Indian Peaks Wilderness Guide Book or Website

[Buckeye]

I'm looking to hike some of the peaks in the Indian Peaks Wilderness this summer. What are the best guidebooks and websites for this locale in regards to information about camping, permits, the peaks, trailheads, and trails?

I'm assuming this is the logical book choice:
http://www.rei.com/product/631610" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I don't see much in the way of websites though.

[gonzalj]

that's definitely the one you want.

[Floyd]

This is the guidebook that got me into hiking and is great for the trail system (at least on the western end). http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Hiking ... 0971732711" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Roach's book is far and away the best for summit info.

[Dave B]

I'd agree with the above assessment of Roach's book.

I get more excited looking at the IPW book than ever thinking about the Sawatch and other Front Range 14ers combined. Beautiful mountains and amazing climbing. And the fact that there are no peaks above that magical threshold of 14,000 feet (sarcasm ) they are way less crowded once you get a couple hundred yards from the trail head.

As far as websites go, it's pretty difficult to find broad info devoted to the IPW, mountain project certainly doesn't have a segment devoted to it. I usually find a specific route I want to do and then google search it which usually will return at least one trip report from summit post or 14ers.

EDIT - I'll also add that I have this posted on the wall behind my computer monitor at work. I spend quite a bit of time dreaming on it.

[its_not_a_tuba]

As far as websites go, it's pretty difficult to find broad info devoted to the IPW, mountain project certainly doesn't have a segment devoted to it.

Actually... http://www.mountainproject.com/v/colora ... /105802014

[davebks]

yup. that book is great! Classic snow climbs of Colorado is another good one.
The Roach 13ers book is decent as well for IPW.

And of course mountainproject.com and summitpost.com

[Dave B]

As far as websites go, it's pretty difficult to find broad info devoted to the IPW, mountain project certainly doesn't have a segment devoted to it.

Actually... http://www.mountainproject.com/v/colora ... /105802014

doh...

[CarpeDM]

Beautiful mountains and amazing climbing. And the fact that there are no peaks above that magical threshold of 14,000 feet (sarcasm ) they are way less crowded once you get a couple hundred yards from the trail head.

I'd take issue with that "less crowded" part - at least for the Fourth of July trailhead and Brainard Lake. Those places get pretty crazy on summer weekends.

[Dave B]

I'd take issue with that "less crowded" part - at least for the Fourth of July trailhead and Brainard Lake. Those places get pretty crazy on summer weekends.

I agree, the trailheads are mayhem. But that's why I start early and only go there to climb the mountains. I'll take empty summits and busy trail heads over sharing the summit of a front range 14er with half of Denver any day.

[kimo]

What are the best guidebooks and websites for this locale in regards to information about camping, permits, the peaks, trailheads, and trails?

The USFS website provides comprehensive information. Click on each trail for permit info, directions to trailhead, trail description, regulations, etc.. You want Boulder RD for east side IPW and Sulphur RD for west side IPW.

USFS Backpacking:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsint ... 0000000000

USFS Day hikes:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsint ... 0000000000

Another good resource is here:
http://www.protrails.com/area.php?areaID=5

[Buckeye]

Appreciate the answers everyone I have more than enough information to work with now. Thanks!