Are dogs allowed on Caribou Lake via Arapaho Pass Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Caribou Lake via Arapaho Pass Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Caribou Lake via Arapaho Pass Trail?

No, Caribou Lake via Arapaho Pass Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Caribou Lake via Arapaho Pass Trail?

Caribou Lake via Arapaho Pass Trail is rated difficult. It is 8.8 miles long with 3,077 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Colorado trail conditions

DifficultOut and Back

Roosevelt National Forest/Colorado

Caribou Lake via Arapaho Pass Trail

Nederland, Colorado

8.8 mi

Distance

3,077 ft

Elev. Gain

4h 14m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Users have reported that the road to access the trail head is subject to weather related closings. It is highly recommended that you drive a 4WD with high clearance when the road is open. The hike takes the Arapahoe Pass Trail from the Fourth of July Trail parking lot to the lake. The lake is very remote and picturesque. The trail from the divide to the bowl is very confusing. You get a sense of awe when you look back down in to the bowl.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:3,099 ft

Max:3,642 ft

938 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

Verify before you go

Managing agency

United States Forest Service
Find offices, alerts, and current orders for this agency.

Verify by phone or mail

Address:CO

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Colorado hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Caribou Lake via Arapaho Pass Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Jasper Peak Summit Trail

Arapahoe Pass and Lake Dorothy Trail

South Arapahoe Peak via Arapahoe Glacier Trail

Old Baldy Summit

Fourth of July Mine via Arapaho Pass Trail

Diamond Lake Trail

Other trails in Roosevelt National Forest

Lost Lake via Hessie Trail

Lake Isabelle Trail (Summer)

Crater Lakes Trail via Moffat Tunnel East Portal Trailhead

Diamond Lake Trail

Greyrock Trail

Lily Mountain Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Caribu Lake V.I.A Arapahoe Pass Trail

Buckingham Campground - Fourth of July

Buckingham Campground

Diamond Lake

Jasper Lake

Caribou Dispersed Site 6

Similar trails in Colorado

Sky Pond Trail

Flattop Mountain Trail

Chasm Lake Trail

Chavez and Beaver Brook Trail Loop

Mount Bierstadt Trail

Quandary Peak Trail