Hiking Guide to Arapaho Pass and Lake Dorothy on the Continental Divide in Colorado
So many people had recommended Lake Dorothy as a great hike in Colorado, so I had to check it out. With colorful wildflowers still out and fireweed just emerging in late July, it was the perfect time to get out and enjoy nature.
Tucked high inside the Indian Peaks Wilderness on the Continental Divide, Lake Dorothy is a majestic, deep blue lake with stunning surrounding views. While the lake may get most of the love, the hike up and the views from the Divide, looking down on Caribou Lake, are pretty fantastic.
Additionally, it’s the highest-elevation lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. So, if you’re looking for inspiration to get outside, I think you’ll really like this one. Make sure to scroll down to the bottom to enjoy the photos from the adventure day!
Trip Report for Hiking to Dorothy Lake in Colorado
One-minute trail details for hiking Dorothy Lake
- Trail Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~2,000 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead Location: 4th of July Trailhead
- Distance from Denver: 90 minutes
- Are drones allowed? No.
- Starting Elevation: ~10,100 feet
- Highest Elevation: ~ 12,065 feet
Starting the hike at 4th of July Trailhead near Nederland
It was too early of an AM start for me. At 4:55 am, my alarm went off, and I rummaged around the kitchen to start a pot of coffee and get a quick breakfast in me. I had a 90-minute drive to the 4th of July Trailhead where I’d meet my friends.
After a smooth drive, then a bumpy one, I was one of the last cars to find a parking spot off the road. This was surprising because it was a Wednesday morning at 6:45 am. Normally, you wouldn’t think this many people would be out hiking mid-week.
But this is a unique trailhead. It’s the start of almost half a dozen trails, including Arapaho Pass and Lake Dorothy. Even though the trailhead was busy, once the three of us hit the trail, we didn’t encounter too many people.
The first 3/4s of a mile will get your heart pumping, but after that, the trail turns into a nice ramp towards Arapaho Pass for the final two-ish miles. Near the 1.5-mile mark is when you’ll finally leave the trees and have open views of the beautiful peaks along the Continental Divide.
As you look out, you should be able to see the entire trail winding its way up to the tall peaks around 11 o’clock. That’s your destination at the base of those mountains. But don’t let it be daunting. You’ll move up the trail at a good speed, and it doesn’t really get steep until you reach the pass and make your last push to Lake Dorothy.
If you brought a filter and want water, you will have good sources at the 1.7 and 2-mile marks. After that, you won’t have accessible water until you reach the lake.
Reaching Lake Dorothy
The final bit of trail from Arapaho Pass to Lake Dorothy is a little steep, but the views make up for it. As you climb higher, you’ll get to see Caribou Lake far below, as well as the uber-jagged peaks with steep slopes dropping down to the basin below. As you’re looking out, you’ll see North and South Arapaho Peaks to your right. I hadn’t realized how majestic it would be!
And once we reached the lake, it was sweet. It’s a wide, seemingly shallow lake (though I can’t be sure) with spires and jagged peaks reaching towards the heavens. If you want to swim, go for it; later in the summer, once the snow has mostly melted from the nearby slopes, it definitely warms up.
The three of us spent 45 minutes here taking photos and enjoying the views before heading back down. I really enjoyed soaking up the views here, without feeling too exhausted. This is truly one of the better bang-for-your-buck hikes in Colorado.
At only seven miles round trip, the hardest part is getting up to 12,000 feet. Otherwise, this is a straightforward, moderate hike with phenomenal views along the way. Then, add in that it’s a pretty quick and easy drive from Denver, and you’ve got yourself one of the better hikes without driving too far!
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Recommended Gear for Your Day Hikes
- Hat – either wide-brimmed or this Patagonia style
- Sunblock
- Trail Runners – Altra Lone Peaks are my go-to
- Sun Shirt or Sunhoody – Colder conditions: REI Sahara Shade, Warmer Conditions: Patagonia Capilene, Other good ones: Fjallraven Abisko, Outdoor Research Astroman
- Hiking Shirt – Patagonia Capilene is my favorite
- Rain Jacket – Torrentshell 3L Jacket
- Hiking shorts – Fjallraven or these from Prana
- Wool hiking socks – Darn Tough is fantastic
- Sunglasses – Goodr are perfect without breaking the bank
- Hiking Pack 15-25 liters is perfect for a day hike – This one’s on the smaller end, here’s a 25L option
- At least 2L of water and bring this easy-to-use 1 L filter
- Snacks and a sandwich – bring something salty to help with sodium replenishment
Everything you need to know about the Lake Dorothy Hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness
Where does the hike start from?
The Dorothy Lake hike starts out at the very popular 4th of July Trailhead. This tends to fill up by 6:15am on weekends and 7:45am on weekdays. While Arapaho Pass and Lake Dorothy are popular, this trailhead also serves Diamond Lake, South Arapaho Peak, and more in this area.
How hard of a hike is Lake Dorothy?
Honestly, this isn’t too bad of a hike. The first half mile will get your heart rate up, but after that, it’s a nice gradual climb to 12,000 feet. The elevation may be the hardest part. If you’re coming from a low-elevation city, you will be breathing hard.
Is this a good hike for families?
I wouldn’t take a 5-year-old on this, but if you have kids around 8-12, I think they would do fine on this trail. The views are cool, and you can take a quick detour to show them old mining equipment.
Can you backpack to this area?
Yes, you can, but it’s a highly regulated area in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Permits are required (they get swooped up early in the season), and people have to sleep in the permitted zones. If you’re interested in backpacking this area, you’ll need the Neva BZ permit.
Rules and regulations from the Forest Service:
- Campfires are prohibited on the east side of the Continental Divide. Temporary fire restrictions can prohibit campfires in all areas.
- Group size is limited to 12 people and livestock combined.
- Permits are required for all overnight campers 6/1 – 9/15.
- Permits are always required for large groups of 8-12 people and outfitters/guides.
- Camping is prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone (5/1 – 11/30).
- In the Diamond, Jasper, Crater, and Caribou Lake Zones, camping is allowed only in designated campsites.
- Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and trails.
- Pets must be on a hand-held leash at all times. Visit Dogs in the Wilderness for more tips and information.
- Motorized or mechanized equipment, including drones, chain saws, and mountain bikes, is prohibited.
- Livestock (horses, llamas) are prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone, in the Cascade Backcountry Zone above Cascade Falls, and on the Diamond Lake Trail.
There are spots down below Arapaho Pass, near the junction to South Arapaho Peak. But up top, you are quite exposed; the area is rocky, and I’m not sure where you’d find good places to sleep.
Keep an eye out for afternoon storms
This area is totally above the treeline, so keep an eye on the weather as you adventure. Afternoon thunderstorms are prevalent in Colorado, and you don’t want to get struck by lightning. If the weather looks ominous, start heading down around noon.
Can you swim at Lake Dorothy?
Yes, you can. I haven’t, but if I had brought a bathing suit, I definitely would have jumped in. Once most of the snow has melted into the lake, it doesn’t have any other frigid water source, so the shallowish lake warms up throughout the summer months.
How’s the road to 4th of July Trailhead?
This isn’t a bad road by any means, but you’ll have to take it slow, thanks to the narrowness and blind corners. Before Colorado’s summer monsoon season started, the road was in really great shape. But when I went back up here in late August, it was much bumpier, with larger divots.
All that said, a normal sedan can usually make it. You’ll just have to be more cautious.
Where to go post-hike in Nederland?
Nederland is a very cute mountain town without the crazy tourism of Breck/Vail/Aspen. I recommend the following places for food/drinks:
- Knotted Root Brewing Company
- Busey Brews Smokehouse & Brewery
- The Deli At 8236′
Photos from the adventure to the Continental Divide
Final Thoughts on Hiking to Lake Dorothy
Lake Dorothy and Arapaho Pass are fan favorites for those living around Denver. It packs a huge punch, offering majestic views along the way and isn’t a grueling hike. Taken all together, it definitely has a place in the top tier of hikes in Colorado, and I think you’ll have a fantastic time on this trail as well.
Just remember to get there early, or if you have a good weather window, do this as a sunset hike and enjoy the beautiful views with few crowds.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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