DIAMOND LAKEIndian Peaks Wilderness Area, Colorado, USA 11.6km, 2 days The Indian Peaks Wilderness covers 30,000 hectares of saw-toothed ridges and beautiful forests at the southern end of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The area includes almost 50 lakes, and Diamond Lake is one of the most accessible, providing an easy introduction to the Rockies. The lake is at 3335 metres above sea level – high enough to have an impact if you have just landed from Australia and haven’t spent any time getting used to the thinner air, as Alistair discovered. DAY ONE: 5.8km, 2.5 hours From the car park at the Fourth of July Trailhead follow the Arapahu Trail as it climbs gently through attractive spruce forest. In summer this area is alive with wildflowers of all colours – the displays here revealed by the melting winter snow are nationally renowned. Squirrels and chipmunks are also common. After 1km a track junction is reached, turn left following the sign to Diamond Lake. The track follows the northern side of the valley of the North Fork of Middle Boulder Creek, with views across the valley to Mt Neva (3905m) and its ridgeline. A waterfall that plunges into the valley flows from Diamond Lake on the other side. It is a gradual descent of about another kilometer to the creek, which is more impressive than some rivers in Australia. The creek is crossed on an attractive wooden bridge and the area is worth exploring for an impressive waterfall and some delightful cascades. From the creek the track takes a big U-turn and heads back along the southern edge of the valley, descending gradually through more spruce forest. As it approaches the lake the track crosses some open meadows – these can be damp underfoot but are home to more beautiful wildflower displays; wooden boardwalks protect the most delicate – to reach a fork in the trail just short of Diamond Lake. The right fork leads to the lake, the left continues for another 4km to join the Devils Thumb trail near Jasper Lake. The lake is in a beautiful setting nestled in a glacial cirque basin, flanked by steep cliffs and delightful forest. There is also good fishing for trout, if you’re into that kind of thing. There are 10 designated campsites around the lake, with the first reserved for groups. The sites are all excellent and in picturesque settings not far from the lake edge. Bears inhabit the Rockies - put all food in a plastic bag and hang it in a tree 100 metres from camp overnight. DAY TWO: 5.8km, 2.5 hours Retrace the same trail back to the car park. NEED TO KNOW The trailhead is reached via the town of Nederland, 25km west of Boulder. From there take Country Road 130 then Country Road 111 to the car park. Pick up a permit at the national parks centre in Boulder on your way through. This is a multi-day walk and you will need appropriate equipment and supplies; make sure you check with the rangers that you have everything you need before you head out. OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO The Rockies offer virtually endless hiking and sightseeing opportunities. ACCOMMODATION AND SUPPLIES Boulder is the outdoor capital of Colorado. If you’re in Denver, Outdoor World has everything you need in a somewhat bizarre setting for Australian visitors – the shop is decorated with dozens of stuffed native animals, including a raccoon that models the store’s wares on the sunglasses counter. MORE INFO The Boulder Ranger District office is at 2140 Yarmouth St, Boulder.
Phone: 303-541-2500. These descriptions are a guide only. While we have made every effort to make them accurate, we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained while using them. Make sure you use an up-to-date map and consult rangers before heading out. | 
