Hessie Trailhead

The Hessie Shuttle runs Fridays, weekends, 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 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.

Free Shuttle Service

The Hessie Shuttle is a free service that runs between Nederland High School 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.
Beginning Aug. 15, Friday shuttle service will operate from the Nederland Park-n-Ride instead of Nederland High School.
Saturdays: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
After Labor Day, Sept. 1, the shuttle will run 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturdays
Sundays: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The free shuttle will have special hours on holiday weekends.

Sunday, May 25: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Monday, May 26: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday, June 19: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, July 4: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 31: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Monday, Sept 1: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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.

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.