This challenging alternative route to Diamond Lake follows the Jasper Creek drainage before scaling a steep ridge and dropping into the adjacent valley. Visitors will enjoy stunning alpine scenery, miles of open tundra and light crowds. The Diamond Lake Trail is exposed and minimally-defined in places. Allow ample time for the return hike back over treeline.

Cairns mark the way above treeline between the Jasper and Diamond Lake valleys

Diamond Lake (10,940')

Looking east from the pass between the Jasper Lake and Diamond Lake valleys

The route loses clarity near its high point where it drops north into the Diamond Lake valley

Diamond Lake is among the most popular destinations in the Indian Peaks, though very few people approach it from Hessie

Travel eases through this rolling meadow after 1.25 miles

Travel through open tundra provides sensational views across multiple alpine valleys

Columbine species can cross-pollinate, producing a variety of hybrids

Sedge fingers extend into Diamond Lake, creating ideal conditions for anglers

Heading south back to the Devils Thumb Trail

Leaving one valley and entering the next

Hikers will need to cross the outlet in order to reach more open sections of the lake basin

Large alpine meadows are a good place to find solitude on the north side of Diamond Lake

Re-entering treeline on the return

The alpine ridge is a good place to see elk in the summer, who come here to feed and evade predators

The Diamond Lake basin covers approximately 14 acres

Wood planks at the base of the Diamond Lake valley descent signal proximity to the lake

Globe flowers carpet damp meadows in the Diamond Lake basin