Hessie Trailhead Shuttle

Free Seasonal Weekend Hiker Shuttle

May 22-Oct. 11, 2026
Weekends and Holidays

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.

No passes, reservations or fares are required to use the free Hessie Shuttle service. 

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, provides access to the Indian Peaks Wilderness and the following trails:

• Lost Lake
• Devil's Thumb
• King Lake
• Woodland Lake
• Diamond Lake trails

Bus From Boulder to the Shuttle

Combine the Hessie Shuttle with RTD Bus Route NB and leave your car at home. The NB route travels from Downtown Boulder Station (1800 14th St. Boulder) and the Boulder County Justice Center (1777 6th St., Boulder) to Nederland. Though the NB route ends at Nederland RTD Park-n-Ride, riders who want to connect to the Hessie Shuttle may request the RTD Route NB bus driver drop them at Nederland High School — they are happy to accommodate this during Hessie Shuttle service days and hours. Notify your RTD driver that you will also need pickup after your hike.

The NB is $2.75 each way for adults; youth 19 and under ride free; $1.35 for seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities. Download the RTD MyRide app to pay using your phone.

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 22-October 11, 2026
• Pickup locations:
  • Saturdays and Sundays: Nederland High School
  • Fridays, through Aug. 14: Nederland High School
  • Fridays, beginning August 15: Nederland RTD Park-n-Ride
• Arrives approximately every 15 minutes
• Travel time is about 10 minutes
• Hours of operation:
  • Fridays: 6am–6pm
  • Saturdays: 6am–8pm (After Labor Day, Sept. 7, the shuttle will run 6am–6pm on Saturdays)
  • Sundays: 6am–6pm (8pm on May 24 and Sept. 6)
  • Holiday weekends:
    • Sunday, May 24: 6am–8pm
    • Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day): 6am–6pm
    • Friday, June 19 (Juneteenth): 6am–6pm
    • Friday, July 3: 6am–8pm
    • Sunday, Sept. 6: 6am–8pm
    • Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day): 6am–6pm
• No reservations or tickets required
• Leashed dogs are welcome aboard
• Bikes are not allowed on the shuttle due to a lack of bike racks
• There are no stops in the town of Eldora 

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.