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Niwot Mountain


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Niwot Mountain

Niwot Mountain (11,471') starts at the Lefthand Reservoir Trailhead and gains 1,405' in elevation. The views from the summit are incredible, including Longs Peak. Mount Audubon, and Mount Meeker.

Please view this document with everything you need to know about Indian Peaks Wilderness

While driving along HWY 72 from Ward, before you enter the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, you can see the peak in full view along the west side of the highway.

The Niwot Mountain via Left Hand Reservoir Road Hike begins from the Brainard Winter Parking Lot. From the parking lot, cross over the Brainard Lake Road and begin your hike along the Left Hand Reservoir Road. Continue along the road as it intersects with a creek before the junction. Here there are three paths. Take the Niwot Mountain Trail, which is the path furthest to your left. Follow along this trail as you gain elevation and top the timberline. The terrain will be rockier as you hike the ridge and summit Niwot Mountain. From the top you will be rewarded with sights of Colorado’s snow dusted craggy peaks and alpine forests.

Niwot Ridge and Niwot Mountain (winter)

This is a challenging winter trip from the Brainard Lake Winter Lot, likely involving use of microspikes and snowshoes, but the reward is some great views along the lakes and Niwot Ridge of the Indian Peaks, Mt Audubon, and as far as Longs Peak and Mt Meeker.  Visiting Brainard and Long Lakes, then the Niwot Ridge Trail up to the Niwot Ridge, then back down over Niwot Mountain to the Brainard Lake Winter Lot. The section along the Niwot Ridge beyond Niwot Mountain is above timberline and exposed to potential heavy wind, so it is essential to consider weather conditions when doing this trip.

This trip can be done as a loop hike in the summer from Brainard Lake.  From Brainard Lake, this loop hike is 8.7 miles with 1400 ft elevation gain.

If the trip to or from the mountain passes into one of the IPW Backcountry Zones, from June 1 — September 15, then groups of 8 or more require a Large Group Day Use Permit, for EACH Backcountry Zone they plan to visit. In 2024 that permit costs $11.
 
  • Suitable Activities: Hiking, Snowshoeing
  • Snowshoeing Category: Intermediate
  • Seasons: Year-round
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Elevation Gain: 1,405 ft
  • 11,550 ft
  • Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
    Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Boulder Ranger District (ARNF)
  • Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
  • Recommended Party Size: 15
  • Maximum Party Size: 15
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 15
Map
  • caltopo
  • https://caltopo.com/m/FKQQK
  • https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/84213
Activities
Trip Reports
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  • Niwot Ridge and Niwot Mountain
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