Josephine Lake #1916

Facility · Colorado ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

White River National Forest (NF) · Open Access

10,374 ft
Elevation

The trail starts at the junction with Henderson Park trail and ends at the lake. Josephine Lake Trail climbs about 1,100 feet in elevation in just a little over one mile; until you get on the ridge at which time the trail drops down by the lake surrounded by 12,000+ foot peaks. The entire length of this hike; in at Henderson Park trailhead, up to Josephine Lake, out at Henderson Park trailhead; is 10.8 miles from start to finish - a tough one day, yet a beautiful backpack trip. There are great views of the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness to the south with the Elk Mountains off to the right and in the distance. You can also access this trail from Last Chance Creek trail. Wildflowers are in abundance in the meadow on the trails leading to Josephine Lake.

Getting there

From Carbondale travel east on Hwy 82 to Basalt. Turn left at the stoplight and travel 27 miles up the Fryingpan River Road. Turn left at road #501, travel one mile past Elk Wallow Campground and take the left fork one tenth of a mile to the trailhead on the left side of the roadway (difficult to see). It is marked as Henderson Park. The hike up the trail is strenuous at first but mellows out to the first meadow which is Henderson Park. Take the left fork for another mile to Coffeepot Park. Josephine Lake Trail is just a little further on your right.

39.37879, -106.58300 · 39°22'43.6"N 106°34'58.8"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in2.52.42.63.02.01.01.61.61.51.82.32.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Josephine Lake #1916

Can you reserve a site at Josephine Lake #1916?
No. Josephine Lake #1916 is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Josephine Lake #1916

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Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.