Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance

Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance The mission of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance is to preserve and protect the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness areas.

The mission of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance is to preserve and protect the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness areas located in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains - a short 1/2 hour drive west of Boulder, Colorado. As a smaller, well established, and 100% volunteer based non-profit (we have no paid positions within our organization or Board of Directors), we achieve our mission via

the following programs:

*Training volunteers to assist the United States Forest Service (USFS) with patrolling IP/JP trails during the summer months (typically June through September).

*Promoting wilderness and alpine research through providing research grants to University of Colorado (CU) student(s).

*Performing community outreach wilderness trail projects with organizations such as the University of Colorado Baker Residence Academic Program (BRAP) focusing on restorative trail work in the wilderness areas, while at the same time educating a younger generation on the importance of preserving and protecting wilderness in the United States. In 2015 we expanded our programs to include (1) a Wilderness Ranger Internship Program for college students, and (2) a winter patrol program. We will be developing additional new programs to help achieve our mission in 2017.

Planning your first night under the stars in the Indian Peaks Wilderness? 🏔️✨ We love seeing new backpackers discover th...
08/24/2026

Planning your first night under the stars in the Indian Peaks Wilderness? 🏔️✨ We love seeing new backpackers discover the magic of the backcountry, but we know figuring out where to start can feel a little overwhelming!
 
To help you have a safe and fun trip as a fellow steward of the wilderness, we’ve put together a beginner-friendly guide to the essentials. 🌲🎒
 
A few quick highlights before you hit the trail: 
🎟️ Get Your Permit: Overnight permits are required June 1 - Sept 15 and available on recreation.gov. 
🏕️ Know Where You’re Going: Make sure to identify your intended campsite location and water supply ahead of time! 
🐻 Bear Safety is Key: Keep yourself and all furry critters safe! Hard-sided bear canisters are required in the Diamond Lake and Jasper Lake zones and highly recommended everywhere else. Trust us, a true bear hang is extremely difficult to execute properly. 
📍 Navigate Like a Pro: Don’t rely on cell service! Download offline maps (we love COTREX!) and always carry a physical topographic map. 
🌿 Leave No Trace: Help keep this incredible wilderness wild by following leave no trace principles. Pack it in, pack it out, and leave it better than you found it! 
💩 Bathroom Business: In our high-use alpine environment, the soil is thin and the ecosystem is fragile. We highly recommend using a WAG bag to pack out waste.
 
For more info, check out our latest blog post “Ready for Your First Backcountry Night? A Guide to Backpacking the Indian Peaks Wilderness” at ipwa.org/post/ready-for-your-first-backcountry-night-a-guide-to-backpacking-the-indian-peaks-wilderness
 
📸 IPWA volunteers having fun on a backpacking trip this summer!

08/20/2026

Big game hunting on the Arapaho Roosevelt Pawnee has kicked off with the start of pronghorn season on the Pawnee National Grassland. Hunting is a long-standing use of public lands, and will continue throughout the fall and winter

Hunting the Arapaho Roosevelt Pawnee this year? Remember to exercise caution when shooting, carefully inspect areas for other forest users, and keep in mind dry conditions when discharging fi****ms, parking vehicles or camping. Follow all Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations and federal regulations while hunting. Learn more here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/hunting

Non-hunting visitors should practice good situational awareness during big game seasons as well. Consider wearing bright/neon colors while recreating, and make noise while moving to alert hunters to your presence.

08/20/2026

Rocky Mountain National Park will be implementing another phase of the Poudre Headwaters Project during the week of August 24-30, 2026.

Young greenbacks require food, space, and protection from non-native predators and competitors, like brook trout, which outcompete greenbacks. Removal of brook trout is a key factor for recovery success.

This project takes place on the west side of RMNP and involves the removal of all non-native fish from the Grand Ditch and upstream and downstream tributaries inside the park. Once removed, native Greenback cutthroat trout will be reintroduced into its native range in the headwaters of the Cache la Poudre River.

The first phase of this project inside RMNP took place during August 2025. This year’s project will be very similar to last year’s project. Because of the level of activity associated with the implementation of the Poudre Headwaters Project, all areas and trails within the project zone will be closed to all uses beginning on Monday, August 24 through Sunday, August 30. The Colorado River Trail and the Grand Ditch will be closed.

To remove non-native fish, aquatic biologists will apply a piscicide called rotenone to the 14.3-mile Grand Ditch system and its upstream and downstream tributaries. Rotenone is commonly used by state and federal land management agencies. This project will be led by biologists with the U.S. Forest Service. Other partners include Colorado Parks and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This project is possible thanks to support provided by Trout Unlimited and Rocky Mountain Conservancy.

While this project is underway, the following trails will remain open: East Inlet Trail, North Inlet/Tonohutu Trail, Green Mountain Trail, Coyote Valley Trail, Onahu Trail, and Timber Lake Trail. The Holzwarth Historic Site and Harbison Meadows Picnic Area will also remain open.

Fishing access will remain open in all areas along the Colorado River located south of the Colorado River Trailhead, including near the Holzwarth Historic Site and Coyote Valley.

To learn more, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/management/poudre-headwaters-project.htm

Image Credit: NPS Map

08/12/2026

Despite recent rainfall in some areas of the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, large fuels like dead and downed trees remain very dry and receptive to fire. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect for National Forest lands in Larimer, Boulder, Gilpin, Clear Creek , Grand and parts of Jefferson counties to help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires. Stage 2 restrictions prohibit all campfires including charcoal. Propane or gas devices with an on-off switch or valve can still be used in areas cleared of all fuels and debris within 3 feet of the device.

By following current fire restrictions, visitors help protect forests, wildlife habitat, watersheds that provide drinking water, recreation opportunities, and nearby communities from the impacts of human-caused wildfires.

08/12/2026

Thunderstorm chances will be on the increase Wednesday through Friday, with locally heavy rainfall and even a threat of flash flooding by Thursday and Friday. While recent burn scars will be most susceptible, localized flooding will also be possible in urban areas and on portions of the plains. Stay weather aware over the next few days, and never drive through flooded roads.

Two year-round residents in the Indian Peaks include the Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) and the White-tailed P...
08/11/2026

Two year-round residents in the Indian Peaks include the Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) and the White-tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus)! Take a closer look at these high country locals so you can spot them on your next outing 👀!

The Ruby-Crowned Kinglet is a small flycatcher with a ruby crown that is not easily seen. It perches on Englemann Spruce branches watching for flying bugs. It stays warm in Colorado during winter months by puffing up its feathers, clustering with other kinglets to stay warm and eating bugs, seeds and berries. Despite its tiny size, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet can lay up to 12 eggs in a nest. With each egg weighing about a fiftieth of an ounce, the total clutch of eggs weighs about as much as the female bird!
 
White-tailed Ptarmigan primarily live in North America’s high-elevation alpine regions. They inhabit tundra, rocky slopes (talus/scree), and meadows above the tree line, moving slightly downslope in winter to access willows and alders, making them the only North American Ptarmigan to live year-round above timberline. With excellent feather camouflage in summer and winter, these Ptarmigan are masters of blending in with their surroundings.

 
Read more at ipwa.org/post/high-country-bird-spotlight-white-tailed-ptarmigan-ruby-crowned-kinglet

Saturday marked Colorado’s 150th year of statehood, we’re honoring one of its greatest treasures: the 52 federally desig...
08/03/2026

Saturday marked Colorado’s 150th year of statehood, we’re honoring one of its greatest treasures: the 52 federally designated Wilderness Areas that protect more than 3.5 million acres of rugged peaks, alpine lakes, ancient forests, deep canyons, and untamed landscapes.
 
The Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance is lucky to support two Wilderness areas: Indian Peaks and James Peak Wildernesses. These wild places are what make Colorado extraordinary! They provide habitat for wildlife, clean water for our communities, and endless opportunities for adventure, reflection, and connection with nature.
 
For 150 years, Colorado has inspired explorers, conservationists, and dreamers. As we celebrate this milestone, let’s also celebrate the wild landscapes that define our state and commit to protecting them for the next 150 years.
 
Here’s to Colorado’s past, present, and wild future. Happy 150th, Colorado! 🎉
 
📸: Volunteers: Amy F., Don S., Cynthia G., Conrad L., & Joseph H.

“The earth laughs in flowers.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson ✨ Want to celebrate the magic of Colorado’s beautiful wildflowers? ...
07/20/2026

“The earth laughs in flowers.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
 
✨ Want to celebrate the magic of Colorado’s beautiful wildflowers? Take a photo, leave the flowers ✨
 
🪻Let it seed: When a wildflower is picked, it can’t go to seed. That means fewer and fewer blooms over time.
 
🐝 Help our pollinators and pikas: Bees, butterflies, and local wildlife rely on these flowers for food and survival.
 
🌻 Soil stability: The roots of wildflowers help stabilize the soil and preserve nutrients. Their presence can improve soil health, prevent erosion, and improve water quality.
 
🌎 Share the love: If every person who walked this trail took “just one,” there wouldn’t be anything left for future explorers to enjoy.
 
📸: Volunteers Bronwyn P. and Sara R.

Good girl and honorary IPWA pawtroller Maggie demonstrates superb adherence to the leash law that is in effect throughou...
07/14/2026

Good girl and honorary IPWA pawtroller Maggie demonstrates superb adherence to the leash law that is in effect throughout all of the James Peak and Indian Peaks Wildernesses.
 
Why the leash law?
These wilderness areas see extremely high levels of visitation. Keeping dogs on leash helps:
 
🐾 Minimize our impact on the amazing flora and fauna that call this place home
🐾 Reduce the chance of dangerous dog-wildlife encounters
🐾 Create a safe environment for both humans and our furry friends
 
Hate the smell of a used p**p bag in your pack? Same! Our volunteers use these creative, airtight solutions to pack it out. We never leave trash on the trail!
💩 Double bag with a resuable smell-proof bag (like Loksak and SmellyProof) or a ziploc
💩 Put the used bag in an empty peanut butter or Talenti jar and in your pup’s pack!
 
Dislaimer: Pets are not actually permitted on IPWA patrols, no matter how cute they may be 💜
 
📸: Volunteer Ainsley M.

Address

Boulder, CO
80308

Telephone

+13035412500

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