Aspen

About

Aspen Campground occupies a scenic valley at 9,900 feet elevation along Jefferson Creek at the base of Jefferson Hill in Pike National Forest. The single-loop campground is shaded by groves of aspen and mature spruce trees, creating a classic Colorado mountain setting. Jefferson Lake lies a few miles upstream, one of the highest-elevation lakes in the area at 10,685 feet, bordered by steep 12,000-foot peaks. The campground serves as an excellent basecamp for hiking, biking, and horseback riding on the Colorado Trail, which stretches 471 miles from Denver to Durango. The West Jefferson Loop Trail offers an 11-mile foot path ascending to the Continental Divide. Anglers can pursue rainbow, brown, mackinaw, and brook trout in both the creek and lake. Jefferson Lake permits no-wake boating with an accessible boat ramp. Each of the 11 sites includes a picnic table, fire ring with grate, and pedestal grill. Vault toilets and potable water from a hand pump are available. Gravel parking aprons accommodate up to two vehicles per site, with a maximum trailer length of 25 feet. No hookups or dump station are available.

Directions

From Fairplay, take Highway 285 north to Jefferson, then turn left on County Road 35. Travel approximately 2 miles and turn right on County Road 37. Continue approximately 2.5 miles to Aspen Campground.