Glacier Rim Trail
Description:
The
Glacier Rim (also known as Arapaho Glacier) Trail begins at the west end of
the Rainbow Lakes Campground at an elevation of 9,982 feet. The parking area
will accommodate six to eight vehicles. The trail climbs steadily through
the spruce forest for about a mile or so until it begins to level off for
about .5 to .75 miles. It climbs again until it reaches the alpine tundra
where after a short level stretch it begins the long climb to Arapaho Glacier.
Once out on the open expanse of the tundra you are offered spectacular views
in all directions. You can see the backside of the front range mountains and
the city of Boulder reservoirs in the valley leading up to many peaks. A small
lake with a waterfall cascading from it can be seen below the peaks across
the valley to the north. The trail gets steeper as you make long switch backs
toward a saddle. At about four miles the trail passes to the north of Caribou
Peak (12,310 feet). It is an easy climb to the summit. From here you cross
over to the south side of the ridge and follow it around to Arapaho Glacier.
It is about 2.1 miles to Arapaho Saddle that overlooks the Arapaho Glacier.
From here to the glacier the trail is more level. The trail ends in another
1.9 miles at its junction with the Arapaho Pass Trail. This section of the
trail is steep and very rocky. It offers you magnificent views of Arapaho
Pass and the North Fork Middle Boulder Creek drainage.
This
trail is located in the Glacier Travel Zone of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Camping, day hiking, and livestock are permitted in this area but no open
campfires are allowed. The trail receives heavy day use and low overnight
use. Hiking the trail is of moderate difficulty.
Features:
| Length: |
7.9 miles (12.7 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
9,982' - 12,735' |
| Elevation change: |
4,254 feet |
| Season: |
July 1 - Sept 15 |
| Difficulty: |
Moderate |
| Use: |
High |
| USGS maps: |
Ward, Monarch Lake |
| Trailheads: |
Glacier Rim, Fourth of July |
| Restrictions: |
Pets must be on a leash, no campfires |
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No (not permitted in wilderness) |
| Suitable for horses: |
Yes |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Other Nearby Resources:
Directions:
Take Highway 72 north from Nederland approximately 6.5
miles. Turn west on Forest Road 298 at the sign for the CU Mountain Research
Station. Travel about six miles to the Rainbow Lakes Campground. The Glacier
Rim Trailhead is located at the west end of the campground.
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