Overview
South Arapaho Peak is a classic hike west of Boulder, looking down on the Arapaho Glacier. From the Fourth of July trailhead you follow the Arapaho Pass Trail, turn onto the Arapaho Glacier Trail at an old mine, and climb to a saddle overlooking the glacier. From there a rocky route leads west over a knob and a false summit to the top.
It is Class 2 with careful route-finding on the upper ridge; a few Class 3 moves give you more options. The ridge to North Arapaho is Class 4 and not part of this route.
The round trip is about 8.6 miles with 3,500 feet of gain.
Plan of the day
By 6:30 a.m.; the lot fills early on weekends.
Be at the saddle by 10:30 a.m.
The rocky upper ridge above the saddle.
Easy to moderate. Take the right turn onto the Arapaho Glacier Trail at the old mine. Above the saddle, stay just left of the ridge line and follow cairns.
Streams along the lower trail. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
Fourth of July
From Nederland on Colorado 119, turn onto County Road 130 toward Eldora. Pass Nederland High School and the road up to Eldora ski area; about 1.8 miles later you reach the town of Eldora. Drive through town, where the road turns to dirt.
About three-quarters of a mile after the dirt starts, keep right at the sign for the Fourth of July trailhead and Buckingham Campground. It is about 4 more miles past cabins to the trailhead, in the upper lot just past the campground. Most cars make it, but not very low ones. The lot fills early on summer weekends.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Fourth of July. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →