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What You Need to Know to Hike the Devil's Thumb Trail

Colorado is filled with incredible hikes waiting to be explored. If youre planning a trip to the Indian Peaks Wilderness, the Devils Thumb Trail should be on your list of hikes to make. Learn more about this hike below!

Hike the Devils Thumb Trail!

The Devils Thumb Trail Hike

Start at the Hessie Trailhead, which acts as a popular access point to US Forest Service Lands and great trails, including the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Devils Thumb, Lost Lake, Diamond Lake, and several others. Keep in mind that parking is limited along the road, and it will be difficult to get parking in the busy season. An alternative is to park at the RTD Park-n-Ride in Nederland and take the free shuttle to the trailhead. From the Hessie Trailhead, cross the footbridge. You can choose to follow the somewhat shorter Devils Thumb Bypass to the right or continue on the Devils Thumb Trail (#902) to the left. Something to take into consideration when deciding which trail to follow is time of yearthe bypass was made for spring and summer hikers so they could avoid the mud and water from snowmelt. If you take the Devils Thumb Trail on the left, youll come to a second intersection with signs for Lost Lake and King Lake to the left and Devils Thumb Lake, Jasper Lake, and Woodland Lake to the right. perople hikingFollow to the right to continue on Devils Thumb Trail. Youll come to another intersection where you can go left to Woodland Lake or right to continue to Devils Thumb and Jasper Lakes. Continue on the right-hand trail which will lead you to the point where the bypass meets up with the main trail. The trail continues to increase in difficulty from hereits almost nonstop elevation until you reach Jasper Lake. Its worth stopping by Jasper Lake to catch your breath! The lake is beautiful, and so is the surrounding scenery. Be careful if you are hiking during summer when thunderstorms are common because you will be exposed, as youll be about 2,000 feet above sea level. Its only one more mile from Jasper Lake to Devils Thumb Lake, where you will be able to see the famous landmark. Take a moment to prepare yourself here, because the next part of the trail climbs up the side of a ridge to reach the Continental Divide. From there, its about half a mile to the Devils Thumb Pass. Once you reach the pass, youll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of Winter Park and Mary Jane to the west and the Front Range and the plains of Colorado to the east. At this point, you can either double back or continue to King Lake Trail, which will take you back to the Hessie trailhead. Either way, the total length of the trip will be around 15 miles, and it presents quite a challenge. Make sure youre prepared for this hike both physically and supplies-wise. Make sure you are aware of the dangers of altitude sickness. Youll also need a permit if youre hiking in a group or planning to stay overnight in the wilderness.

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graphic featuring interior of a house for sale and text Colorado is full of incredible outdoor recreation and beautiful hikesit would be impossible to explore it all with just a visit. However, living here means that youll have the opportunity to enjoy world-class recreation every day, including activities like exploring Rocky Mountain National Park or hitting the slopes at Winter Park Resort. Real Estate of Winter Park can help you in your search for the perfect home, whether youre looking for a vacation home or your next place to live. We provide the most extensive listings of all Winter Park real estate and homes for sale. Contact us or give us a call today to get started!

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