Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest
Jean Lunning Trail #907

Niwot Cutoff Trailhead to (one way):

• Jean Lunning: .6 miles
• Pawnee Pass Trail: 1.9 miles
• Niwot Ridge: 3.2 miles

Elevations:

• Niwot Cutoff Trailhead: 10,300'
• Long Lake: 10,521'
• High Point: 11,442'

Season of heaviest use: June through October (open year round)

Use: Extremely heavy

Rating: Easiest

USGS Maps: Ward Quad

Trailhead Location: The Niwot Cutoff Trailhead is located within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road (County Road 102, National Forest System Road 112) off of Colorado Highway 72 just north of Ward, approximately 13 miles north of Nederland. Follow the paved road five miles to Brainard Lake. The Niwot Cutoff Trailhead is on the west side of Brainard Lake, past the turnoff for the Mitchell and Long Lake Trailheads, near the Niwot Mountain Picnic Area. Be careful around the Brainard Lake Recreation Area because of day use fees.

Follow the Niwot Cutoff Trail west out of the trailhead, up a small slope and through the woods, for 0.6 miles and a gain of 220 feet elevation to Long Lake. At the east end of Long Lake, the Niwot Cutoff Trail ends on the Jean Lunning Trail. Just across the bridge over the Long Lake outlet to the right (north) is the Pawnee Pass Trail. The Jean Lunning Trail enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness and continues west for a mile along the south side of Long Lake on a wide, gentle trail with several wide bridges (this trail is wheelchair accessible). A quarter mile beyond the end of the lake, the trail turns north and ends on the Pawnee Pass Trail.

An easy hike is the loop around Long Lake on the Pawnee Pass and Jean Lunning Trails which is three miles from the Long Lake Trailhead or 4.1 miles from the Niwot Cutoff Trailhead.

The Niwot Ridge Trail (unsigned) heads south from the Jean Lunning Trail after a few hundred yards. To hike up Niwot Ridge, follow the Niwot Ridge Trail up the hill to the south. The trail passes through alpine forest and then climbs into delicate alpine tundra. Niwot Ridge has been designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve for arctic and alpine research. 160 mph winds have been recorded here. Since Niwot Ridge is a study area of extreme fragility and uniqueness, stay on the trail and old road to the south. No camping is permitted in the Biosphere Reserve. Do not disturb any research instruments or plots. Information regarding the biosphere can be obtained by contacting the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station (303-492-8841) or by visiting the research station off Rainbow Lakes Road.

Special Trail Regulations:

Camping is not permitted along the Niwot Ridge and Niwot Cut-off Trails. Camping is permitted along the Jean Lunning Trail from December 1 to April 30 only. Contact the Boulder Ranger District (303-541-2500) for information.