Near High Lonesome  Backpacking Route
Leaving the Jasper Creek drainage for the Continental Divide on a sunny morning.
Near High Lonesome  Backpacking Route
Looking toward Devil's Thumb Peak, yeah!
Near High Lonesome  Backpacking Route
View from the top
Near High Lonesome  Backpacking Route
Almost to the divide on the Devil
Near High Lonesome  Backpacking Route
Gorgeous sunset at Devil Thumb Lake 08/07/18

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Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

High Lonesome Backpacking Route

4.0 (1 Rating)
An expansion on the popular High Lonesome Loop.
21.8
mi
Distance
5,481
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
Commonly BackpackedFall ColorsFishingLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
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.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
21.84mi
Distance
5,481ft
Elevation Gain
5,481ft
Elevation Loss
70%
Max Grade
12,105ft
High Point
8,995ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
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!

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Liz