Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance
Preserving and Protecting the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas
U.S. Forest Service Info
The Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance (IPWA) is a volunteer organization that works closely with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Boulder Ranger District (BRD) to preserve and protect the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness areas. The Boulder Ranger District manages the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness areas, as well as over one hundred thousand acres of national forests and grasslands on the Front Range in western Boulder and northern Gilpin counties.
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Before you visit the Indian Peaks or James Peak wilderness areas (and/or the surrounding national forests), we suggest you visit the USFS Boulder Ranger District website for updates on trail conditions, road closures, parking reservations, permits, and other helpful trip info. Also check out our IPWA Trail Conditions page. If you are planning to visit the Western Slope/Grand County side of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, visit the USFS Sulphur Ranger District website.
The Indian Peaks Wilderness is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and more. The wilderness is divided into 17 backcountry zones, each with a permit quota to limit the adverse impacts due to repeated use. Bear Canisters are required in certain backcountry zones and trailheads.
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​Please visit U.S. Forest Service Boulder Ranger District website for current trail conditions, road closures, parking information, permits, etc. Also check out the IPWA trail conditions and join the USFS email list for regular updates.
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If you have any questions about your visit, please call the Forest Service Visitor Information Line: 970-295-6600 or email VisitARP@usda.gov
For permits and reservations, please go to www.recreation.gov.
USFS BOULDER RANGER DISTRICT
​THE OFFICE IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED TO VISITORS.
Information is available via the website, phone, or email listed below:
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​U.S. Forest Service Boulder Ranger District website
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Visitor Information: 970-295-6600
Email VisitARP@usda.gov​​
We also partner with the Grand County Wilderness Volunteers (GCWV), our sister volunteer organization that assists the Sulphur Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service in managing and protecting wilderness and backcountry areas in Grand County, including the Indian Peaks Wilderness accessed from the Western Slope. Volunteers host cabins at the Junco Lake Trailhead and Monarch Lake Trailheads on weekends and holidays in the summer months. To learn more, visit: http://www.gcwg.org/
USFS SULPHUR RANGER DISTRICT
(manages the Western Slope/Grand County side of the Indian Peaks Wilderness)
​THE OFFICE IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED TO VISITORS.
Information is available via the website, phone, or email listed below:
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U.S. Forest Sulphur Ranger District website
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Visitor Information: 970-295-6600
(available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday)
Email VisitARP@usda.gov
For information about local wildlife (including safety with bears, moose, and mountain lions), as well as hunting and fishing permits, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
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Below is a list of some local retailers and visitor's centers where you can pick up maps, brochures, fishing permits, and/or find some trail information:
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For a list of additional resources, visit the USFS offices and partners list