This is a new hike for me. It is considered a challenging hike with steep climbs, rocky terrain, and significant elevation gain. Before you sign up, please read the details below and make sure you’re up for this hike.
GROUP LIMIT 7 PEOPLE: The Indian Peaks Wilderness requires groups of 8-12 to purchase a large group permit for each zone they enter. This hike goes through 3 zones…meaning I would need to purchase 3 permits. I’m not going to do that so this hike will be limited to 7 people.
Difficulty: about 16.5 miles with about 3,500-3,600 feet elevation gain. Highest elevation is about 12,100 feet.
HIKE DESCRIPTION: NOTE THAT I DRAFTED THIS UP TO GO COUNTER-CLOCKWISE, BUT I WAS TOLD THE VIEWS ARE BETTER CLOCKWISE, SO WE MAY CHANGE TO CLOCKWISE. On this hike, we will experience a diverse range of landscapes including breathtaking views, towering granite peaks, multiple lakes, alpine meadows, and some challenging terrain. We will begin at the Hessie TH and briefly stop by Jasper Lake and pass Devils Thumb Lake before heading up Devils Thumb Pass.
The push to Devil’s Thumb Pass is a challenge where the trail becomes rocky and steep, with sections where we must scramble over boulders and navigate narrow paths with loose rocks. But once we get there, Devils Thumb Pass is nothing short of spectacular. It’s been described as a panoramic explosion of jagged peaks, shimmering alpine lakes, and endless stretches of wilderness with views in every direction. The iconic Devils Thumb itself is a towering granite spire.
From the pass, the trail descends towards King Lake, a stunning alpine jewel nestled at the foot of towering cliffs. The lake’s crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks like a mirror, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty. See the following hike in Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/devils-thumb-pass-and-king-lake-trail
If weather on the day of the hike is not good, I will change the date or cancel the hike. Hikes scheduled months in advance are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances.
This will be a group hike, where we will hike together and everyone will wait at all trail junctions, creek crossings, and occasionally otherwise so that no one hikes on their own for safety reasons. Plan on a moderate pace of about 2 to 2.5 mph average moving speed.
NO DOGS ALLOWED: No dogs on this hike please.
ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Hessie trailhead. To get there, you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. Or if you use google maps, you can type in “Hessie Trailhead” and that should take you to the trailhead, which is west of Nederland.
We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.
IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.
NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, bug repellant, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.
WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.66473406369995&lat=39.94797408430733
REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.
