Jasper Lake, Devils Thumb Lake and Storm Lake can be linked to form a challenging and varied 14.35 mile lollipop loop in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The route travels 4+ miles over treeline with exceptional views along the Continental Divide and down the Storm Lakes valley.

The loop portion of the route begins / ends on the west side of Jasper Lake and uses the campsite #5-6 spur to connect the Devils Thumb Trail with Jasper Creek, which you'll follow down from Storm Lake

Subalpine meadows, which may be snow-covered through late June, have short growing seasons that can drive spectacular all-at-once blooms

Devils Thumb Lake is long, slender and bound on three sides by the north valley wall, willow and krummholz

Storm Lake forms Jasper Creek, which flows through Jasper Lake Reservoir into South Fork Middle Boulder Creek

The trail rises just over Devils Thumb Lake into open, level meadows before climbing 700' in just .5 miles to meet the High Lonesome Trail on the Continental Divide

Alpine tundra plants grow low to the ground to increase stability and minimize exposure to harsh conditions

The route turns north on the CDT / High Lonesome Trail and is guided by sparse cairns to a crest just before dropping to Devils Thumb Pass

The descent from the Divide deposits you in the middle of the valley between Storm Lake (11,415') and Upper Storm Lake (11,965')

The CDT runs approximately 800 miles through Colorado with nearly 70 contiguous miles at or over 11,000'

There's no perfect route down the Storm Lakes / Jasper Creek Valley, though the north side eschews some obstacles and several steep cliff scrambles (which are easier are to climb than descend)

The route tops out at 12,480' on a rim over the Storm Lakes Valley and descends several hundred feet of thick tundra grass-slopes to the valley floor

Jasper Lake is also a reservoir and may be partially drained during the summer to accommodate downstream water needs

Jasper Lake is 600' and .5 miles below Storm Lake; a decent social trail connects the two though you'll still have to negotiate steep perennial snowfields, several creeks and thick brush that may conceal the best way forward

Storm Lake forms Jasper Creek, which flows through Jasper Lake Reservoir into South Fork Middle Boulder Creek

Upper Storm Lake (11,965'), hidden from view on the descent, is located approximately 1.5 miles and 1150' above Jasper Lake in a small, deep cirque just below the Continental Divide

Though relatively short by straight-line distance, travel through the Storm Lakes Valley can be time consuming across diverse terrain; cliffs and impenetrable brush pose the biggest challenge

The Storm Lakes Valley is highlighted by countless small tributaries and numerous large cascades; be mindful of unstable snow bridges over running water

Devils Thumb Lake has limited shore access, but you'll find great views and open space from meadows just above the SW shore