High Lonesome

This trail in itself is not hard. It’s getting there and getting home that makes it hard.

There are several options: 1) Do a car shuttle leaving one car at the Devils Thumb trailhead and then drive to Meadow Creek Reservoir (only 6 miles of riding, but lots of time in the shuttling. 2) Have someone drive you to Meadow Creek Reservoir and ride the trail and into town (about 12.5 miles). Or 3) If you are truly sick and in need of severe punishment ride from town to the trailhead (18.6 miles from Winter Park and a good, steep climb) ride the trail (6 miles) and then ride back to town (about 6.5).

Highlights of The High Lonesome Trail

This trail follows along the Continental Divide reaching the highest elevation of around 10,400ft. Mostly single track, the trail goes through beautiful high alpine meadows with some challenging trail sections that drop you into thicker forest and onto the lower section of the Devils Thumb trail.

Driving directions forcar options

1) Car shuttle:

From the Visitor Center in Winter Park take US Hwy 40 north for 2.9 miles through Fraser to County Road 8 (CR 8). Continue on CR 8 for 4.6 miles to FDR 128, turn left, north. (On CR 8, there are several intersections, stay on 8). Continue on for 1.9 miles. On the right you will see a sign that reads Devils Thumb Trail. Turn right and park one car at the end. Take the second car and proceed north on FDR128 approximately 5 miles to FDR 129. Turn right and follow this road approximately 6 miles to Meadow Creek Reservoir. Upon reaching the dam, stay left and follow the road around the reservoir to the Junco Lake parking area, the only major left turn after you have gone around the lake. There is a large parking area and the trailhead is well marked.

2) Driving directions for getting dropped off:

From the Visitor Center in Winter Park, drive north on US Hwy 40 5.6 miles to County Road 83. At the first fork in the road, take a left turn onto County Road 84. (FDR 129) Stay left again at the second intersection, following signs for Meadow Creek Reservoir (about 13.6 miles). Upon reaching the dam, stay left and follow the road around the reservoir to the Junco Lake parking area, the only major left turn after you have gone around the lake. There is a large parking area and the trailhead is well marked.

3) The Gnarly Riding Option:

If you are going to ride the entire thing, you can choose which way to go. Follow either driving directions. Riding to Meadow Creek Reservoir starts out with a big climb. Riding up to Devils Thumb gives you a bigger descent at the end of the ride. Either way, it’s pretty epic. Go prepared.

Starting at the Junco Lake trailhead, take the South (right) direction and begin the ride. (The trail heading left goes to Columbine Lake). The trail climbs gradually for about 2.5 miles on rocky technical single track through giant alpine meadows. Then the trail begins to descend for another mile to the junction of the Hamilton Creek trail (a four wheel drive road). DO NOT TAKE THIS ROAD! Continue on the High Lonesome trail, crossing Hamilton Creek. (This entire trail is on single track, if you are not on single track you are on the wrong trail!) The next junction, near the end of the ride, is for Devils Thumb Pass trail. Continue straight. The last section of the trail is flat and follows Little Cabin Creek to the Devils Thumb Trailhead.