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Hessie Trailhead
Hessie

Hessie Trailhead

The Hessie Shuttle has ended for the season.

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.

Map showing allowed parking areas along Fourth of July Rd

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

Free Shuttle Service

The Hessie Shuttle has ended for the season. The free service ran from May 23 through Oct. 12.

Visitation Numbers

Visitation by Day of Week

Bar graph showing visitation by day of the week. The most visits were on Saturday (30%) and Sunday (23%).

Visitation by Hour

Bar graph showing visitation by hour of the day for both weekdays and weekends. 11am-noon were the busiest hours on weekends and weekdays.

Visitation by Month

Line graph showing visitation by month. June through October were the busiest months.

Alternative Destinations

The Hessie Trailhead is a very popular destination and extremely congested on weekends. Consider these other destinations in the area:

Brainard Lake Recreation Area

  • USFS
  • Reservation and day use fee required
  • Hiking, biking, and equestrian use
  • Dogs allowed
  • RV, bus, and trailer parking

Betasso Preserve

  • Boulder County
  • Hiking, biking, and equestrian use (Bikes prohibited Wednesdays & Saturdays)
  • Dogs allowed

Caribou Ranch

  • Boulder County
  • Hiking only
  • Closed April 30 – June 30

East Portal Trailhead (Moffat Tunnel)

  • USFS
  • Access to the South Boulder Creek Trail
  • Hiking, biking, and equestrian use
  • Dogs allowed

Mud Lake

  • Boulder County
  • Hiking, biking, and equestrian use
  • Dogs allowed on leash

Sourdough Trail Trailhead

  • USFS
  • Hiking, biking, and equestrian use
  • Dogs allowed

Contact Us

Shuttle Questions
transit@bouldercounty.gov

All Other Questions
posinfo@bouldercounty.gov
303-678-6200
Monday-Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.