The 886-acre Tarryall Reservoir State Wildlife Area is located south of Jefferson along the scenic Tarryall Road (County Road 77). Fishing, hunting, camping, and wildlife viewing are allowed in accordance with state regulations and restrooms, campsites, and a boat ramp are provided. Please visit the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website for a map of designated parking areas and facilities. To Read more...

Jefferson Lake is situated in a steep valley surrounded by 12,000+ feet peaks. It is a very picturesque body of water. It is one of the highest lakes in the state and definitely snow fed and cold. There is a 1.5 mile trail that circles the lake. Located approximately 8 miles northwest of the town of Jefferson, this is a Read more...

The Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad completed construction on the depot at Jefferson around 1880. The railway was a boon to local ranchers who could now ship their hay and cattle to markets in Denver and Leadville far more easily. Read more...

The Jefferson Lake Picnic Area is next to Jefferson Lake and includes six picnic sites. Each site is equipped with a grill, a picnic table, and parking for up to two vehicles. It is difficult to access Jefferson Lake Picnic Area during the winter months because the roads to this site are not maintained for snow throughout the winter. Directions Read more...

The Beaver Ponds Picnic Area offers day use visitors in the Jefferson Lake Recreation Area an opportunity to have a picnic meal. There are four designated sites each with a grill and a picnic table. There is parking for visitors at this area. Directions From Highway 285 at Jefferson, take County Road 35 north to County Road 37 and turn Read more...

The Rock Creek Trailhead provides access to the Colorado Trail and the Ben Tyler Trail inside of the Lost Creek Wilderness Area. The Colorado Trail goes from Denver down to Durango including 483 miles that stretch through six national forests, six wilderness areas, traverses five major river systems, and penetrates eight of the state’s mountain ranges. What makes the Colorado Read more...

North Fork Trailhead provides access to the Colorado Trail (segment 4) going east into Lost Creek Wilderness or going northwest outside of the wilderness area. The Colorado Trail goes from Denver down to Durango including 483 miles that stretch through six national forests, six wilderness areas, traverses five major river systems, and penetrates eight of the state’s mountain ranges. What Read more...

The Nate Stultz Trailhead is located near Tarryall Reservoir off County Road 77 and provides access to the Nate Stultz Trail. It is a moderate three mile trail that travels north to the Lost Park Road (County Road 56). This trail splits and offers two other routes as well; one spur goes southeast for about 2 miles and the other Read more...

The Long Gulch Trailhead provides access to a portion of the Colorado Trail (segment 4) that runs just outside of the Lost Creek Wilderness Area, which is available to mountain bikers. Hikers interested in entering the wilderness on the Colorado Trail may want to consider using the Rock Creek Trailhead that is just north of Long Gulch. Directions From Jefferson, Read more...