Jefferson Lake

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Container Type: Ammo Can
Code Location: Inside container
Access Info: This cache is located on USFS property in a fee area.
Winter Access: Difficult due to road closures.

Jefferson Lake serves as a reservoir for the City of Aurora's water supply and was naturally formed by a rockslide. The dam for the lake was first constructed in 1898 and was reconstructed in the 1920s. The high altitude lake is a popular recreation area near the historic community of Jefferson and offers hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking.

Jefferson Lake in the 1920s, courtesy of the Park County Local History Archives

Take County Road 54 north from Jefferson until the paved road ends. Turn right on to CR 37 and follow the road to the Jefferson Lake Recreation Area. A $6 fee is charged per vehicle to enter the area. Continue up for the main road towards the lake, which turns into a paved road as it starts to climb. Continue to the boat launch parking area and follow the trail around the lake. Use caution when retrieving the cache on the hillside as it may be slippery.