Indian Peaks Wilderness Large Group Day Use Permits

Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee Ng

Day Use Permit for groups of 8-12 people. 

• This is the page for groups from 8-12 people who are not staying overnight to buy their day use permit.
• Groups of 1-7 people, or people and livestock combined do not need a day use permit.  
• All overnight trips need a permit. 
• Indian Peaks Wilderness is located along the Continental Divide between Boulder County to the east and Grand County to the west. Indian Peaks Wilderness is a popular destination for day hiking, backpacking, fishing, and viewing wildlife.
• Indian Peaks Wilderness is divided into 17 backcountry zones. Each zone has a permit quota to ensure enjoyment by all visitors and to protect and preserve the wilderness environment from the adverse cumulative impacts due to repeated use. 
• Before purchasing this permit, view all requirements at Indian Peaks Wilderness . 

Notifications and Alerts

• The following conditions were evaluated 6/16-6/17:

  TRAILS AND MOUNTAIN PASSES:

  Trails are still wet and muddy in some places where snow has recently melted.  A few high-elevation trails are still holding on to occasional snow drifts.  Several trails have considerably more downed trees this year than in prior years.

  • Buchanan Pass is still completely blocked by a large cornice and steep snowfield on the east side of the Continental Divide and is not passable.  It may be blocked for several more weeks. This loop also has a significant number of downed trees blocking the trails on the west side. The Buchanan/Pawnee Pass loop is strongly discouraged at this time.

  • Devil’s Thumb Pass still has a large cornice, but it is melting quickly and should be easy to bypass by the end of June or early July.  Caution is advised until snow melts completely. 

  Loop hikes are generally not recommended until passes melt out and trees are mitigated.  Please remember, scrambling at all costs to reach your destination causes significant trail and resource damage.

  CAMPSITES:

  Popular lake destinations above 10,500ft. still have some snow covering camping areas, or have mud or standing water, but campsite availability has improved considerably over the last 10 days.  Designated campsites at Jasper Lake have not been observed since 6/11.  At that time, most sites were still under snow, with sites 5 and 6 potentially available.  Since then, more sites are likely to be available.  Jasper Lake will be reassessed on 6/22.  Diamond Lake sites 1-6 should be mostly snow-free, but site 7 was still under snow.  Fourth of July Mine was mostly melted out.  Campsites at Caribou Lake were mostly available, but some snow drifts remain in the basin.  Red Deer Lake had large drifts on the south and east side, but campsites were available on the north side.  Remaining snow will likely melt quickly at Red Deer Lake.

  As a reminder, ALL CAMPING MUST REMAIN IN COMPLIANCE WITH WILDERNESS REGULATIONS, regardless of snow conditions.  In zones that have designated sites**, tents must be in an official campsite (marked by numbered, wooden signs).  In zones without designated campsites, tents must be at least 100ft. from the trail and from water. 

  **If your permit is issued to camp in a zone with designated campsites, and no sites are available, you may choose to camp on snow or leave that zone and camp in an adjacent zone where dispersed camping is permitted.

  Conditions are being assessed throughout the week and are reported to Forest Service Information Services.  Updates are also posted as “ALERTS” here, on the Indian Peaks permit website (Recreation.gov).  We recommend that you check conditions prior to your trip. For more information, you can contact the Forest Service Visitor Information Line at (970) 295-6600 or visit the Forest Service website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/arp.

Permit & Season Information

This permit allows the permit holder and their large group (8-12 people) to take a DAY-TRIP in one of the selected Backcountry Zones within Indian Peaks Wilderness. The permit holder will have the ability to print their permit through their Recreation.gov account starting 7 days prior to the permit entry date.  Groups less than 8 do not need a day use permit.

For the most current trail conditions please visit Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance 

This may not be the only permit you need for your trip. Overnight Permits , Day Use Permits and Timed Entry Reservations are required to visit Indian Peaks Wilderness depending on season, group size, and location. Before purchasing this permit, view all requirements at Indian Peaks Wilderness .    

Need to Know

Regulations –These regulations exist to protect and preserve the Indian Peaks for present and future generations. The following are subject to minimum $100 and maximum $5000 in fines and/or 6 months imprisonment:

Campfires

• Campfires are prohibited on the east side of the Continental Divide.
• Campfires are also prohibited in the following areas west of the Continental Divide: Crater Lake, Caribou Lake, Columbine Lake, Pawnee Lake, Gourd Lake, Upper Cascade Creek (above Cascade Falls)
• Where allowed, campfires must be located at least 100 feet away from lakes, streams, and trails

Pets 

• Pets must always be on a hand-held leash at all times.

Camping

• A separate overnight camping permit is required for anyone planning to stay overnight between June 1 and September 15. DO NOT PURCHASE THIS PERMIT IF YOUR LARGE GROUP INTENDS TO CAMP OVERNIGHT.

Group Size

• Group size is limited to no more than 12 people or 12 people and pack stock combined, year-round. 

Motorized/Mechanized Equipment

• Motorized equipment (including drones) and mechanized transportation (including bicycles) are prohibited within the Indian Peaks Wilderness. 
• Wheeled devices (motorized or non-motorized) that are essential for the mobility of people with disabilities are allowed.

Recreation Livestock

• Hobbling, tethering, or picketing of livestock, such as horses, llamas, or other livestock is prohibited within 100 feet of lakes, streams, or trails. 
• Processed weed-free feed is required for livestock and must include original and current documentation. 
• Pack stock are prohibited within these backcountry zones and on these trails: Crater Lake, Four Lakes, Diamond Lake, Upper Cascade Creek (above Cascade Falls), Diamond Lake Trail

Backcountry Safety

Be prepared for changing and severe weather conditions: Afternoon thunder and lightning storms are common in the mountains. Avoid exposed areas and tall single trees during storms. High winds can cause beetle-weakened trees to fall.

• Purify all water from lakes or streams before drinking: Giardia and other parasites are common in mountain water sources and can cause serious illness.
• To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, avoid overexertion, slow down, and stay hydrated: Descend to lower elevations if symptoms occur.
• Hypothermia can be life-threatening: Bring appropriate clothing and gear.
• Plan your route, carry maps and a compass: Always tell someone your plans.
• Carry first aid supplies.

Leave No Trace

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Proper planning and preparation helps hikers and campers have a safe trip and minimize impacts to natural and cultural resources.
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Camp in wooded areas where trees offer shelter from wind and provide privacy, and the ground is more durable than in open meadows or alpine areas. Avoid areas with standing dead trees.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Bury human waste in cat holes 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. Carry out toilet paper, pet waste, food scraps, and all trash.
• Minimize Campfire Impacts: Lightweight camp stoves make low impact camping possible by preventing scars that remain after a campfire.
• Leave What You Find: Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects as you find them. (Removal of artifacts from public lands is illegal.)
• Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance to avoid disturbing them. Store food securely. Keep garbage and food scraps away from animals so they will not acquire bad habits. Keep pets leashed to avoid harassment or injury to wildlife.
• Respect Others: Travel and camp in small groups and help maintain the peace by camping out of sight and sound of others. Keep pets leashed and always pick up after yourself and your pet.

Fee Policy

Each Large Group Day Use Permit costs $11.00

• $6.00 non-refundable recreation.gov reservation fee
• $5.00 non-refundable Forest Service recreation fee

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy: 

• Permit holders may cancel their permit at any point prior to 7 days before their trip – no refunds. If you know that you will not be attending your trip please cancel your permit to make those days available for someone else.
• Once downloaded or printed, the permit is considered issued and cancellations are not allowed.

Change Policy:

• Once created, the permit holder may modify their itinerary locations, group size, entry and exit points and number of pets prior to downloading or printing the permit.
• The permit holder may not modify the permit start date. If the permit holder would like to change their start date, they will be required to cancel their existing reservation and book a new reservation.
• Once downloaded or printed, the permit is considered issued and modifications or cancellations will no longer be allowed.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

Phone Number

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland Visitor Information: 970-295-6600

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