james peak hike

All we needed was ski poles and a good pair of hiking shoes. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Just note you have to park on the crappy forest road to avoid parking illegally, and the shoulders of the road seem to fill up quickly, so smaller cars might have trouble finding a place to park. Most any route to James Peak on a summer weekend will find numerous other hikers. The route keeps to the left on the talus (it's more rocky on the right) down to the rocky outcrop in the center. This is a 15.9 mile loop hike with 6400 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 7-10 hours to complete. The trail to the glacier was crowded (and easy) but once there we left the crowds behind as we continued West towards the Continental Divide and our goal for the day. The trail at one point grazes the vertical east face of the peak, giving a dramatic alpine view. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. Bancroft: 10:25 am Car: 1:30 pm Special gear: Ice axe, micro spikes, crampons My parents are in town, so what better excuse to get a day off of work than: "Hey boss, my parents are in town. The Indian Peaks Wilderness has 4 trails covering 20 miles. The flats leading west to James Peak. James Peak was visible in the distance and I was happy to get some nice views at the end of the day. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. The Colorado Trail curves left when nearing the base of the ridge and heads down toward Bill Moore Lake. Crater Lakes Trail – James Peak Wilderness. Mount Bncroft visible on the right. James Peak is best hiked from the Roger’s Pass Trail during the months of June through August. James Peak rises above the alpine meadow. Many people in the Front Range are familiar with Saint Mary’s Glacier, which offers a short hike to a picturesque lake and a perennial glacier to boot. The steep trail follows the remains of a wagon road across loose rock. I only placed one piece of gear before topping out. James Peak is named after Dr. Edwin James, the botanist on Major Stephen H. Long's expedition of 1820. That being said, this is a 13er and the altitude and exposure to … Colorado Trail heads through the trees after a nice long meadowy walk. I left treeline quickly, and enjoyed the morning views as the Colorado Trail meandered through the tundra, intersecting the the James Peak Trail. After sitting down for a minute to catch our breath we pushed up to the summit. A James Peak Hike can have something for everyone! hiking views lake wild-flowers wildlife forest nature-trips dogs-leash backpacking river camping birding snowshoeing GPS Coordinates :: Download Coordinates. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. Photographs of the Rocky Mountain Climbers Club on a hike to James Peak in 1916. James Peak is a “13er” (summit over 13,000 feet) and is a great hike for the beginner hiker looking to get into more serious hikes. Overall it's just a pretty ridgeline, undulating over grassy tundra with a couple of very light rocky sections, only a few sections of Class 2. James Peak is best hiked from the Roger’s Pass Trail during the months of June through August. Almost at Mount Flora's false summit, view back along the ridgeline I traversed. Some final views toward James Peak as I descend down to my car. It is relatively easy, requires no technical climbing, and access is quick and easy from the Front Range communities. James Peak Lake (front) and Little Echo Lake (back) At this point, looking at James Peak Lake we only had around 210 vertical feet to climb, but it started to feel like hiking for a minute was extremely hard and we wanted to take breaks. If you have a mid-clearance vehicle, I'd recommend you start where I labeled "Park" on the map attached. Looking back. The lake is in Gilpin County. James Peak Trail is a 8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Black Hawk, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The steep ascent to Mount Bancroft was pleasant. I will be down in those trees seen top left after descending from the ridge. Those who are properly equipped frequently quest up the glacier to the tundra above and access the Continental Divide Trail as well as stunning views. The hike to James Peak is 8.3 miles round trip with approximately 2,900 feet of elevation gain. After hiking along the Colorado Trail, passing over Loch Lomond Road, and continuing up through the trees, I got some views of James Peak (center) and Mount Bancroft. Hiking in Colorado - James Peak - Colorado mountain hiking and trail photos. There are numerous high-alpine lakes, including Little Echo Lake and James Peak Lake, to establish camp and make the non-technical hike up James Peak. The James Peak Trail is an 8-mile moderately trafficked hiking trail near Black Hawk and Rollinsville, Colorado. The other two suggestions can be accessed by passenger car. Nearing the Parry Peak summit, view back toward Mount Bancroft and James Peak. For those who have skied at this ski area, most likely they have skied near the foot of the peak without realizing that James Peak is the 66th highest prominence peak in the state of Utah. Please use this forum to tell us about any new or out-of-date information about Muizenberg Peak to St James Peak Hike or to ask or answer any questions specific to this page. Overview Tucked away on the northern border of the Powder Mountain ski area is a mountain known today as James Peak. Thanks in advance! Mount Flora is visible on the left. Our fund raising campaign has come to a close. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. Once on it, the Colorado Trail started up toward the Loch Lomond Road before paralleling it, crossing it, and continuing up toward James Peak. Once at the peak, it provides a great 360-degree view of the Front Range mountains. Mount Eva summit detritus, view south toward Mount Flora. Be prepared for a strenuous trek that includes a snow climb and plenty of time above tree line. I recommend the route via Saint Mary’s Glacier near Idaho Springs. Continuing south toward the traverse to come. View Trip Reports; Add a Trip Report; Weather. Call Number . ... Winter Park and Mary Jane ski areas as seen by looking northwest from the summit of James Peak. James Peak - 8.3 Miles Summit County - Eagle County - Clear Creek County. The trail leads out of frame on the top left when coming down. Parry Peak is visible top right. James Peak provides fantastic summit view of the front range and continental divide but is completely exposed to the elements for the entire hike. Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. The majority of the hike follows the Colorado Trail. Looking back at the high traverse. Most people seem to approach Mount Flora and the subsequent traverse to James Peak by coming up from Colorado Mines Peak via Berthoud Pass. Hiking Trails . We did the hike starting around 8 AM and reached the top at 10:20 AM. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. James Peak is one of 76 13,000'+ peaks in Colorado's front range. Mount Eva summit, view back toward Parry Peak and Mount Bancroft. Description . Allow for … Hiking info for James Peak, Parry Peak, Mount Eva, Mount Flora Loop, located in Arapaho National Forest, Colorado. Trail Description: From the James Peak Lake Trailhead, the James Peak Lake Trail drops 500 feet into the James Peak Wilderness to James Peak Lake, set in the basin below the east face of James Peak. The Heart Lake Trail, Forest Lakes Trail, and Crater Lakes Trail are all part of the James Peak Wilderness Area with their trailheads located at the Moffat Tunnel East Portal about 8 miles west of Rollinsville, Co, on the well-groomed dirt Tolland Road ( also called East Portal Road or County Road 16, turn off from Highway 119). View Trailheads; Post a TH Status Update; Update TH Cell Reception; 14er THs by Road Difficulty; Trip Reports. On your way up to the peak you will pass St. Mary's Glacier. This is a 15.9 mile loop hike with 6400 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 7-10 hours to complete. Once we got past St. Mary's glacier, there were five more snow fields to cross and mostly rocky terrain. The trail to the glacier is in between these two lots (look for the sign that says “Glacier Hike”). 1916. From CO-119, turn left onto Cnty Rd 16, Tolland Rd and head west for 5 miles. Mounta Flora summit ahead, Ethel Lake below. The spot I labeled Alternative Parking 1 (39.81317, -105.65609) is the standard trailhead to get up to Loch Lomond (which isn't a trail really, just a pretty poor road), but the neighborhood is unfriendly to hikers, with signs reading "no parking" all over. The other two suggestions can be accessed by passenger car. I crossed the road leading to Bill Moore Lake (Alternative Parking 2 on the map), picking up the trail again on the opposite side of the road. Just Hiking. Ice Lake and Loch Lomond below were incredibly scenic and colorful, and the ridge between the peaks was quite photogenic. Spruce really enjoyed hiking James Peak and got some great model photos! The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. It descended along the slopes, which became riddled with talus, switchbacking down to avoid some of the more rocky regions. James Peak summit, view north toward the Indian Peaks Wilderness. BHS 143-1-3. A snow climb of Shooting Star Couloir on James Peak. James Peak Wilderness, CO Distance: 8.3 miles Traveled: St. Mary’s Glacier Trailhead to James Peak Summit (13,294′) “The foreground was now aflame with autumn colors, brown and purple and gold, ripe in the mellow sunshine; contrasting brightly with the deep, cobalt blue of the sky, and the black and gray, and pure, spiritual white of the rocks and glaciers.” Above treeline, heading toward James Peak. Description: Nestled at 13,294 feet in elevation, James Peak is a close escape from the Boulder/Denver metro area. Avoiding the rocky outcrop on Class 2, hugging the cliff. The flagship and highest peak in Gilpin County- where I call home- can be reached in number of ways. I picked up the Colorado Trail and followed it along the ridge. James Peak Lake Trail– A short downhill hike to James Lake, nestled at the bottom of 13,294 ft. high James Peak. When you reach the base of the obvious face of James Peak, which is a mix of tundra and rocks, the trail makes easy switchbacks but at a steeper grade. Looking back, the ridge I came down from Mount Flora visible on the left. It's good that you spend time with your family." Easiest 14er Hikes; Cell Phone Reception; 13er Routes; Mountaineering Safety; Safety Videos; Difficulty Rating System; Gear List; Peak Conditions. It was slow-going - the snow was pretty solid, providing a good climbing surface, and my hiking poles helped provide a bit of stability. It is not an actual glacier yet a permeant snow field that is popular among skiers and snowboarders year round. The trail begins at the top of a ridge and rapidly descends a rocky trail to the lake. Or join our World Forum for more general information. Colorado Trail gains a little elevation as it hugs the slopes. Contents . Weather and Snow National Weather Service Forecast NOAA Snow Depth Map Lists that contain James Peak: U.S. County High Points over 13,000 feet - 48 States (Rank #38) Fifty Highest CoHPs in Lower 48 (Rank #33) U.S. County High Points over 13,000 feet (Rank #45) Fifty Highest CoHPs (Rank #40) 100 Highest CoHPs in Lower 48 (Rank #33) 100 Highest CoHPs (Rank #40) Colorado County High Points … Deer, birds, marmots, and fox are prolific in the area early in the morning. At 13,294 feet James Peak is the 5th highest summit in the Indian Peaks. The trail was obvious at first, and followed the wide and expansive ridge. That being said, this is a 13er and the altitude and exposure to … The Colorado Trail basically follows the treeline on the left. Once on James Peak, I took in the smoky views north toward the Indian Peaks Wilderness before starting down its south ridge to the saddle with Mount Bancroft. Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. 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