Overview
Jefferson Hill from Jefferson Creek As far as “hills” go, this one gets a gold star. Jefferson Hill is a rugged, handsome little hill that provides for fun scrambling and big-country vistas. The summit affords expansive views of the Kenosha Mountains to the east, especially the North Twin Cone (12,323 ft.) and South Twin Cone (12,265 ft.). All this can be enjoyed in a relatively brief outing requiring some bushwacking and enjoyable scrambling.
Jefferson Hill presents a steep and bold rocky face to the eastern viewer, but the western slope is more gentle and forgiving.
Colorado Rank: 2,036
th highest peak in Colorado
Prominence: 331 feet
Mountain Range: Front Range
USGS Quad: Jefferson
Trails Illustrated Map: #105 (Tarryall Mts., Kenosha Pass)
*Rank and Prominence Reference: Lists of John
Getting There
Elk Herd near Ohler Gulch Closer view of Elk Herd near Ohler Gulch Jefferson Hill is just a few miles northwest of Hwy 285 via nicely graded dirt roads accessible via standard motor vehicle.
Red Tape
Jefferson Hill from the beaver ponds North Twin Cone & South Twin Cone Jefferson Hill is contained within a National Forest Service Fee Area. Access to this area and facilities requires payment of a $5 entry fee at the entry guard station or un-manned kiosk.Camping & Lodging
There are two national forest campgrounds right near Jefferson Hill, which operate only during the summer months.
Aspen Campground | Lodgepole Campground |
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- 12 campsites
- Elevation: 9,900 ft.
- Picnic tables, fire rings and a vault toilet
- Reservations accepted
| - 35 campsites
- Elevation: 9,900 ft.
- Picnic tables, fire rings and a vault toilet
- Reservations accepted.
|
Summit ridge limber pines Weather & Seasons
Winter & Spring: Due to seasonal closures of Forest Service Roads, Jefferson Hill is accessible between early summer and late Fall, depending on snow pack. The recreation area stays open later in the season than the nearby campgrounds, but the Forest Service will close the vehicle gate once winter sets in.
Summer: Expect insane crowds and limited parking in this popular area during the summer. Unless you can visit during the week, I would recommend avoiding this recreation area during the summer months to enjoy some solitude.
Fall: Fall is a pleasant time to visit Jefferson Hill, but I suggest getting there before the snow flies to keep the summit scramble more pleasant and to minimize the distance of your walk should snow conditions require the Forest Service to close the vehicle gate.