🥾 Trail Info
LocationNederland
Distance6.8
Elevation Gain2100
DifficultyModerate
Trail TypeOut-and-Back
Best SeasonJun-Sep
Est. Time4-5 hours
FeeFree (Boulder County permit)
Dog FriendlyYes
PermitNo
Download GPX File
Works with Garmin, Coros, Wahoo, AllTrails & more
🗺️ Trail Map
📈 Elevation Profile
Loading elevation data…
—
↑ Uphill
—
↓ Downhill
—
▲ Highest
—
▼ Lowest
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure.
Arapaho Glacier Trail is a premier hiking destination in Nederland, Colorado, covering 6.8 miles with 2100ft of elevation gain.
Stats: 6.8 miles, 2100ft gain, Moderate. Type: Out-and-Back. Surface: Dirt/Rock. Time: 4-5 hours. Fee: Free (Boulder County permit). Dogs: Yes. Permit: No.
Wildlife: elk, mule deer, marmots, pikas, golden eagles, rosy-finches.
Best seasons: Late June through September; the only surviving glacier on the Colorado Front Range. Arapaho Glacier Trail leads to the southernmost glacier in the Rocky Mountains — a remnant ice field that has persisted through centuries of warming. The overlook delivers dramatic views down onto the ice and across the Front Range.
Pack plenty of water — desert and high-altitude trails demand more hydration than you expect. Layers are essential above 10,000 feet.
Leave No Trace: stay on designated trails, pack out all waste, and respect wildlife and other visitors.