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Hessie Trailhead
Hessie

Hessie Trailhead

The free Hessie Trailhead Shuttle begins Friday, May 26. Learn More

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 Services (USFS) and is a popular access point to USFS lands including:

  • Indian Peaks Wilderness
  • Devils Thumb
  • Lost Lake
  • King Lake
  • Woodland Lake
  • Diamond Lake trails

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.

Hessie Parking Map

Free Shuttle Service

The free shuttle service runs Friday-Sunday from May 26 through Oct. 8.

Shuttle Schedule

Fridays 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturdays
After Labor Day, Sept. 4, the shuttle will run 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturdays
6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sundays 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The free shuttle will have special hours on holiday weekends.

Sunday, May 28
Sunday before Memorial Day
6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Monday, May 29
Memorial Day
6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 18
Father’s Day
6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Monday, June 19
Juneteenth
6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, July 2
Sunday before Independence Day
6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Monday, July 3
Monday before Independence Day
6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, July 4
Independence Day
6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 3
Sunday before Labor Day
6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 4
Labor Day
6 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Shuttle Notes

  • Leashed dogs are welcome on the shuttle.
  • Shuttle arrives every 15 minutes.
  • Travel time is approximately 10 minutes.

Ride the RTD NB Route for Free

Combine the Hessie Shuttle with RTD’s NB Route and leave your car at home. The NB provides a car-free alternative between Boulder and Nederland, and is free to ride on days the Hessie Shuttle is operating. The NB provides service from Downtown Boulder Station (1800 14th St. Boulder) and the Boulder County Justice Center (1777 6th St., Boulder) to Nederland Middle-High School and Nederland RTD Park-n-Ride. Free parking is available weekends and holidays at both the Downtown Boulder Station and Boulder County Justice Center.

Overnight Parking for Backpackers

The shuttle does not run on weekdays 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.

Hessie Shuttle Map

Hessie Trailhead Shuttle

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
Email

All Other Questions
Email
303-678-6200
Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.