Arapaho Pass Trail
![](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
The Arapaho Pass Trail is a stunning hike through the wooded Colorado terrain up to the rocky pass. The sights from Arapaho Pass are unparalleled—you will be rewarded with views of the quintessential alpine lakes, snow-dusted summits, and forested valleys below. Short but steep, the trail is great for novice hikers and beginners alike.
Route Description for Arapaho Pass Trail
The Arapaho Pass Trail is a manageable hike up the ridge of the Continental Divide. The trail to the pass may be just as picturesque as the pass itself! You will begin this trail by walking through the dense Colorado woodlands near an alpine creek. The babbling creek creates a meditative ambiance as you ascend the trail. Additionally, this hike offers something for the history buffs too. After you summit the timberline, you will pass the Fourth of July Mine. Filled mine shafts are still visible and some rusted remnants of the old mine remain. T The path to the mine and up to the pass is very rocky, wear sturdy shoes to avoid rolling an ankle!
Begin this hike from the Fourth of July Parking lot. Take the trail signposted for Arapaho Pass. Follow along this path as it climbs through the forest, past cascading waterfalls and lush meadows. You will eventually meet an intersection, keep right on the Arapaho Pass Trail. After intersecting with the creek, you will encounter another junction. Again, stay on the Arapaho Pass Trail by heading northwest. At this point, you will be above the treeline and you will pass the mine before beginning your final ascent. This section of the trail will be rocky and exposed as you climb up the pass. You will meet your journey’s end when you encounter a fork in the road at the top of the pass.
Enjoy the views from the Arapaho Pass before beginning your descent. If you are craving a longer adventure, follow the trail markers to Dorothy Lake or Caribou Lake. Once you are ready to return to the carpark, retrace your steps, following the Arapaho Pass the whole way.
Getting to the Arapaho Pass Trail Trailhead
The Arapaho Pass Trail departs from the Fourth of July Trailhead at the end of the Fourth of July Road
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
Yes, permits required.
When to do:
June-September
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Arapaho Pass Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Caribou District Peaks Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Caribou District Peaks Hike
Indian Peaks Wilderness
![Caribou Pass via Arapaho Pass Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Caribou Pass via Arapaho Pass Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness
![Caribou Hill Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Caribou Hill Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness
![Old Baldy Mountain Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Old Baldy Mountain Hike
Indian Peaks Wilderness
![Mount Jasper Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Mount Jasper Hike
Indian Peaks Wilderness
![Fourth of July Mine via Arapaho Pass Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Fourth of July Mine via Arapaho Pass Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness
![Upper Diamond Lake Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Upper Diamond Lake Hike
Indian Peaks Wilderness
![South Arapaho Peak via Arapaho Glacier Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
South Arapaho Peak via Arapaho Glacier Hike
Indian Peaks Wilderness
![Caribou Lake via Arapaho Pass Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Caribou Lake via Arapaho Pass Hike
Indian Peaks Wilderness
![Caribou Hill](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Indian-Peaks-Caribou-Hill-1940x480.jpg)
Caribou Hill
Indian Peaks Wilderness
![Lake Dorothy](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-CO-Indian-Peaks-Lake-Dorothy-1920x480.jpg)
Lake Dorothy
Indian Peaks Wilderness
![Diamond Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-CO-Indian-Peaks-Diamond-Lake-1920x480.jpg)
Diamond Lake Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness