SkyRun!