Middle St. Vrain

Each Overnight Permit costs $11.00 $6.00 non-refundable recreation.gov reservation fee $5.00 non-refundable Forest Service recreation fee

Regulations –These regulations exist to protect and preserve the Indian Peaks for present and future generations. The following are subject to minimum $100 and maximum $5000 in fines and/or 6 months imprisonment: Campfires Campfires are prohibited on the east side of the Continental Divide. Campfires are also prohibited in the following areas west of the Continental Divide: Crater Lake, Caribou Lake, Columbine Lake, Pawnee Lake, Gourd Lake, Upper Cascade Creek (above Cascade Falls) Where allowed, campfires must be located at least 100 feet away from lakes, streams, and trails Pets Pets must always be on a hand-held leash at all times. Camping A permit is required for anyone planning to stay overnight between June 1 and September 15. Campsites must be located at least 100 feet away from all lakes, streams, and trails. Four Lakes Backcountry Zone is closed to overnight camping from May 1 through November 15. The following backcountry zones allow camping only in designated campsites: Diamond Lake , Jasper Lake , Crater Lake , Caribou Lake . Group Size Group size is limited to no more than 12 people or 12 people and pack stock combined, year-round. Motorized/Mechanized Equipment Motorized equipment (including drones) and mechanized transportation (including bicycles) are prohibited within the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Wheeled devices (motorized or non-motorized) that are essential for the mobility of people with disabilities are allowed. Recreation Livestock Hobbling, tethering, or picketing of livestock, such as horses, llamas, or other livestock is prohibited within 100 feet of lakes, streams, or trails. Processed weed-free feed is required for livestock and must include original and current documentation. Pack stock are prohibited within these backcountry zones and on these trails: Crater Lake, Four Lakes, Diamond Lake, Upper Cascade Creek (above Cascade Falls), Diamond Lake Trail Backcountry Safety Be prepared for changing and severe weather conditions: Afternoon thunder and lightning storms are common in the mountains. Avoid exposed areas and tall single trees during storms. High winds can cause beetle-weakened trees to fall. Purify all water from lakes or streams before drinking: Giardia and other parasites are common in mountain water sources and can cause serious illness. To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, avoid overexertion, slow down, and stay hydrated: Descend to lower elevations if symptoms occur. Hypothermia can be life-threatening: Bring appropriate clothing and gear. Plan your route, carry maps and a compass: Always tell someone your plans. Carry first aid supplies. Leave No Trace Plan Ahead and Prepare: Proper planning and preparation helps hikers and campers have a safe trip and minimize impacts to natural and cultural resources. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Camp in wooded areas where trees offer shelter from wind and provide privacy, and the ground is more durable than in open meadows or alpine areas. Avoid areas with standing dead trees. Dispose of Waste Properly: Bury human waste in cat holes 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. Carry out toilet paper, pet waste, food scraps, and all trash. Minimize Campfire Impacts: Lightweight camp stoves make low impact camping possible by preventing scars that remain after a campfire. Leave What You Find: Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects as you find them. (Removal of artifacts from public lands is illegal.) Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance to avoid disturbing them. Store food securely. Keep garbage and food scraps away from animals so they will not acquire bad habits. Keep pets leashed to avoid harassment or injury to wildlife. Respect Others: Travel and camp in small groups and help maintain the peace by camping out of sight and sound of others. Keep pets leashed and always pick up after yourself and your pet.

14 nights per trip