Hiking the
Jefferson Loop Trail No. 643:
A wide timber foot bridge crosses Jefferson Creek Several gentle switchbacks allow access to the southeast side of a broad forested ridge which is an extension of the Continental Divide. Lodgepole pine, Bristlecone pines (at the head of Ohler Gulch), and spruce (dominant at the timberline) are found along the trail. The trail enters the krummholz zone - the transition between forest and tundra. Water is available at campground pumps in the Jefferson Creek Drainage area. Backcountry water is available. PARKING IS AVAILABLE AT THE BEAVER CREEK TRAILHEAD Camping within the Jefferson Creek drainage is limited to campgrounds only. There is a $7.00 per night fee for these areas. In the spring, snow drifts will still be present above timberline. Use caution.
Specific Hiking and Trail Information for the Jefferson Loop Trail No. 643
Best Seasons: Summer to Fall
Length of Trail: 5 - 10 miles
Elevation at Trailhead: 10000 feet
Range of elevation encoutered on the hike: 10000 to 11600 feet
Estimated Difficulty (Forest Service Estimate): Intermediate
Travel Information
Trailhead Directions: Turn west on the Jefferson Lake Rd in Jefferson (CR 35) to FDR 37. Continue 5.2 miles to the beaver Ponds PG. Day-use parking is available here. Turn west on the Jefferson Lake Rd in Jefferson (CR 35) to FDR 37. Continue 4 miles to Lodgepole CG. Near site 11 the trail heads west following Jefferson Creek. This access is recommended only for people camped in campground. NO day-use parking is available here. The best access point to the Loop Trail for backpackers is at the Jefferson Creek CC. Park in the 'backpacker parking' at entrance of campground. Enter the campground, hike north on the closed road next to the pay station; the road turns into a trail in about 2 miles at a stream crossing.
For more information on this hike
National Forest: Pike & San Isabel National Forests Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands
Local Office: Pike & San Isabel National Forests Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands
Address:
PO Box 219
Fairplay, CO, 80440
719-836-2031
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