Trail Description

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Devils Thumb Lake is located at treeline in the northwest corner of an idyllic alpine valley. Devils Thumb Lake is long and narrow, shrouded by dense krummholz (south and east shores) and guarded by a vertical rock wall beneath eponymous Devils Thumb spire (north shore). Such positioning limits initial visibility and access, but continuing a short distance on the main trail affords much better views and an improvisational path back down to its more accommodating west shore. Serene forests, innumerable streams, lively waterfalls, verdant meadows and vibrant wildflowers highlight this memorable trek into the Indian Peaks' pristine high country.

The trail begins on a steep dirt road lined with aspens and wildflowers, merging with the South Fork of Middle Boulder Creek at the Devils Thumb Bypass Trail junction (.85 miles : 9,455'). Bear right on the Devils Thumb Bypass Trail. Moderately steep switchbacks twist through dense forest, leveling off in a spacious meadow circled by aspens, braided with streams and dotted with summer wildflowers (1.25 miles : 9,625’). The trail officially crosses the Indian Peaks Wilderness Boundary (1.4 miles : 9,650') and re-enters the timber soon after (1.65 miles).

A moderate, rocky path alternates through forest, meadow and marsh to the Devils Thumb Trail - Woodland Lake Trail junction (2.2 miles, 9,792'). Veer right towards Jasper Lake. Rising quickly, the flower-studded trail is frequently awash in runoff or obscured by lingering snow through mid-July. Be patient with route finding, follow signposts and ignore social trails that ostensibly offer an easier passage; anticipate one sudden, poorly marked left turn over a tributary at 2.85 miles (10,215’).

The trail methodically climbs a south-facing valley wall to the Diamond Lake Trail junction (3.75 miles : 10,675’), beyond which it relaxes along moderate undulations in a thinning forest to the first of two spurs for Jasper Lake and backcountry campsite access (4.35 miles). *Note that Jasper Lake is not immediately visible from the main trail; this short spur heads up a steep bank concealing its location.

The Devils Thumb Trail continues below Jasper Lake, crosses its outlet stream on a dilapidated footbridge and rises back toward its southwest shore. A Devils Thumb – High Lonesome Trail sign (4.5 miles) and spur for Backcountry Campsite D (4.7 miles) indicate you’re on track. The trail – now periodically faint and obstructed - bypasses a large pond and weaves unpredictably through dark forest to an open meadow with useful topographic perspective on the upper valley through which you’re passing (5.0 miles : 10,908’).

The trail circles right of this meadow (5.1 miles) and snakes up a steep ridge face to a high, flat bench near treeline (5.4 miles : 11,034’). Devils Thumb Lake sits just off trail to the right from the ridgecrest (5.45 miles : 11,138’).

Travel beyond Devils Thumb Lake leads through vast open tundra highlighted by scenic ponds (5.95 miles : 11,230’), prolific wildflowers and incredible panoramas. The trail continues south and above these ponds to the Continental Divide and High Lonesome Trail on its western slope. The High Lonesome Trail traces the Divide south to the King Lake Trail, or north to Devils Thumb Pass (11,775’).

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N39 57.100 W105 35.696 - 2WD Parking Area for Hessie Trailhead

• N39 57.278 W105 36.192 - Hessie Trailhead

• N39 57.330 W105 36.780 - .85 miles : Devils Thumb Bypass Trail junction

• N39 57.364 W105 37.187 - 1.25 miles : Enter Meadow

• N39 57.410 W105 37.301 - 1.4 miles : Indian Peaks Wilderness Boundary

• N39 57.543 W105 37.547 - 1.65 miles : Exit Meadow

• N39 57.848 W105 37.935 - 2.2 miles : Woodland Lake Trail junction

• N39 58.133 W105 38.434 - 2.85 miles : Turn left over small creek

• N39 58.409 W105 38.892 - 3.5 miles : Travel along south-facing valley wall

• N39 58.475 W105 39.107 - 3.75 miles : Diamond Lake Trail junction

• N39 58.461 W105 39.604 - 4.35 miles : Jasper Lake spur

• N39 58.488 W105 39.615 - Jasper Lake

• N39 58.494 W105 39.730 - 4.5 miles : Devils Thumb - High Lonesome Trail marker

• N39 58.543 W105 39.856 - 4.7 miles : Backcountry Campsite 'D' spur

• N39 58.521 W105 40.160 - 5.1 miles : Circle to right of meadow

• N39 58.448 W105 40.359 - Travel to base of steep ridge

• N39 58.410 W105 40.582 - 5.4 miles : Top of steep ridge face

• N39 58.416 W105 40.543 - 5.45 miles : Devils Thumb Lake

• N39 58.298 W105 40.941 - 5.95 miles : Alpine Ponds above Devils Thumb Lake

Worth Noting

• The pond you pass just beyond Jasper Lake is in fact on the trail's south (left) side. Some maps depict this north of the trail, which is inaccurate as of 2008.



• Jasper Lake and Devils Thumb Lake are popular destinations accessed by a heavily used trail artery. Get an early start to avoid peak-season congestion. Parking is limited and fills up very quickly on the weekends.



• Jasper Lake is also a reservoir, whose water rights are owned by Caribou Ranch.

Camping and Backpacking Information

• Permits are required for all overnight campers June 1 - September 15.



• Permits are required year-round for day and overnight use by large groups (8+) or organizational groups such as scouts, churches, schools and hiking clubs.



• Group size is limited to 12 people or people and packstock combined.



• Campfires are prohibited east side of the Continental Divide, as well as Caribou Lake, Columbine Lake, Gourd Lake, Crater Lake and in the Cascade Creek drainage above Cascade Falls.



• Pets must be on a handheld leash at all times.



• Camping is permitted only at designated campsites in the Diamond, Jasper, Crater and Caribou Lakes Backcountry Zones.



• Camping is prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone (Mitchell, Blue, Long, Isabelle) May 1 - Nov 30.



• Camping is prohibited within 100’ of lakes, streams and trails.



• Packstock are prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone, in the Cascade Backcountry Zone above Cascade Falls and on the Diamond Lake Trail #975.

Directions to Trailhead

Devils Thumb Lake is accessed from the Hessie Trailhead in the Indian Peaks Wilderness near Nederland, Colorado.

From downtown Nederland, go south on Highway 72 for .5 miles to County Road 130 and make a right. You will see a sign for Eldora Ski Resort at this junction. Continue on Highway 130 through the town of Eldora, just past which it becomes a dirt road (4.15 miles). 2WD drive conditions end 4.9 miles from the Highway 72 turnoff. 4WD vehicles may veer left at this demarcation and continue another .5 miles to the trailhead. Others will have to park at one of the limited roadside spaces and walk the 4WD road to the Hessie Trailhead.

Contact Information

Boulder Ranger District
2140 Yarmouth Avenue
Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: 303.541.2500