Hessie Trailhead

The Hessie Shuttle service ends Sunday, Oct. 12. The free shuttle runs from Nederland to the Hessie Trailhead on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. More Info

The Hessie Trailhead is a busy access point to US Forest Service lands and popular trails. Boulder County provides access to the trailhead, but does not manage the trails.

Hessie Trailhead

The Hessie Trailhead is operated by the US Forest Service (USFS) and is a popular access point to USFS lands. The following areas can be accessed from the shuttle drop-off point:

Indian Peaks Wilderness
Devils Thumb: 11.6 miles (round trip)
Lost Lake: 4.2 miles (round trip)
King Lake: 12 miles (round trip)
Woodland Lake: 9.6 miles (round trip)
Diamond Lake: 13 miles (round trip)

Visit USFS Hessie Trailhead or call 970-295-6600 for more information about recreating at these locations.

Limited Parking Along Road

Limited, designated parking is available along the Fourth of July Road (CR 111). Parking is only allowed between signs. Violators will be fined $50 or towed.

Note: The shuttle does not go to the Fourth of July Trailhead.

Free Shuttle Service

The Hessie Shuttle is a free service that runs between Nederland and the Hessie Trailhead. In 2025, it operates Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from May 23 through Oct. 12.

Shuttle Schedule

Fridays: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. from the Nederland Park-n-Ride, 268 W. 2nd St., Nederland
Saturdays: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. from Nederland High School, 597 CO Hwy 130, Nederland
Sundays: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. from Nederland High School

Shuttle Notes

Leashed dogs are welcome on the shuttle.
Shuttles depart every 15 minutes.
Travel time is approximately 10 minutes.
No reservations or tickets are required.
Shuttle stops at the Hessie Trailhead and does not go up to the Fourth of July Trailhead.

Ride the RTD NB Route from Boulder to Nederland

No need to drive up Boulder Canyon to reach the Hessie Shuttle. RTD’s NB Route provides hourly service from Boulder to Nederland High School, with free parking on weekends available at Downtown Boulder Station (1800 14th St., Boulder) and the Boulder County Justice Center (1777 6th St., Boulder). On your way up, ask the driver to drop you off at the Nederland High School to transfer to the Hessie Shuttle. After your hike, RTD buses will pick up at the High School about 5 minutes before the scheduled departure from the Nederland Park-n-Ride.

The NB is $2.75 each way for adults; youth 19 & under ride free; $1.35 for seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities. Download the RTD MyRide app to pay using your phone.

Overnight Parking for Backpackers

The shuttle does not run Monday-Thursday (except for the holidays listed above) and there is no overnight parking allowed in the Nederland High School parking lot. You may park overnight on CR 130/Eldora Rd in front of the baseball field or in front of the football/soccer field, but not in front of the high school parking lot. If you are starting your backpacking trip on a Friday, Aug. 15, or later, please park on-street near the high school, and flag the shuttle down at the RTD stop on CR 130 across the street from the school.