| Follow the Arapaho Pass Trail #904 out of the trailhead, into the Indian Peaks Wilderness, for 1.2 miles to the Diamond Lake Trail. The Diamond Lake Trail forks left where the Arapaho Pass Trail takes a switchback to the right. It traces upstream along the North Fork, Middle Boulder Creek for about a half-mile, dropping down to cross the stream on a narrow bridge near a scenic waterfall. It is about a mile from the stream crossing to Diamond Lake, a very popular camping area with limited designated campsites. This stretch of trail is on a northeast-facing slope and holds snow long after the Arapaho Pass Trail has melted dry. Past Diamond Lake, the trail continues for 2.4 miles climbing up to cross the ridge just above tree line.The part of the trail beyond the lake is less traveled. The drop from the ridge back to tree line has been recently re-located to reduce erosion on the steep slope, and may be difficult to find. There are a couple cairns at the edge of the trees, and it is well worth finding the good trail that cuts across a steep slope, dropping down through the trees. The Diamond Lake Trail joins the Devil's Thumb Trail 0.6 miles below Jasper Lake, for access to Jasper Lake, Devil's Thumb and Devil's Thumb Lake.The Diamond Lake Trail has been rated moderate with extremely heavy usage. Elevation ranges from 10,100 to 11,400 feet on this 2.6-mile (one way) trail. |
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