🏔 Wilderness
Indian Peaks Wilderness (Full Season)
About This Permit
Indian Peaks Wilderness is the most heavily visited wilderness in Colorado, located 30 miles west of Boulder on the Continental Divide. Full-season advance permits release in early March (verify exact date at recreation.gov) and sell out within days for popular zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Indian Peaks full-season permits open?
Full-season advance permits release in early March each year on recreation.gov — verify the exact date at recreation.gov as it changes annually. Popular zones (particularly those near Thunder Lake and Lone Eagle Peak) sell out within days.
Is a permit required for Indian Peaks day hikes?
No. Overnight camping requires a permit June 1 – September 15; day hikes do not. However, day use areas like Brainard Lake require a separate recreation area pass to park.
Key Facts
- State
- CO
- Season
- June 1 – September 15 (permit required)
- Quota
- Zone-based overnight limits; permits open in early March — verify exact date at recreation.gov as this changes annually.
- Trailhead
- Brainard Lake, Fourth of July, Long Lake, Hessie
- Entry Point
- Brainard Lake Recreation Area
- Difficulty
- 3/5(Competitive)
Get an SMS the moment a cancellation opens — we scan every 60 seconds.
Set an Alert for This Permit