Jasper Lake

Description: 10.6 Mile out and back trail located past Nederlands above Boulder. Moderate to difficult on Devil's Thumb Trail, multiple trails throughout this area with varying levels of difficulty.

Directions: From Boulder take Canyon Boulevard 20 miles, turning right onto Eldora Road. Trailhead is located 3 miles down the road, keep in mind it is designated parking. In the event the parking lot is full you must take a shuttle from Nederlands. On the weekends this trailhead is packed, arrive early to secure a parking spot.

Use: Hiking, Fishing, Backpacking, Camping

Reeling after an epic July 4th barbecue, the hubby and I found ourselves itching to head west. We both had several days off work, and the mountains were drawing our souls. Having spent little time near Nederland’s, we were interested in a trail leading to Jasper Lake with several other lakes within earshot. The trip overview boasted wild rivers, beautiful views, mountain lakes and a moderately steep trail under six miles long. A perfect fit for our quick getaway.

With the dogs and gear loaded up, we hit the road, ready for our short ride to the trailhead through downtown Boulder. The main trail proved to be busy with hikers and backpackers alike. There are multiple trails that branch off the main trail and all were bustling with activity. The first mile and a half follow an old logging trail, and while it is quite rocky, the path itself is not challenging. Once we hit the Devils Thumb Trail (Jasper Trail), we only ran into a few folks here and there. Soon we came upon a vast meadow with wildflowers and grasses abounding, deep in the distance we noted our final destination, looking impossibly far away and high above us. It might be a battle, but we knew it would all be worth it!

As the afternoon sun touched the peaks of the mountains overhead, we stopped for hors d’oeuvre hour. Aka leftover Chipotle and a few sips of red wine, we dined like kings. The trail narrows significantly from here, and the views overtake the scenery with their finesse. Our dogs were in heaven with all the sights and smells as they eagerly tugged on their leashes. The trail was quiet minus our heavy breathing and our metal coffee cups clanging to the beat of our step. In several spots, the mountain streams found their way onto the trail, and we were grateful for our waterproof boots. The path is well trafficked and easy to follow as our feet rose to the ever-present incline. It was difficult not to get distracted by the beauty surrounding us and the thunder of the waterfalls above us. Anticipation filled our lungs as we peaked the final crest and dropped into Jasper Lake. The lake itself was expansive and active as multiple fish broke the surface in search of their latest dinner.

Designated campsites were required in Indian Peaks Wilderness, and as requested, we had picked up our two-day permit for Indian Peaks Wilderness. From the map provided, we had the option of seven campsites spanning the lake all on a first come, first serve basis. Without much discussion, we chose site #4, located the furthest from the other sites and main trailhead. In the mountains, the serenity is what draws us in. Away from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, we find solitude and a glimpse of what our forefathers fought so hard for us to enjoy. In the final quarter mile, we scrambled over logs and ducked under branches keeping a keen eye out for our lodging. Conveniently, the trail had dissapated, and we were on our own. Cresting a minor hill, we found our spot located on a peninsula that jutted into the lake. Water surrounded us on three sides while the mountains boomed above us. Quickly we threw off our packs, eager to be rid of the weight, and eagerly explored our temporary home. While I set up our camp, Cameron threw a dry fly on the line and landed several brookies within 10 minutes. Now, we were home!

Our first luxurious night proved to be busy and restless as we entertained one visitor after another. Waking with a jolt in the darkness, we heard scratching near our tent and realized to our horror that something was trying to get into our packs. All our food was safely secured in a tree far from our site, but this little bugger was not deterred. Searching for any remaining remnants of food, he was perseverant. Cameron smacked his hand against the tent and hollered, “Dammit Fred!”. I burst out laughing, only my sweet, half-asleep husband would have already named the critter and screeched out a warning to keep him away. Giggling, we settled back in, eager to grasp our remaining hours of shut-eye before a full day.

Groggily, we woke again in the pre-dawn dusk to the huffing and growling of our German Shorthair Pointer, Ruger. Known for his false alarms and overactive personality, we felt little concern. Not thinking much of it, we hushed him and managed to lay our heads back down. Insistent now, Ruger carried on without hindrance. Grumbling, we opened the tent and peeked out. Ruger blasted past us only to come to a startling halt with one final huff. Standing a mere few yards from us was a huge moose. He looked as alarmed by our presence in his watering hole as we were by his. Well aware of the danger we might be in, we grabbed our dogs and remained quiet, attentively watching his movements. With no set schedule in mind, he wandered around our site and down to the water’s edge. We lost sight of him briefly before he reappeared, tossing his head and jogging towards us. Our hearts jumped in our throats as we eyed him warily, to our relief he strode past us and into the water on the other side. Effortlessly, he swam across and was gone in the blink of an eye, camouflaged by the landscape he called home. Now, 5 AM and wide awake with hearts pounding, we eyed each other in awe. Seeing this magnificent beast, so close was an experience, the mountains never do disappoint.

Dawn broke, vibrant and elusive as we crept from our tent to rig up our fly lines. With the coffee pot on, I was itching to catch something after eying Cameron enviously. My fly hit the water with a mosquito imitation in play and seconds later I saw a hungry brookie go for it. I had one on the line, and before a cup of coffee, there is no better way to start the day. After munching down some breakfast, the four of us loaded up our daypack and headed to Devil’s Thumb Lake, a mile or so away.

We spent a blissful day lounging in the hammock and throwing in our fly lines as the dogs explored around us. In search of an outdoor bathroom, I stumbled upon an old beavers scull, teeth still intact. What a find! Fishing at this upper lake proved to be fruitless and the water bone-chilling. As an afternoon thunderstorm threatened overhead, we packed up and headed back to camp.

Chilly afternoon storms gave us a chance to hunker down and catch up on reading. We also proved an excellent snack for the amble swarm of mosquitoes that came down like a herd of locus. Colorado mountain weather is my favorite, sunny mornings followed by afternoon rains and then bursting into clear evenings. With the sun beaming through the clouds and the rain shower a mere memory, we picked up our rods again. Fish were breaking the surface all around us, and we wanted to get in on the action. Finagling my way through the thick undergrowth, I found myself unattractively straddling a log to get a better angle on the water. Minutes later, I had landed four and was waiting attentively for another bite. To my right, I could see Cameron in a similar state as he gently released his latest catch. The mosquitos still buzzed in our ears, though slightly muted by the fun we were having. As the mountains darkened around us and the lake settled like glass, we wandered back to our site. Blissfully tired from a fun day in our Colorado mountains, we snuggled in tight and soon the only noises heard was the contented snore of animal and human alike.

Our last night we slept hard without incident, and soon we could hear the birds chirping a bold morning greeting. Breaking down camp, we eagerly gulped the remains of our coffee and headed back in search of the main trail. Fueled by two days spent wild and free in our Colorado mountains, we thundered down the runway. Passing multiple people who were heading up to enjoy Jasper and the surrounding lakes. By mid-day, we were back at the car, exhausted the dogs jumped into the car and were sound asleep. Heading back to Nederlands we stopped off at a fantastic pizza place called Crosscut Pizzeria and Taphouse. With bellies full and worn out legs we pointed the 4-runner home. Honored to have enjoyed a few days in Indian Peaks Wilderness and now in search of our next adventure. Time spent surrounded by our Colorado mountains is never time wasted but food for the human soul.

Travel on!

- Kathryn

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