Nederland, CO: Lake Dorothy
Visit the highest lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness on this 6.9-mile out-and-back through steep alpine terrain.
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From the Fourth of July Trailhead, head northwest on Arapaho Pass Trail toward a basin below Quarter to 5 Peak. After the 1.4-mile climb, which features 1,000 feet of vertical, you’ll reach the dilapidated remains of the Fourth of July Mine. At the junction with the Arapaho Glacier Trail, bear left to continue west toward Arapahoe Pass. Upon hitting the pass (11,906 feet), follow the trail east before breaking toward the picturesque 12,061-foot Lake Dorothy. Look west for spectacular panoramas of Neva’s craggy crown perched behind the lake’s boulder-strewn far shoreline.
-Mapped by Chris Hood
Trail Facts
- Distance: 11.0
Waypoints
MTN001
Location: 39.994917, -105.633942
From the Fourth of July trailhead, head northwest on the Arapahoe Pass Trail. You’ll climb for 1,000 feet before reaching a ridge below Quarter to 5 Peak at mile 1.4.
MTN002
Location: 40.010721, -105.659122
At the Fourth of July Mine, take the left fork to continue pushing up the Arapaho Pass Trail.
MTN003
Location: 40.014468, -105.677876
Break above 11,900 feet as you reach Arapaho Pass.
MTN004
Location: 40.013104, -105.682039
Bear left to bid adieu to the Arapaho Pass Trail and swing west toward Lake Dorothy.
MTN005
Location: 40.012694, -105.683713
Reach Dorothy Lake, an ideal spot for lunch.
