Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Just an hour from Boulder, the Indian Peaks Wilderness offers a vast array of hiking trails and quite a few places to go backpacking. The hike to Jasper Lake, Colorado is one of the best, and most popular, hikes in this area. We spent a day backpacking into Jasper Lake and spent the night camping in August of 2021.
The Jasper Lake Trail offers beautiful fields and views across the Indian Peaks Wilderness as well as a lovely stream and the beautiful Jasper Lake at the end of the Trail. In this article we’ll share details on the hiking trail to Jasper Lake, the best time of year to visit and more information about backpacking and hiking to Jasper Lake Colorado.
Overview of Hiking and Backpacking to Jasper Lake Colorado
Distance: 9.8 miles Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft Difficulty: moderate/challenging
To get to Jasper Lake, you will take the well-maintained Jasper Lake Trail starting on the Hessie Trail. Once on the trail, you will have the option to take the Devil’s Thumb Bypass Trail.
There are also several other excellent hikes in the area if you want to add on additional mileage or put together a longer backpack. Please remember to practice Leave No Trace during your visit.
If you are planning to camp here, please note that you will need to purchase a permit during the busy season. You can purchase an overnight permit to Jasper Lake, CO at recreation.gov in advance.
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How to Get to the Jasper Lake Trailhead
The Jasper Lake Trail leaves from the same parking lot as several other popular hikes. We arrived early to the trailhead and the parking lot was already full. There is a shuttle that runs in the summer from the local school a few miles away.
To get to the trailhead from Nederland, take Eldora Rd (130). You will pass through the small town of Eldora. Continue on and eventually, the road turns to dirt and ends right at the parking lot. The trails that continue from here are actually roads but you will need a 4×4 to drive on them.
The road to the trailhead is well maintained and you just need 2 wheel drive to get to the lot. From here, several trails head in different directions. You want to look for the Hessie Trailhead that goes to the left.
When is the Best Time of Year to Backpack and Hike to Jasper Lake Colorado
The best time of year to hike and backpack into Jasper Lake is during the summer months. In the summer, average temperatures are in the 70’s making the weather perfect for hiking. This is also a popular time on the Jasper Lake trail, so expect lots of other hikers and try to get an early start.
Fall is a great time to hike, but note that by October, the avera.ge temperature has dropped into the 50s. If you enjoy winter hiking this can be a wonderful winter hikek, just make sure to pack your microspikes.
Hiking and Backpacking to Jasper Lake, CO
The trail to the Hessie Trail starts right from the parking lot and partially follows a 4×4 road. This road was partly submerged by water when we were there in August, but the trail goes around this section. The trail is well marked and you should continue on this mostly flat trail until you get to the Hessie Trailhead. From here, follow the Devil’s Thumb Trail towards Jasper Lake.
The trail begins to ascend rather steeply until about the 1.5 mile mark. As you gain elevation, you begin to get some views out across the mountains. At this point the trail levels off with just a slow incline and passes through some open meadows. When we were there in August the whole meadow was in bloom. We loved this part of the hike.
At the first intersection, you will have the choice to take the Devil’s Thumb Trail or the Devils Thumb Bypass Trail. Both these trails go to Jasper Lake. Devil’s Thumb is a bit more scenic but the bypass trail is lovely too. Continue to follow the well marked trail signs and the trail will eventually join back up.
On the final hike up to Jasper Lake, CO the incline increases and you will steadily gain elevation. About a 1/2 mile from the lake you will see a trail going to Diamond Lake, but continue up towards Jasper Lake. The trail here is rocky in places and just before the lake makes several stream crossings on bridges. We hiked on a beautiful day, but as we got up the Jasper Lake, it cooled off quickly. If you are hiking in the afternoon, be aware of the frequent thunderstorms that roll through the mountains in the late part of the day.
Once you get to Jasper Lake, you can walk around the edge of the lake to the left. There are several excellent places to camp here and you will see plenty of camping spots. If you’re just up here for the day, you can enjoy your lunch by the water before heading back down the trail.
I backpacked into Jasper Lake in the August of 2021 with my 3 kids and mother. This was one stop on our month long road trip and was our second backpack of the trip (see our first backpack on the trip to Sawtooth and Alpine Lakes). I've backpacked with my mother a number of times. My mom had flown out to meet us, so she was barely acclimated to the elevation and found the hike challenging for that reason. We had a gorgeous day to hike and loved the scenery. During the night several thunderstorms passed through, but nothing impacted us too much. We were glad we packed plenty of layers since the temperature dropped overnight and we were quite chilly. We hiked out early the next morning and headed off towards Estes Park for the next few days.
Final Thoughts on The Jasper Lake Hike:
- Hike early and expect the parking lot to be full or crowded
- If you are spending the night, make sure you get a permit
- Be aware of afternoon thunderstorms and be prepared
- Enjoy the highlights of mountain views, wildflowers, a stream and the lake
Common Questions to Hiking the Jasper Lake Trail
How long is the hike to Jasper Lake in Colorado?
The hike to Jasper Lake in Colorado is approximately 6 miles round trip.
Is a permit required to hike to Jasper Lake?
No, you do not need a permit to hike to Jasper Lake in Colorado. You do need a permit if you plan to spend the night camping.
What is the elevation gain on the trail to Jasper Lake?
The trail to Jasper Lake has an elevation gain of about 1,200 feet.
If you are exploing Colorado, you might also enjoy hiking to the Boulder Flatirons or spending time in Rocky Mountain National Park.
