Hike to Arapaho Pass and Lake Dorothy

Begin by parking at the 4th of July trailhead. This can be reached by conituing past the Eldora ski area and up a rough but passable (for all vehicles) gravel road to the trailhead. The trail is easy to find, and will continue to rise for the next 1.15 miles.

At just over a mile there is a fork for the Arapaho pass/Diamond Lake split. Take the Arapaho pass trail to the left and continue hiking. At just over 2 miles the Arapaho glacier trail breaks off to the left. Continue straight on the Arapaho pass trail and you will soon pass the ruins of the 4th of July mine.

Past the mine the trail it is easy to follow as you rise above tree-line and continue hiking on a moderate but consistent grade. At just over 3 miles you will reach Arapaho pass; this is a great place to stop and take in the views! For extra credit, you can also head up the obvious ridge (which is class 2) for a 1/2 mile to the unnamed 12er.

From Arapaho pass, continue hiking on the caribou pass trail for nearly 1/2 mile when several spurs will head over to Lake Dorothy. If there is too much snow to see the trail, head into the obvious cirque below Mt Neva. Once at the lake, there is enjoyable scrambling to be had on all sides, and if you are experienced with class 4+ terrain or snow climbing, Mt. Neva is a wonderful hike as well.