Come hike, meditate, and enjoy the RMERC land! Avoid the overcrowded trails in Boulder and Indian Peaks, and enjoy real peace, quiet, and solitude just 30 minutes from N. Boulder. Hiking at RMERC is free for RMERC members. The hiking season is approximately mid-April through mid-November. Members, see reservation details below.
THE TRAILS
The Northern Trails are located to the north of Overland Road and are accessible from a parking area on the Glacier View Road. These trails are available throughout the hiking season.
The Southern Trails are located to the south of Overland Road, and are accessible from the guest parking lot at the main lodge. These trails are available on days when retreats are NOT in session. In 2023, these trails are only available on a handful of days.
TRAIL MAP
The northern trails are above Overland Road and the southern trails are below Overland Road. Glacier View Road starts just east (to the right) of the Lodge and goes to Glacier View Ranch. Parking for the northern trails is on the Glacier View Road, on the right where the Outback Loop crosses the road (parking is also available on the left, just before the trail crossing). The trail map is available for download: Trail Map JPG Image or Trail Map PDF. These trails are also on Open Street Map (tagged RMERC).
NORTHERN TRAILS
Glacier View Loop is about 1.5 miles round trip, and after a few switchbacks up to the ridge is gentle rolling terrain to a wonderful view of Indian Peaks. You can also take a side trail to The Rockpile; there are great views there too.
The Outback Loop, our longest trail, is almost 3 miles including a side trip to Schmoll’s Knoll, with amazing 360 degree views. The Outback Glade, at the NE apex, is a beautiful place to sit or have lunch as well. (Note: the Knoll requires a bit of scrambling to get to the top.)
SOUTHERN TRAILS
Bills Loop, about 3/4 mile, our easiest trail, offers lots of creekside access, and wonderful views from the top. You can also cross the bridge and enjoy The Meadow.
South Forest Loop Trail, just over 2 miles round trip, easy to moderate climb and descent, goes up to Mariposa Bluff, with more great views of Indian Peaks. You can also enjoy The Meadow, and sit by the creek at Aspen Bend.
SHRINES
RESERVATIONS
Hiking is free and is only for RMERC Members. However, a permit is required for each day you hike. Reservations can be made up to 6 weeks prior to your hike. Three groups per day can reserve the Northern Trails, and four groups per day can reserve the Southern Trails. Hiking on the Southern Trails is limited to days when no retreats are in session. One car per group please.
To register for a hike, the leader must be signed in to their account on the website. All hikers must sign an RMERC waiver. Members may bring children under 16 as long as the parent is the member making the reservation. Members may also bring non-member guests, but we ask that guests hiking repeatedly become RMERC members. We accept donations from members at the time of registration.
RMERC HIKING POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
Note that the lodge and our self-retreat cabin are closed to hikers, so you will be on your own while up there. Retreatants and resident managers may be present on the property, so please be courteous and do not hang out at the lodge or cabin. All are easy to moderate, flagged, and clear to follow. Pay attention for junctions; they have a cairn (small rock pile) and flags in each direction.
RMERC Hiking Policies
To keep myself, the land, and others safe; all members of our group agree to adhere to the following, and understand this permit is valid only under the following conditions:
- Groups are limited to a max of five people, coming in one car, all Members of RMERC, except that each Member may bring a single one time guest.
- You must make a reservation each time you wish to hike. The leader must ensure that everyone in the group has signed an RMERC waiver: https://rmerc.org/waivers (the waiver must be signed once each season).
- Only adults over the age of 18, or children in the care of a parent or legal guardian are allowed. Only children of the person making the reservation are allowed.
- YOU MAY NOT BRING A DOG, HORSE, OR ANY OTHER ANIMAL, EVEN IF IT IS A SUPPORT OR SERVICE ANIMAL, NOT EVEN IN YOUR CAR. We have many moose, and they will freak out and can become dangerous if they hear, see, or smell a dog.
- Everyone in the group must stay together (do not split up). Walking or snowshoes only, no bikes.
- Parking for Northern Trails is on the Glacier View Road. Parking for the Southern Trails is in the guest lot above the lodge (please close the gate if you are the last car out).
- Stay far from wildlife and make noise in areas where animals may be hidden, so as not to surprise them. Moose can become dangerous if they feel surprised, cornered, or threatened. Check yourself for ticks, and do not keep any food or cosmetics in your car, which should be locked, as bears may be around. Never feed or touch a wild animal.
- The lodge and the retreat cabin are off limits or locked, so bring everything you need: food, water, toilet paper, first aid kit, etc. While you can urinate anywhere, bury feces at least 6” deep in soil, and take out all used toilet paper; do not bury it, it won’t decompose but will get dug up by animals.
- Fires, smoking, flames, weapons, or firearms, of any type, are not allowed at RMERC.
Our east neighbor has a very friendly black Lab, “Raven”, who loves to play fetch. If he shows up, please do not throw anything, or encourage him: just ignore him so he goes home.
We hope you have a great hike at RMERC!
