We went on a Saturday and had to take a shuttle to Hessie trail head from Nederland high school. Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als schwierig einzustufen. Attempted to do Jasper Lake, but signs posted “no fires” and it also required a permit to camp. Devil’s Thumb in Lake Louise has it all including waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and some serious mountain top views. From the summit looking below both Lake Agnus and Lake Louise is visible. Because of COVID precautions, there were very strict shuttle capacity guidelines which was appreciated but added at least 1.5hrs to our trip. The bypass trail is shorter and crosses open meadows to the north of the creek, but it bypasses intersections with King Lake and Woodland Lake trails. We hiked to Mirror Lake before bearing right and going up to Lake Agnes where we got our first good look at Devil's Thumb at the far end of the lake. This is such an iconic view, that it was featured on the front cover of National Geographic Canada magazine. This is an easy hike with great views of continental divide. Why start from Hessie Trailhead and hike 6-7 miles through the woods to get a view of these beautiful lakes when you can come from the west and bagged all 4 lakes on one hike? Or a beautiful train ride ending in Winter Park, ranked #1 in North America for alpine skiing — and just 20 minutes from your door. We found a nearly empty lake when we arrived, but had planned on continuing to Devil's Thumb Lake anyway, which was quite nice. When you start getting closer toward Devils Thumb Lake, the terrain will open up and you will see 360 views of surrounding peaks. It’s a perfect spot to eat lunch or get some warm clothing ready as once you get over the pass, it will get very windy. Also if you can't find parking there is a shuttle service I wish we would have known about before hand. This steep portion of the trail holds snow and ice well into the summer and can be treacherous – crampons may be useful. We will be staying in Field at the end of July. Devils Thumb Via Lake Agnes Trail ist ein 7.4 Meilen langer, stark besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Lake Louise, Alberta, Kanada. View a trail map here. If you want incredible views over the vibrant blue Lake Louise, Lake Agnes and surrounding mountains and glaciers, then this is the hike for you. There is limited parking at this spot, so you will need to arrive early if you don't want to walk very far. Absolutely beautiful Colorado blue sky day when the hike started at 9am. I always say instead of creating pictures on stage I create photos in real life. Diamond Lake Trail forks right (north) about a half-mile before the trail reaches Jasper Lake. ", Boulder County page for the shuttle service, Trails Illustrated: Indian Peaks Wilderness map, Devil’s Thumb Lake-Jasper Lake Trail near Nederland, Arch Rocks Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bridal Veil Falls Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park, alpine lakes, waterfalls, meadows, creek, wildflowers, aspen groves, fall colors, wildlife: moose, Hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, camping (by permit only), fishing. Devil’s Thumb Lake History. (The kids wanted another rest/play break here.) The Thumb can be seen from many miles away when driving Hwy 40 near Winter Park, Colorado. The trail continues another mile to Devils Thumb Lake, and a mile beyond that to the Continental Divide. Although there are other, much shorter routes to the pass, none offer the scenery that you will encounter on this particular route. After 1/4 mile, the forest gives way to a meadow and opens up to views breathtaking views of Rocky Mountain scenery. 75 Miles West of Denver. This is a full day hike as you will definitely want to take your time so you don't miss any of the wonderful sights this trail has to offer. A moderate, rocky path climbs through intervals of meadow and forest to the Devils Thumb Trail - Woodland Lake Trail split (2.2 miles, 9,792'). Devils Thumb Better trails and lakes around this area. If you want to see this lake it all its glory, recommend driving up to Rollins Pass from the Winter Lake side of the Divide. It's a scenic hike around the lake and there are fun boulders to play on at the back of the lake. Join our Community. Devils Thumb Via Lake Agnes Trail ist ein 7.4 Meilen langer, stark besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Lake Louise, Alberta, Kanada. The parking at Hessie Trailhead is limited, so be sure to take some time to review these details before departing for your hike. The trail was great, windy and sunny at the top, heavily trafficked, but everyone was polite. Windy roads. Organized groups are required to have a permit for both camping and day-hiking year round. There was a section about 1/2 mile before Devils Thumb Lake where the trail was not visible and was inaccessible for hundreds of feet due to snow, so make sure you are going the correct direction! Devils Thumb Lake is located in Indian Peaks Wilderness north of Boulder Colorado and can be accessed via a 6.5-mile (one-way) steep and challenging hike. If you're camping for the night, bring some warm gear. Arrive as early as possible. Got to the trailhead at 6:40am on a Friday (7/17) - there were still a good amount of parking left but it was filling up fast. Suggest following the trail past the lake to get the beautiful views of the Continental Divide. The water is also so clear that you will be able to see any lake trout that swim by. The Indian Peaks Wilderness is contained with the Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests. Nice hike with not too many people on a Friday in summer, but be aware that Jasper Lake (a reservoir) gets drained this time of year (like Lake Isabelle up in Brainard Lake Rec Area). Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als schwierig einzustufen. For full details on the Hessie Trailhead Shuttle, please see the Boulder County page for the shuttle service. At Devil’s Thumb Ranch we offer experiences that embrace the pioneering spirit of the early homesteaders while honoring and preserving the pristine landscapes for future generations. So beautiful and worth it! Depending on the time of year and how much rain has fallen, you may have to work your way around some standing water from the creek flooding. Just a reminder to take in the views along the way. Upon until this point the ascent has been fair gradual. Ever since I saw that photo, I wanted to go. The Thumb can be seen from many miles away when driving Hwy 40 near Winter Park, Colorado. Here is where the hike "officially" begins. Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. It’s important to know that rains can quickly flood this segment of Hessie Road. Not far into the hike you will come across a beautiful waterfall from Jasper Creek. So, which one is best? Past Devil’s Thumb Lake, Devil’s Thumb Trail wanders across open meadows near treeline, then makes several switchbacks up the steep side of a ridge to reach the Continental Divide. Make sure to get a permit if you spending the night ( they sell them at ACE in Ned). From the top of that pass, you climb up the Divide to get birds eye unobstructed views of King, Bob, Betty and Devils Thumb Lakes. You still never get a full view of the lake due to the tall trees along the lake’s shoreline. Thanks everyone for caring for our public lands! Alpine Pond is just a short walk beyond Devil's Thumb Lake and will take you to the Pass at the top of the divide. This trail was a great day hike to see some gorgeous wildflowers. Devil's thumb pass is a ways on ahead. The struggle was REAL the last mile or so carrying the extra weight with our equipment, but totally worth every agonizing step. I had to stop short of the junction with the Diamond Lake trail (probably around 4 miles in) because of deep snow. Another marker to be aware of. It shouldn't present any major problems and making to the trailhead is a faily easy task. It soon enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness and steadily gains 1,200' in elevation over the next four miles. Turn east and go ¼ mile to the Devils Thumb Trailhead. Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. Devils Thumb is displayed on the Lake Coe USGS quad topo map. Highly recommend going to the .gov sight for more info about this area. This is such an iconic view, that it was featured on the front cover of National Geographic Canada magazine. The trail continues another mile to Devils Thumb Lake, and a mile beyond that to the Continental Divide. There is still snow on the trail starting about 3/4 mile from Jasper Lake and continuing sporadically past that point. had to see the overall Devils Thumb Lake itself as it’s surrounded by heavy tree cover and a short but steep decline from the trail down to the shoreline and then craning around tall trees for a view/photo. Trailhead: Hessie Trailhead Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Fishing, Snowshoeing (to a point) Closest City / Town: Nederland, Colorado Driving […] From there, it’s a six mile trip back down to the parking lot, unless you are enjoying the scenic backcountry overnight. South Arapahoe Peak via Arapahoe Glacier Trail, Bob/Betty Lakes Trail Via King Lake Trail, Fourth of July Mine via Arapaho Pass Trail, Mammoth Gulch to James Peak Trailhead OHV Route [CLOSED], 17th Ave, Deadman's Gulch, Meadows and Zarlengo Loop. 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