Caribou Hill
Table of contents
Caribou Hill is a secluded winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing destination in the historic ghost town of Caribou City. It is a great place to check out for anyone new to winter hiking - the elevation is minimal, while the winter scenery is worthwhile!
Route Description for Caribou Hill
Caribou City is a historic mining town high in the Rocky Mountains. The now ghost town is surrounded by abandoned silver mines and dilapidated buildings. This is a great place for beginner snowshoers and winter hikers, due to the easy terrain and trail.
From the trailhead, follow the trail which goes around Caribou Hill in a counter-clockwise manner, initially following a dirt road that is snow-covered in winter. This route goes through dense pine forest for the first half of the circuit.
Once on the opposite end of Caribou Hill, the trail goes back across Caribou Hill, offering beautiful views in all directions. This loop trail will return back to the parking lot. Along the way explore the trails to the top of Caribou Hill for a panoramic view of Indian Peaks Wilderness and Eldora Mountain Resort.
Insider Hints for Caribou Hill
- Snowshoes can be rented in the Town of Nederland at Happy Trails Café or Wild Bear Ecology Center.
- Visit the Town of Nederland!
- Where to Eat: Crosscut Pizzeria & Taphouse
- Coffee Shop: Happy Trails Cafe
- Gear & Supplies: Mountain Man Outdoor Store
- Groceries: Mountain People’s Co-op or B&F Mountain Market
- Drinks: Very Nice Brewing Company
Getting to the Caribou Hill Trailhead
From Boulder, Colorado, head up Boulder Canyon 119 towards Nederland (approximately 29.0 km) and enter a traffic circle. Continue straight through the traffic circle, to Peak to Peak Hwy. The road will turn sharply to the right at the Nederland Fire Department. Take an immediate left onto Caribou Rd. Follow this dirt road, as it switchbacks up the side of the mountain, past cabins and a historic silver mine, eventually arriving at the trailhead parking lot.
Route Information
When to do:
Late November to Early April
Backcountry Campsites:
Camping is allowed in the backcountry, no permit required.
Toilets:
No
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Good
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Loop
Caribou Hill 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
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Skyscraper Reservoir via Woodland Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Caribou Hill Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Betty and Bob Lakes Hike
Indian Peaks Wilderness
High Lonesome Loop Hike
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Devil’s Thumb Lake Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Jasper Lake Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness
King Lake Hike
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Lost Lake
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Hessie Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Arapaho Glacier Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Lost Lake Hike
Indian Peaks Wilderness