Nederland, Colorado
Hike South Araphaho Peak
8 Miles Total - 2533 ft gain - Out-and-Back Trail
Originally added by Kyle Frost
Distance: 8 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain: 2,533 ft. Incredibly scenic Class 2 hike up to South Arapaho. Views of the Arapaho glacier, the Tenmile Range, Gore Range, and Indian Peaks.
Start your hike at the 4th of July Trailhead, just outside of Eldora, CO. From the trailhead at the north end of the parking lot, steadily climb through the trees until a junction at 1 mile. Take the right fork towards Arapaho pass.
You'll start to climb above treeline, with spectacular views of the valley and surrounding peaks. At 2 miles, you'll reach another junction in a large flat area. Take the right fork towards Arapaho glacier.
Continue gaining altitude up the ridge until you reach the saddle at 12,700 ft. The false summit of South Arapaho is to your left and Old Baldy is to the right. Follow a network of decently marked trails up the ridgeline to the summit (13,397ft). It's class 2 all the way.
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Overall rating:
Bomber
I love this hike!! It is one of the first I did when I moved to Colorado and it remains one of my favorites. Pretty solid effort to achieve amazing views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness and front range cities! Bonus points for doing the traverse over to North Arapaho Peak.
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