Hessie Trailhead: Devils Thumb Trail to Diamond Lake, Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Colorado
Hessie Trailhead: Devils Thumb Trail to Diamond Lake
Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
This challenging but rewarding alternative route follows the Jasper Creek drainage before scaling a massive ridgeline and dropping into an adjacent valley where Diamond Lake lies. Visitors will enjoy stunning alpine scenery, miles of open tundra and light crowds en route to the lake. The passage between the Devils Thumb Trail and Diamond Lake is exposed, poorly defined and steep; lingering snowfields only add to the physical and navigational challenge. Prepare accordingly with versatile layers, sun protection, a good map and plenty of time for the return.
| Related Trails: | Devils Thumb Trail to Diamond Lake |
The trail relaxes through this rolling meadow after 1.25 miles
Columbine are ubiquitous along the Jasper Creek drainage and near Diamond Lake
Woodland Mountain's massive ridgeline defines the upper-valley
Travel through open tundra provides sensational views across multiple alpine valleys
Heading south back to the Devils Thumb Trail
Diamond Lake
Looking north across the open tundra
Leaving one valley and entering the next
The southeast corner of Diamond Lake
Crossing Diamond Lake's outlet stream
Re-entering treeline on the return
Woodland Mountain
Dropping into the adjacent northern valley where Diamond Lake lies
Wildflowers illuminate open meadows and small, damp clearings
Indian Paintbrush and Asters near Diamond Lake
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