NEDERLAND, Colo. — The free shuttle to the popular Hessie Trailhead in Nederland, which is a gateway to the Indian Peaks Wilderness, will begin running for the 2020 season on June 27.
The shuttle service runs on weekends and holidays through the summer and fall. The shuttles transports passengers between Nederland High School at 597 County Road 130 to the trailhead. The parking lot is for day use only, so anybody staying overnight will need to keep their vehicles elsewhere, according to Boulder County.
The Hessie Trailhead near the Fourth of July Road is a popular entry point to the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Devils Thumb, Lost Lake, King Lake, Woodland Lake and Diamond Lake trails.
The seasonal shuttle service was first put in place in 2012 and has continued through this year as a way to reduce the parking headache and traffic congestion at the small trailhead. The number of riders has increased almost every year since 2012, according to Boulder County.
The service will begin July 27 and run from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. There are a few exceptions to this, including:
- Friday, July 3: Shuttle will run from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept 6: Shuttle will run from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Monday, Sept 7: Shuttle will run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
After Labor Day, the Saturday schedule will change from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shuttles will run every 15 minutes.
The last day of the service for the 2020 season is scheduled for Oct. 11.
Due to the novel coronavirus, new policies have been implemented for this year, according to Boulder County. Anybody who feels sick or has symptoms of COVID-19 should not ride the shuttle. Anybody who does use the service must wear a mask if they are older than 12 years old. The shuttle will also reduce the number of people it transports — six passengers, or two households per trip.
The shuttles are disinfected once a day and areas that are frequently touched are wiped down after each trip.
Leashed dogs are welcome on the shuttle. Bikes are not allowed.
