Indian Peaks Wilderness, Colorado
Some days in the mountains are memorable for the destination, others for the people who share the trail with us. Our late-October hike to Jasper Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness turned out to be a little of both.
What made this adventure particularly special was the opportunity to reconnect with my friend Jackie, whom I hadn’t hiked with in several years. We had shared trails and adventures in the past, and I was looking forward to spending another day in the mountains together. Greg joined us as well, making it an even more enjoyable outing.
The morning began with a chill in the mountain air, reminding us that winter wasn’t far away at these elevations. Fortunately, the sunshine soon warmed the day, leaving us with brilliant blue skies and nearly perfect hiking weather.
Our destination was Jasper Lake, a mountain reservoir tucked beneath the rugged peaks of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Along the way, we would follow cascading creeks, wander through forests and open meadows, and discover a few reminders of the area’s fascinating history.
Following the Footsteps of Hessie
Our adventure began near the historic Hessie Townsite, just beyond the mountain community of Eldora. Today, Hessie is a quiet gateway into the Indian Peaks Wilderness, but more than a century ago, this little valley was home to a bustling mining settlement.
The town was established during the late-1890s gold rush by J. H. Davis, who named it after his wife. At its height in 1899, Hessie had approximately 30 permanent residents, while dozens of prospectors searched the surrounding mountains for valuable ore. The community included a post office, school, lumber mill, and other businesses supporting the mining activity.
The boom was short-lived. By 1905, Hessie had been abandoned, leaving behind scattered cabins and remnants of a community that once had high hopes for the mountains.
As we passed the old townsite sign, I found myself imagining what this valley might have looked like when horses, wagons, and miners traveled these same routes. The trail we follow today incorporates sections of the old road, a small reminder that these mountains have stories extending far beyond their popularity as hiking destinations.
Into the Forest, Along the Water
Crossing the wooden bridge over the creek, we continued into a beautiful forest of towering evergreens and aspens that had already shed their autumn leaves.
With the brilliant colors of September now behind us, the landscape had settled into the quieter tones of late October. Golden grasses covered the hillsides, bare aspen branches reached toward the blue sky, and the deep greens of the conifers stood out against the surrounding mountains.
The trail climbed steadily, occasionally opening to sweeping views down the forested valley. Those were wonderful places to pause, look back at how far we had traveled, and admire the landscape stretching toward the horizon.
Water was another constant companion. We passed rocky streams and little cascades tumbling between boulders, their movement adding life to the otherwise peaceful forest. Wooden steps guided us through some of the steeper sections, while other stretches followed rocky paths beneath the trees.
And throughout it all, the conversation never seemed to stop.
There is something special about reconnecting with an old hiking friend on the trail. Even after several years apart, Jackie and I fell right back into the familiar rhythm of walking and talking together. We reminisced about past adventures, shared stories of favorite hikes, and talked about the places we still hoped to explore. Of course, conversations about hiking have a way of turning into plans for future adventures!
With Greg adding to the conversation, there was plenty of laughter and storytelling along the way. It felt wonderful to be sharing the trail with Jackie again, and somewhere between the memories of old adventures and dreams of new ones, the miles seemed to fly by.
A Curious Discovery Near Jasper Lake
As we approached Jasper Lake, something unexpected caught our attention.
Just off the trail, among the trees, we noticed weathered wooden timbers scattered across a small clearing. A rusted metal barrel lay nearby, along with what appeared to be the remains of an old structure.
Naturally, it sparked our curiosity.
Had there once been a small cabin here? Perhaps a shelter for workers maintaining the nearby reservoir? Or could the remnants have been connected to the area’s earlier mining activity?
The location made the discovery particularly interesting. Jasper Lake is not simply a natural alpine lake—it has a long history as a reservoir. Construction began around 1890, and the reservoir was completed in 1896, during the same era that mining communities were developing throughout the surrounding mountains.
It is possible that the remains belonged to a structure associated with the reservoir’s early operations, although I haven’t found historical information confirming what stood here.
For now, those weathered timbers remain a little mountain mystery. They are a reminder that even in landscapes that feel remote and untouched, people have been working, exploring, and leaving their stories behind for generations.
Jasper Lake: A Different Kind of Autumn Beauty
Eventually, the forest began to open, revealing the rocky basin surrounding Jasper Lake.
The scenery was striking.
Rugged mountain slopes rose above a dense band of evergreens, while patches of lingering snow clung to the higher elevations. Overhead, billowing white clouds drifted across an intensely blue Colorado sky.
The lake itself looked quite different from the alpine lakes we often encounter during summer hikes.
Water levels were low, exposing broad stretches of rocky shoreline and creating an almost otherworldly landscape. Rather than lush green grasses and wildflowers, the basin was filled with muted browns, pale granite, and the deep reflections of the mountains in the remaining water.
It was beautiful in its own quiet, late-season way.
After our steady climb, we were more than ready for a break. We found a spot along the rocky shoreline, set down our packs, and enjoyed a well-earned snack surrounded by the magnificent mountain scenery.
Of course, there were plenty of photographs to take! With the lake reflecting the surrounding peaks and clouds drifting overhead, it was difficult to put the cameras away. Every direction seemed to offer another beautiful view.
It felt good to simply sit for a while, take in the scenery, and enjoy the moment. There was no rush—just good company, a little food, and the satisfaction of having reached our destination together.
Eventually, it was time to shoulder our packs and begin the journey back.
The Miles That Bring Us Together
The return hike carried us back through familiar stretches of forest, past rushing water, and eventually toward the old Hessie Townsite.
By then, the morning’s chill was a distant memory. The afternoon sunshine had made for a comfortable day, and the wonderful conversation continued all the way back.
Our adventure totaled just over 10 miles with nearly 1,950 feet of elevation gain—plenty of time to catch up and enjoy the mountains.
Looking back, Jasper Lake was certainly a worthwhile destination. The alpine scenery, peaceful forests, and unexpected historical discoveries all made the day memorable.
But what I appreciated most was having another opportunity to hike with Jackie and Greg.
It had been years since we’d shared a trail, yet being out there together felt wonderfully familiar. We had so much to catch up on, and somewhere along those mountain miles, it felt as though we were simply continuing a conversation we’d started years ago.
The mountains will always draw me back with their beauty and the promise of something new to discover. But days like this remind me that the company along the way can be every bit as meaningful as the destination.
And hopefully, Jackie and I won’t let quite so many years pass before our next hike.
Trail Information
Location: Indian Peaks Wilderness, near Eldora and Nederland, Colorado
Trail: Hessie Trailhead to Jasper Lake via Devil’s Thumb Trail
Distance: 10.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,950 feet
Jasper Lake Elevation: Approximately 10,814 feet
Terrain: Historic road sections, forest trails, rocky climbs, wooden bridges, stream crossings, and exposed alpine shoreline
Highlights: Historic Hessie Townsite, cascading creeks, beautiful valley overlooks, mountain scenery, Jasper Lake, and intriguing structural remnants near the reservoir
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