Devils Thumb (#902)
From Hessie Trailhead, cross the footbridge and take the Devils Thumb Trail, which climbs steeply for about a half-mile on an old road. The Devils Thumb Bypass turns right (north) just before the second bridge. 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. This trail enters into the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Diamond Lake Trail forks right (north) about a half-mile before the trail reaches Jasper Lake. Jasper Lake is surrounded on three sides with trees and a steep ridgeline to the north. The trail continues another mile to Devils Thumb Lake, and a mile beyond that to the Continental Divide.
General Information
View a trail map here.
Camping permits required for all overnight trips between June 1 and September 15. Overnight permits cost $5 per group, per trip from June 1 through September 15.
Organized groups are required to have a permit for both camping and day-hiking year round. Day-hiking permits are free.
Motorized equipment and mechanized transportation are prohibited.
Pets must be on a hand-held leash at all times.
Campfires are prohibited year round.
Campsites must be at least 100 feet away from water and trail.
Group size is limited to 12 (people and livestock combined).
Processed weed-free feed required for stock.
Dogs must be on a hand-held leash.
Getting There
Elevation
11,775 feet at Devil's Thumb Pass
Directions
From Nederland, head south on Colorado Highway 119 for a half-mile. Turn west onto County Road 130, signed for Eldora. Follow the paved road through the valley to the Town of Eldora, where the pavement ends. Continue beyond the end of the pavement for 0.75 miles to the fork in the road. The left fork goes to Hessie Trailhead.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Certified weed-free hay is required.
