Trekking to the Devil’s Thumb, Colorado

This Devils Thumb Hike is 7.5 Miles – Rating Hard 

For those of you who have visited Grand County you have heard of Devil’s Thumb, a rock formation named for its distinct, thumb-like shape that juts prominently from the surrounding landscape. The history of Devil’s Thumb is deeply rooted in both Native American legends and the early settlement of the Fraser Valley. For centuries, the Arapaho and Ute tribes inhabited the area, and the distinctive rock formation held significant cultural meaning. According to local legend, the Devil’s Thumb represents the severed thumb of a defeated warrior or spirit, left protruding from the earth as a symbol of a great battle or conflict between supernatural forces. These stories contributed to the mystique and aura of the rock, making it a notable landmark long before European settlers arrived. In the late 19th century, as explorers, miners, and settlers moved westward, the Devil’s Thumb became a prominent landmark for those traversing the rugged terrain of the Rockies. The area around the Devil’s Thumb was initially settled by homesteaders drawn by the promise of rich hunting grounds, abundant timber, and land suitable for ranching and farming. The formation also guided early travelers and prospectors moving through the area, serving as a natural compass point amid the vast wilderness.