Boulder & Around - Colorado - page 271

als are available ($35 per day). The location is between the main strip and the reservoir,
with East 2nd perpendicular to 1st St.
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Eldora Ski Area
Aside from the Corona Bowl, which boasts a thrilling 1400ft vertical drop, this little ski
area is mostly famous for its convenience: its proximity to Boulder and the relatively in-
expensive lift tickets. Four miles west of Nederland, Eldora Mountain Resort ( 303-440-8700;
www.eldora.com ; 2861 Eldora Ski Rd 140; lift ticket adult/child $79/45; N, B) primarily gets day visitors
who zip around a fairly small facility with around 500 skiable acres. It's no Telluride, but
there is some interesting terrain and a few expert trails. A highlight is 40km-plus of well-
groomed Nordic trails.
During winter, buses leave for Eldora Mountain Resort from the corner of Boulder's
14th St and Walnut St (one-way $5).
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Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
Forming the impressive backdrop to Nederland, the Indian Peaks area is the most used
wilderness area in the country, thanks to hyperactive Boulderites. But what they know is
that Indian Peaks has grand scenery on the scale of a national park, albeit in their own
backyard. It offers many fine hiking and camping opportunities, though reservations, even
for backcountry sites, are required. Dogs are allowed on almost all trails, but must be on a
leash. In winter, the area is frequented by backcountry skiers and snowshoers. Equipment
is easily rented in Boulder. Visitors should still go out with someone knowlegable about
avalanche safety, or get recommendations for low-risk areas.
There are two main access points: one south of Nederland past the village of Eldora and
the other north of Nederland along the Peak to Peak highway. South of Nederland there
are the Hessie and Fourth of July trailheads. For Hessie, take the Hessie Shuttle ( Click here ) .
From there you can reach Lost Lake, a good 2.7m round-trip, or head further for more
lakes access. Fourth of July trail is among the most scenic, with access to Arapahoe Glaci-
er (7.9-mile round-trip). Another recommended option from this point is the hike up to
12,000ft Arapaho Pass (6.4-mile round-trip). It's a gentle ascent but be prepared to spend