Jasper Lake is also a reservoir and may be partially drained during the summer to accommodate downstream water needs

Jasper Lake's large footprint and kidney bean shape can be seen in full on the challenging climb to its origin at the Storm Lakes

Looking south across the valley at the Woodland Mountain ridgeline

Social and campsite access trails runs along much of the shore and provide anglers with a number of roomy places to cast

Camping is strictly limited to numbered sites around Jasper Lake, but dispersed camping is permitted in large outlying meadows

The trail begins on a steep climb through aspen-studded hillsides

A challenging cross-country route follows Jasper Lake's inlet (Jasper Creek) .5 miles and 600' up to its origin at Storm Lake

Jasper Lake's outlet cascades over the main trail, which must be crossed on a makeshift log bridge

In recent years, moose have become more common in the Hessie and Brainard Lake areas due to successful breeding and minimal natural predation

Though often crowded on weekends, Jasper Lake's large, shapely shore provides numerous private coves with easy water access

Jasper Creek meets South Fork Middle Boulder Creek just upstream from the Devils Thumb Bypass Trail split, where it continues as Middle Boulder Creek into Barker Reservoir in Nederland

The Devils Thumb Bypass Trail runs through a large, flower-filled meadow across the Indian Peaks Wilderness Boundary

Jasper Lake's sunny, south-facing approach makes it relatively accessible well into late fall

Golden Banners grow well on sunny slopes, and are particulary drought tolerant

Crossing the Indian Peaks Wilderness boundary en route to Jasper Lake

Jasper Lake may be frozen or snow covered into June and again by October

Devils Thumb Lake is located 1 mile up-valley from Jasper Lake

Jasper Lake outlet

Jasper Lake still partially frozen in early summer

Slick conditions on Middle Boulder Creek can last through early summer and begin again by September