Jasper Lake Trail

The Jasper Lake Hike is a crowd-favorite in the Roosevelt National Forest. The trail begins from the Hessie Carpark, arrive early to secure a spot as parking is limited! If you are worried about securing a spot, consider taking the RDT free shuttle from the town of Nederland! This trail is moderate, and the elevation gain is fairly gradual, but nonetheless considerable. Wear sturdy footwear and consider bringing hiking poles to help you navigate this trail. As you meander through the aspen forests and lush meadows keep an eye out for moose and elk! They are often spotted along this trail!

Start your journey from the Hessie trailhead by hooking onto the Hessie Road Trail. Keep venturing along Hessie Road, crossing the North Fork Middle Boulder Creek. After crossing the creek, the trail becomes the Devil’s Thumb Trail. Continue along this wooded trail staying right at the junction, merging onto Devil’s Thumb Bypass Trail. The path will border the edge of Jasper Creek as it gains elevation and merges back onto the Devil’s Thumb Trail. Following along this path, the elevation gain will become more intense. At this point the trial becomes exposed and rocky. Stay left at the next junction. This last segment of the trek requires attention as you navigate rocks and boulders prior to cresting the lake. Once at the lake you will have an exceptional vantage point of Mount Jasper and neighboring peaks! On a clear day you will also be able to spot the towns of Eldora and Nederland in the distance!

If you want to lengthen your adventure, continue left on Devil’s Thumb Trail. This extension will bring you to Devil’s Thumb Lake. If you wish to return to the carpark, retrace your steps, staying right at the first junction. Continue along the path until you arrive back at the parking lot.