Hike to Diamond Lake

Diamond Lake is a 5.3 mile roundtrip out-and-back trail in the Indian Peaks Wilderness outside of Nederland, Colorado.

To hike to Diamond Lake, start at the 4th of July Trailhead outside of Nederland. To get there we just put “4th of July Trailhead” into our phone’s GPS and it took us straight there! This is an incredibly popular trailhead and is also the starting point for the Devil’s Thumb Pass, Arapahoe Pass, and Arapahoe Glacier Trails, all inside the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

The Diamond Lakes Trailhead is about 1.15 miles from the 4th of July Trailhead. The map at the trailhead clearly shows the shape of the trail and where the Diamond Lake Trail diverges. While it is good to look at, don't let it confuse you! This trail is incredibly well marked to Diamond Lake and there are clear signs the entire way.

The trail is what I would consider easy to moderate. It's quite short but gets a little steep at times. The first mile begins with several switchbacks. There are a few locations where trails diverge and we got a little turned around thinking they may lead toward Diamond Lake, but when in doubt, stay on the main trail! The switchbacks go up a little ways and then level out so you begin traversing the mountain side. You get to cross a few beautiful waterfalls, and you will also get the view of a huge waterfall across the valley. The trail will begin to switchback again and that will bring you to the Diamond Lake Trailhead. Take a left continuing along the mountainside instead of taking your next switchback toward Arapahoe Pass.

Once on the Diamond Lakes Trailhead you have about 1.55 miles to go! The trail begins to go downhill and around to the other side of the basin. At 1.7 miles you cross the S. Boulder Creek and just off the trail is a beautiful waterfall where we stopped to take pictures. After these falls, the trail begins to climb again and continues uphill until you reach Diamond Lake! The trail continues around the lake and we walked all the way around! It was a gorgeous day with only a few clouds in the sky! If you take a right when you reach the lake you will cross a small mountain stream feeding into the lake and you can follow it up past tree line to reveal another gorgeous waterfall!

Hike back the way you came in!

It was such an amazing hike! Definitely a must do!

There are also several camp grounds surrounding the lake and this spot is a great location for a short overnight backpacking trip. Alternatively, this is a great starting or ending spot for a longer trek in the area! There are spots where you can literally put your tent on the shore of the lake. The lake is also right around treeline so there is not too much exposure.

We also went during early September and the leaves were beginning to change on the drive in! It was beautiful!