Jefferson Lake Recreation Area
Jefferson Lake Recreation Area features a high altitude lake, camping, picnic grounds and multiple trails for hiking or mountain biking. Located in the Pike National Forest above 10,000 ft, and surrounded by 12,000 ft peaks, just 90 minutes from Denver, it is a beautiful and popular destination during late spring, summer, and early fall. The recreation area is open year round, but vehicle access may be limited in winter.
Jefferson Lake Recreation Area is located in the Pike National Forest, and known for the expansive conifer forests, hiking trails, streams, beaver ponds, and high altitude lake that provide opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping and viewing wildlife. The lake is stocked with salmon and trout in the summer and is popular for ice fishing in winter.
The recreation area is run for the Forest Service by a concessionaire, and there is a day use fee. Discounts are available for holders of interagency senior, access or military passes. There are three basic campgrounds for RV or tent camping, Lodgepole, Aspen, and Jefferson Creek. Each features a camp host, picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and a water pump (not available in winter). Camping reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov and limited sites may be available on a first come, first served basis.
The Jefferson Creek campground includes two trailheads to the West Jefferson trail. Using the trailhead near the entrance to the campground, the trail goes along Jefferson Creek and climbs 1600ft over 9 miles before intersecting with the Colorado Trail, which can be used to loop back to the campground. Using the second trailhead, off the end of the campground loop, the West Jefferson trail intersects with the Colorado trail (segment 6) about 1/4 mile east of the campground. From this location the Colorado Trail leads north to Kenosha Pass or south to Georgia Pass. Entrance fee is required.
Alternate titles:
Jefferson Lake Loop, 2.5 mile loop around lake
West Jefferson Trail, 8.9 mile out and back trail
Colorado Trail, segment 6, north towards Kenosha Pass (11.5 miles) or south towards Georgia Pass (6 miles)
- Suitable Activities: Biking, Camping, Fly Fishing, Hiking
- Seasons: Year-round
- Weather: View weather forecast
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Land Manager:
U.S. Forest Service
South Park Ranger District (PSINF)
- Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- AllTrails
- COTREX
This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.
- Jefferson Lake Recreation Area - Jefferson Lake Loop
- Jefferson Lake Recreation Area - West Jefferson Trail
- Jefferson Lake Recreation Area - Colorado Trail, segment 6
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