Hikes/United States/Colorado/Indian Peaks Wilderness

Difficulty

Moderate

Elevation

361 m

Distance

9.9 km

Duration

3-4h

User Ratings

9.7 (13 reviews)

Physical DIFF

Technical DIFF

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Diamond Lake Trail

Name: Diamond Lake Trail
Rating: 9.7

Panorama on the Diamond Lake hike in Indian Peaks, Colorado

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Reviews

Diamond Lake Trail is a nice, half-day hike that takes you out to a crystal clear alpine lake with stunning mountain views. We love this longer hike because the terrain is exciting, and Diamond Lake is remarkable. We recommend putting in the hours for this trek. It’s worth it.

Route Description for Diamond Lake Trail

The Diamond Lake Trailhead begins at the end of 4th of July Road. You will begin on Arapaho Pass Trail from a well-marked trailhead with a map of the surrounding area. From the trailhead you can look down the valley and see Eldora Mountain Ski Resort.

The trail slowly gains elevation as it traverses along the valley through the thick pine forest. Arriving at a trail junction and sign, you will continue towards Diamond Lake and slowly descend down into the valley.

At the bottom of the valley, you will arrive at a bridge and creek crossing with a small waterfall upstream. From the bridge the trail climbs uphill, up the other side of the valley.

Hike through another thick pine forest until you reach the edge of the lake. The views around Diamond Lake open up to display peaks in the distance and Mount Jasper (3,939 m) in the foreground. When you’re ready, head back on the trail you came up on.

Hiking trail highlights

Diamond Lake

Marvel at this beautiful natural lake carved out by centuries of slow moving glacial movements and reserved with meltwater. Diamond Lake is pristine with crystal clear water and a stunning mountain ridge backdrop.

Hikers can kick off their boots and wade through the waters to cool off during the heat of summer, then settle on the bank for a picnic lunch and a rest. The surrounding valley offers an incredible wildflower variety also during the summer months.

Mount Jasper

Hikers can enjoy exquisite views of Mount Jasper off in the distance from the Diamond Lake trail. While hikers come from around the world to trek much of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Mount Jasper is often overlooked—but can be climbed. The mountain is home to an emerald green lake and plenty of unique basins, so if you’re looking to tag on extra miles to your hike, consider conquering Mount Jasper.

If you want to find other great hikes in Indian Peaks Wilderness, check out the Lone Eagle Peak hike, Lake Isabelle trail, Rainbow Lakes trail or the Arapaho Glacier Trail.

Insider Hints for Diamond Lake Trail

Visit the town of Nederland, and grab a bite at Crosscut Pizzeria & Taphouse or a beer at the Very Nice Brewing Company after your hike.
High clearance 4x4 vehicles are not required to make it up the gravel road, but it wouldn’t hurt!
Plan for hiking over rocks and roots, and don’t be surprised if there is water on the trail; during late spring and summer, water runoff from the high mountains will continually keep this trail wet.

Getting to the Diamond Lake Trail Trailhead

To get to the Diamond Lake Trailhead, from the Nederland traffic circle, take the 3rd exit, South onto N Bridge St./Peak to Peak Hwy. Turn right on Eldora Rd. Continue on Hessie Road where it turns to gravel. Take a Right on 4th of July Rd up to the parking.

Route Information

When to do:
Early June to Late September
Backcountry Campsites:
Around Diamond Lake
Toilets:
Yes
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back