Devils Thumb Trailhead to Devils Thumb Pass is a 7.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Tabernash, Colorado that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and backpacking. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
September 25, 2020From the Boulder Ranger District (Indian Peaks / James Peak) - email on 9/25/20 at 8AM: "Yes, the Devil’s Thumb area on the west side of the Divide is still impassable at the moment. Our crews haven’t been able to clear that area yet. Best, Reghan"
September 20, 2020Lots of downed trees across the path
September 18, 2020Cd
September 14, 2020ooooooof! That winter storm and wind knocked down hundreds of trees in the area. Hiked 2 miles in and got to one of the small lakes. Was a blast and also extremely slow going while trying to find ways around or over the trees. Would recommend once the trees are cleared and path restored.
September 13, 2020This trail is impassable. We came over the top from devils thumb lake and got stuck in the trees for 4 hours. We managed to go around the downed tress, over rock falls, and swamps, but would not recommend that for anyone.
September 12, 2020Looks like it could be a great trail, but is impassable due to downed trees. Made it about a half mile past the big meadow and turned around.
September 12, 2020This trail was impossible between the snow and the downed trees. I ran into someone who said it was a clear and easy trail just four days ago. The farther you go the worse it gets.
September 7, 2020As an asthmatic, out of shape Kansan with little to no hiking experience, this trail was very hard for me. BUT it was beautiful, and I made it all the way to the top! It took us around 8 hours total, with a couple pit-stops and a picnic at the top. It was pretty windy up there, but we found a nice little outcropping to eat in. 10/10 would recommend, but bring an inhaler if you have asthma lol.
September 6, 2020A nice hike through forests and then straight up to the pass. Devils Thumb is more impressive from Heck’s at DTR with a beer than up close and personal - but any hike is a day well spent.
September 5, 2020September 2, 2020August 31, 2020Wonderful hike. I haven't hiked at this altitude before. I saw a mama moose and a baby moose. After about a mile, the trail was rocky all the way to the end. Some rocks were loose. Poles might be a good idea if you're into that. The wind at the top was a lot more than I had expected. I'm no meteorologist. However, coming from Florida and knowing what typical hurricane winds feel like, I'd say it was gusting around 80-95mph with pretty consistent 60-70mph.
August 26, 2020Aug 25, 7am. Ran to the saddle, then south to Skyscraper Peak. Saw two moose (cow and calf) at treeline. Saw a dozen ptarmigan up near the peak. The trail is relatively runnable, although pretty technical below treeline. Smoke wasn't bad today. Lots of little alpine lakes below the ridge, great views into the Indian Peaks. Didn't see another human til I was back at my car.
August 18, 2020August 17, 2020This trail is awesome, but definitely Hard! The trail begins in the woods and gives you a false sense of not being difficult. Then, you hit the steep uphill hike that lasts about about 2.5 miles for the entire rest of the way up. The views at the last part of the trail are spectacular and worth being sore the next day.
August 14, 2020I don’t have a lot of experience with hiking.....this was a great hike.
August 11, 2020Great trail! Worth the extra effort to go up to the left, above the thumb. Cool view of some lakes at the top. Variety of terrain and surroundings. Saw 2 moose!
August 10, 2020Your lungs will get a workout along with the rest of your body. We did this on Saturday, August 8th. Very windy at the top. We reached the top at noon. Loved the views. Pretty hike all around.
August 9, 2020Amazing! From the meadows at the beginning to the meadows/meadow flowers at the top. The wind was very cold through the pass. The views so worth it! We left at about 8am and was hardly anyone else. Coming down there were a lot more hikers, but still moderate use. Took us 5.5 hours round trip. Only one of us had been hiking recently. Do-able, but HARD at the top.
August 9, 2020This was the hardest hike I have been on. Hard on lungs with asthma! although beatiful view at the top. Took about 5 hours point to point.
August 7, 2020Beautiful hike! First half is easier, second part was difficult but when you hit the top it’s definitely worth the climb! Ran into a momma moose and her babies. Lots of good stopping points to rest.
August 7, 2020We hiked this yesterday. Hazy views due to smoke from fires. Beautiful flowers near the top. We saw the mama moose and two babies. Got some good pictures. We’ve done this hike just about every summer for numerous years and this is the first time we can remember not facing howling winds at the pass. Very calm up there yesterday. Our GPS measured this as 7.4 RT and a 2600 elevation gain. It’s hard but worth it.
