Sourdough Trail
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.

Sourdough Trail is a popular cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trail, conveniently off of the Peak to Peak Hwy. It is a beautiful out and back climb through Roosevelt National Forest!
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Route Description for Sourdough Trail
The Sourdough Trail is a straightforward out-and-back trail that travels through the beautiful Roosevelt National Forest. From the trailhead, the trail steadily climbs and gains elevation from its starting point of 2,804 m as it traverses across the mountain slopes. This is a perfect cross-country ski trail and is popular for snowshoeing and fat biking.
Approximately a third of the way up the trail, you will cross over a small bridge over Fourmile Creek. The end of the trail puts you at the closed gates to Brainard Lake Recreation Area within the Indian Peak Wilderness. The way back is to follow your tracks back down to the trailhead.
Insider Hints for Sourdough Trail
- Snowshoes can be rented in the Town of Nederland at Happy Trails Café or Wild Bear Ecology Center.
- This is a popular trail for fat biking. These can be rented from the Tin Shed.
- 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 Sourdough Trail Trailhead
From Boulder take CO-119/Boulder Canyon Drive to the town of Nederland. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto W 2nd St. Continue onto CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway towards Estes Park for 10.9 km. There will be a Camping & Hiking sign indicating a left turn towards Rainbow Lakes onto Co Rd. 116. Trailhead parking is on the left side of the road approximately 0.8 km down the dirt road.
Route Information
Sourdough Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherSourdough Trail Reviews
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