Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Colorado

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area encompasses over 76,000 acres within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Colorado. Its name is a result of a majority of its peaks having Native American names. Ogallala, Pajute, Pawnee, Shoshoni, Apache, Navajo, Arikaree, Arapahoe, and Niwot Peaks all reach well above 12,000 feet, making for breathtaking views of jagged and snowy rock that tower above green valleys and glacial lakes. Indian Peaks Wilderness runs from its northern boundary, Rocky Mountain National Park and Longs Peak, south along the Continental Divide to James Peak.

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area was formed by glaciers. Its jagged and sawtooth like ridges, glacial remnants like turquoise lakes and rock debris, as well as glaciers themselves are proof of their formation. Today there are over 50 lakes within the wilderness area. In the spring time the Middle and South St. Vrain, Boulder, Buchanan, Cascade, and Arapaho creeks all flush out canyons with high volume water. Cutthroat, rainbow, brook, and brown trout frequent these waters.

There is much to do and much to be seen within Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. With over 110 miles of hiking trails, some of which make their way over 12,000 foot passes, it isn't hard to believe why so many outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to this wilderness' beauty and serenity. The wilderness area asks that its visitors keep a distance from wildlife like elk, mule deer, mountain lion, black bear, bobcat, ptarmigan, and snowshoe rabbits. Campfires are not permitted in the eastern portion of the wilderness area and near lakes because of high usage. Backcountry permits are also required between June and mid September if you plan on camping overnight.

The history of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area begins long ago when Paleo Indians used the area as a travel route over the mountains. Artifacts like stone tools, pottery, rock walls, cairn lines, and shelters are also remnants of Arapahoe Indians who spent their summers in what is now the wilderness area. They used these walls and cairns to drive animals. Pioneers searched the area in the 1870s for gold and silver. After building a handful of mines they realized there was not much mining to be done and abandoned the area. Thankfully this beautiful area has been protected. It is up to its visitors to care for its land and respect its wildlife.