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An expansion on the popular High Lonesome Loop.

Liz

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Map Key

22.6

Miles

36.3

KM

81%

Runnable

12,063' 3,677 m

High

8,980' 2,737 m

Low

5,224' 1,592 m

Up

5,225' 1,593 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

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.

Overview

An expansion on the popular High Lonesome Loop, this route tacks on the less used Woodland Lake Trail and Betty & Bob Lakes Trail for some backpacking options!

Need to Know

Hessie trailhead is extremely popular during the summer months and parking is limited. Please use the Boulder County Hessie Shuttle on summer and fall weekends and holidays.

Description

From the trailhead, head out along the Devil's Thumb Trail #902. About 2.5 miles in, you'll reach the junction with Woodland Lake Trail. Head down this way to find a nice campsite for the night and take in the view of the is gorgeous basin below Skyskraper Peak. Camping here, keeps you at a slightly lower elevation than some other options you'd reach further on this trail (Jasper Lake and Devils Thumb)

The next morning, head back and continue following Devil's Thumb Trail #902. This is a long day, at 10-11 miles to reach the next camping area on Betty & Bob Lakes Trail. Make sure to leave early so you can try to be out of the high country if there is a threat of thunderstorms. The views along the ridge are unforgettable and capped perfectly with summer wildflowers or autumn colors. It's so quiet and remote that as you come around the back, you may be surprised to see cars across the saddle at a dirt parking area! (This is Rollins Pass (aka Corona Pass).)

Instead of crossing the saddle, head down towards King Lake, then beyond to the side trail that leads to Betty & Bob Lakes. If the weather is nice, this is a good place to set camp. If not, you may want to continue on and tuck into the trees lower down.

After another night out, continue on King Lake Trail for a straight shot back to the trailhead the next day!

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Liz

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#4790

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#668

in Colorado

#4,790

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Photos

Looking toward Devil's Thumb Peak, yeah!
Aug 25, 2015 near Fraser, CO
View from the top
Aug 23, 2019 near Fraser, CO
King Lake.
Aug 25, 2015 near Fraser, CO
A nice runnable section at high altitude
Aug 25, 2015 near Fraser, CO
Woodland Lake is beautiful and worth the effort.
Jun 26, 2017 near Nederland, CO
Views to the east just prior to heading down on the Devil's Thumb Trail (taking loop clockwise)
Sep 28, 2018 near Fraser, CO

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 85 days ago
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