Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Ward, Colorado
Ward sits at around 9,250 feet in Boulder County, tucked between the Indian Peaks Wilderness and the Roosevelt National Forest, which puts it at the center of one of the most trail-dense areas along Colorado's Front Range.
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Ward sits at around 9,250 feet in Boulder County, tucked between the Indian Peaks Wilderness and the Roosevelt National Forest, which puts it at the center of one of the most trail-dense areas along Colorado's Front Range. The 82 hiking listings in and around town range from the easy, well-traveled Switzerland Trail and Mount Audubon Trail to the hard-rated Little Blue Lake Route, so there is genuinely something here for a first-timer doing a half-day out and a seasoned hiker chasing a long ridge day. Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the main access hub, and trails like Mitchell Lake Trail, Coney Lake Trail, and Buchanan Pass Trail all funnel through or near it. The Sourdough Trail connects a lot of the terrain north and south of Ward and works well as a linking route if you want to string together a longer day. South Saint Vrain Trail offers a lower-elevation alternative when the high country is still buried. Because Ward is already high, you gain altitude fast on most routes, and afternoon thunderstorms in July and August are not a maybe — they are a pattern. Plan your starts early and know where you are relative to treeline before noon.
Frequently asked questions
When does hiking season typically open around Ward?
Lower trails like the Switzerland Trail and South Saint Vrain Trail often clear by late May, but higher routes such as Buchanan Pass Trail, Coney Lake Trail, and Little Blue Lake Route can hold snow well into June or even early July depending on the winter snowpack. Check current conditions through the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests before heading up, especially for anything above 11,000 feet.
Do I need a permit or pass to park and hike near Ward?
Brainard Lake Recreation Area requires a fee or an America the Beautiful pass during the summer season, and the parking lots fill early — often before 8 a.m. on weekends. Some trailheads outside the fee area, like those along the Sourdough Trail corridor, have free roadside parking, but space is limited. Arrive before 7 a.m. on busy summer weekends or plan a weekday visit.
What skill level do most of the trails around Ward require?
The majority of listed routes fall in the easy-to-moderate range, including Mount Audubon Trail, Wapiti Trail, Brainard Lake Cutoff Trail, and Red Deer Cutoff Trail. The Little Blue Lake Route is rated hard and involves more elevation gain and rougher terrain. Even the easier trails sit above 9,000 feet, so altitude adjustment matters more than technical skill for most visitors coming from lower elevations.
What gear should I bring for a summer day hike here?
Layers are non-negotiable even in July — temperatures at trailhead can be 30 degrees cooler than Denver, and conditions change fast above treeline. Bring rain gear, sunscreen, at least two liters of water, and traction devices if you are hiking before mid-June. Trekking poles help on rocky descents on routes like Cannon Mountain Spur and Buchanan Pass Trail.
Are dogs allowed on the trails around Ward?
Dogs are allowed on many trails in the Roosevelt National Forest but must be leashed in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and are subject to Indian Peaks Wilderness regulations on trails that enter the wilderness boundary. Buchanan Pass Trail and Coney Lake Trail both cross into or near wilderness, so check current rules before you go. Enforcement has increased in recent years.
