Hessie Trailhead Shuttle

Free Summer Weekend Hiker Shuttle

May 28-Oct. 10, 2021

Crystalline alpine lakes, dramatic peaks and epic hiking trails make the Indian Peaks Wilderness an iconic destination just 40 minutes west of Boulder, but its popularity presents some parking woes. Good news: there's a hiker shuttle to the rescue every summer, and it's been operating for a decade.

The Hessie Trailhead weekend shuttle takes you to several popular hiking trails in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, west of Nederland, Colorado. The Hessie Trailhead, located off Fourth of July Road, has trails to:

• Devil's Thumb-High Lonesome
• Betty and Bob Lakes
• King Lake
• Jasper Lake
• Lost Lake
• Woodland Lake
• Storm Lakes
• Skyscraper Reservoir

Take the Bus to the Shuttle

To get from Boulder to the Hessie Trailhead without a car, take the RTD Bus Route NB/NB1/NB2 to Nederland from the RTD Downtown Boulder Station at 14th and Walnut. 

How the Shuttle Works

Arrive at the Nederland High School parking lot. Then hop aboard the Hessie Trailhead Shuttle for a short, 10-minute ride to the trailhead.

• Free
• Runs May 28-October 10, 2021
• Nederland High School is the pick-up/drop-off location
• Approximately every 15 minutes
  • Fridays (through Aug. 6) 6:30am-6pm
  • Saturdays 6:30am-8pm (After Sept. 11: 6:30am-6pm)
  • Sundays 6:30am-6pm
  • Holidays (check site for hours)
• Leashed dogs are welcome aboard
• Bikes are not allowed on the shuttle due to a lack of bike racks

COVID-19 Procedures

• A mask or face covering is required to ride the shuttle for passengers 3 and older.
• Shuttle capacity is limited to 50 percent to promote social distancing.
• Please do not ride the shuttle if you have recently experienced any COVID-19 symptoms.

More Hiker Shuttles

Did you know you can get to other popular trailheads via buses from Boulder? Ride for free (or nearly free) and avoid parking hassles.

Boulder as Home Base

Make Boulder your adventure hub. Stay in a cushy hotel, shop and stroll the historic Pearl Street Mall, taste beer at a couple of dozen breweries, sip tea at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, and enjoy dining out at dozens of acclaimed restaurants.