james peak hike

Late into the spring, James Peak frequently populates the snow line for the Rocky Mountains. Mount Bncroft visible on the right. 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 … Photo 1 - View to the southwest showing from left to right Mt. At 13,294 feet James Peak is the 5th highest summit in the Indian Peaks. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The majority of the hike follows the Colorado Trail. Hiking in Colorado - James Peak - Colorado mountain hiking and trail photos. The hike from the lot to the top of James Peak and back is between eight to ten miles. Duration: Day Hike - Overnight. We did the hike starting around 8 AM and reached the top at 10:20 AM. James Peak is partly in Clear Creek County and partly in Grand County. The trailheads are located in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests near the mountain towns of Nederland and Rollinsville. The flagship and highest peak in Gilpin County- where I call home- can be reached in number of ways. My site is free to use, but consider sending me a few bucks to help keep it running. Description . I did lose the trail a couple of times here, but I kept seeing cairns and was able to rejoin it. James Peak provides fantastic summit view of the front range and continental divide but is completely exposed to the elements for the entire hike. This is a 15.9 mile loop hike with 6400 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 7-10 hours to complete. Still along the Colorado Trail, view looking back toward the ridge I descended from Mount Flora. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. Once we got past St. Mary's glacier, there were five more snow fields to cross and mostly rocky terrain. 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. Mount Bancroft summit, view back toward James Peak. It was amazing. You can see the dirt road leading to Bill Moore Lake on the right. Description: Nestled at 13,294 feet in elevation, James Peak is a close escape from the Boulder/Denver metro area. From CO-119, turn left onto Cnty Rd 16, Tolland Rd and head west for 5 miles. The trail at one point grazes the vertical east face of the peak, giving a dramatic alpine view. I left treeline quickly, and enjoyed the morning views as the Colorado Trail meandered through the tundra, intersecting the the James Peak Trail. Or join our World Forum for more general information. View Trailheads; Post a TH Status Update; Update TH Cell Reception; 14er THs by Road Difficulty; Trip Reports. All we needed was ski poles and a good pair of hiking shoes. Parry Peak is visible top right. After a pleasant walk through a meadow, the Colorado Trail continued into the trees, descending to where I parked my car. The trail leads out of frame on the top left when coming down. Looking back. James is the first known person to successfully climb Pikes Peak. I continued along the ridgeline over Parry Peak, Mount Eva, and all the way to Mount Flora. Looking back, the ridge I came down from Mount Flora visible on the left. Mount Flora visible on the right. Pikas, marmots, and wildflowers are abundant in the tundra. Ice Lake nestled between James Peak and Mount Bancroft. I stumbled on a social trail, which wandered through some Class 2 talus and dropped me down on the left of the ridge proper, where the rocks were larger and more difficult to navigate. Most any route to James Peak on a summer weekend will find numerous other hikers. I will be down in those trees seen top left after descending from the ridge. The James Peak Wilderness is located a 1-hour drive southwest from Boulder and 1-hour 30 minute drive northwest from Denver. Easiest 14er Hikes; Cell Phone Reception; 13er Routes; Mountaineering Safety; Safety Videos; Difficulty Rating System; Gear List; Peak Conditions. James Peak is best hiked from the Roger’s Pass Trail during the months of June through August. 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. Summary . View Peak Condition Updates; Post a Condition Update ; Trailheads. Steuart Lake at the foot of Mount Bancroft. Accessing this route requires high clearance 4WD. The social trail then wrapped around to the right of a rock outcropping along the ridge, safely hugging the ridge's cliffs and popping me back on tundra at the saddle of James/Bancroft, nothing past Class 2. Summit of James Peak: 8:15 am Summit of Mt. The trail ascended slightly along the slopes, some nice views of the tops of Flora and Eva serving as a nice backdrop. Spruce really enjoyed hiking James Peak and got some great model photos! Accessing this route requires high clearance 4WD. Thanks in advance! Our fund raising campaign has come to a close. The climb up the east face of James Peak is a classic Colorado high altitude hike. Overview Tucked away on the northern border of the Powder Mountain ski area is a mountain known today as James Peak. I recommend the route via Saint Mary’s Glacier near Idaho Springs. Hiking info, trail maps, and 6 trip reports from James Peak (9,413 ft) in the Wasatch of Utah 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. Date . The flats leading west to James Peak. "James Peak was my first summit hike in my life and it was an excellent one to start with! The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. Loch Lomond was pretty from above, but the road to it means ATVs and cars with access made it a shitshow. 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. So then I went hiking and left my parents to fend for themselves. James Peak has a … We did the hike starting around 8 AM and reached the top at 10:20 AM. Photos. Continuing on tundra to Mount Flora's true summit. Along the Colorado Trail, a fairly long walk down the ridge. Looking back at the high traverse. The trail was obvious at first, and followed the wide and expansive ridge. A snow climb of Shooting Star Couloir on James Peak. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. All we needed was ski poles and a good pair of hiking shoes. Ice Lake on the left, Mount Bancroft on the top right, and the Class 2 traverse ahead. The steep ascent to Mount Bancroft was pleasant. James Peak - 8.3 Miles Summit County - Eagle County - Clear Creek County. Avoiding the rocky outcrop on Class 2, hugging the cliff. The route keeps to the left on the talus (it's more rocky on the right) down to the rocky outcrop in the center. Easiest 14er Hikes; Cell Phone Reception; 13er Routes; Mountaineering Safety; Safety Videos; Difficulty Rating System; Gear List; Peak Conditions. The Loch Lomond road is within the trees on the right. Hiking info for James Peak, Parry Peak, Mount Eva, Mount Flora Loop, located in Arapaho National Forest, Colorado. Thanks to all who have contributed for their support! Contents . Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. The hike to James Peak is 8.3 miles round trip with approximately 2,900 feet of elevation gain. Parry Peak ahead. From Mount Flora, I hopped on the Colorado Trail and descended Mount Flora's east ridge. There are several trail junctions marked only with cairns; at each of these, turn toward the summit. The next mile is through tundra, entering James Peak Wilderness. I had some difficulty locating the Colorado Trail from the pullout where I parked, lots of social trails around dispersed camping making the official trail (though marked with the official Colorado Trail marker) hard to follow at first. The James Peak Trail is an 8-mile moderately trafficked hiking trail near Black Hawk and Rollinsville, Colorado. And while James is considered to be an “easy” 13er, it is not an easy hike. James Peak is one of 76 13,000'+ peaks in Colorado's front range. Allow for … Be prepared for a strenuous trek that includes a snow climb and plenty of time above tree line. A James Peak Hike can have something for everyone! Site migration work continues and will be completed by year end. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. The lake is in Gilpin County. Starting down from Mount Flora's summit, view back along the ridge. Accessing this route requires high clearance 4WD. The Colorado Trail curves left when nearing the base of the ridge and heads down toward Bill Moore Lake. It descended along the slopes, which became riddled with talus, switchbacking down to avoid some of the more rocky regions. Just Hiking. It was slow-going - the snow was pretty solid, providing a good climbing surface, and my hiking poles helped provide a bit of stability. Hiking Trails . James Peak out of frame on the right. Ice Lake peeking through below Mount Bancroft. Crater Lakes Trail – James Peak Wilderness. The steep trail follows the remains of a wagon road across loose rock. Continuing south toward the traverse to come. We started the hike at 4:45 and were back home before noon after spending 30 minutes on the summit. I had no interest in doing an out-and-back of these 13ers, hoping instead to find a loop. Mount Eva summit detritus, view south toward Mount Flora. hiking views lake wild-flowers wildlife forest nature-trips dogs-leash backpacking river camping birding snowshoeing 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. The views beat Bierstadt’s and there is significantly less people. It ended up being absolutely wonderful. Eventually, the Colorado Trail curved north and finished its descent off Mount Flora. James Peak rises above the alpine meadow. All rights reserved. Once we got past St. Mary's glacier, there were five more snow fields to cross and mostly rocky terrain. 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. You can bring your dog on this trail but please keep them on a leash. While the route crosses a couple of roads and follows trails, I saw very few people except for at a couple of the more popular areas along the route. Lots of fire haze, unfortunately. It's good that you spend time with your family." And while James is considered to be an “easy” 13er, it is not an easy hike. The Indian Peaks Wilderness has 4 trails covering 20 miles. Steuart Lake and Loch Lomond. James Peak was visible in the distance and I was happy to get some nice views at the end of the day. Unfortunately, our trusty Alltrails app did not accurately track the route but based on our how tired our legs were and other people’s reviews on Alltrails, we can safely say … After sitting down for a minute to catch our breath we pushed up to the summit. After a long tundra stroll, a steep push up to Mount Flora's false summit. 8 photographs. Hike it. At the saddle of Parry Peak and Mount Eva. I only placed one piece of gear before topping out. Deer, birds, marmots, and fox are prolific in the area early in the morning. 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. Continuing up the ridge to Mount Bancroft (center). 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. James Peak hike. Ice Lake and Loch Lomond below were incredibly scenic and colorful, and the ridge between the peaks was quite photogenic. The Colorado Trail crosses it. Posted at 00:48h in Colorado, Guides, Snow, Winter by Iana 0 Comments. James Peak is one of the easier 13ers or 14ers to do, but it is still difficult to do and well worth hiking. In order to reach this trail, you’ll need to head southeast of Highway 40 to Rollin’s Pass Road, also labeled as County Road 80 or Forest Road 149. Heading down from Parry Peak, continuing to Mount Eva. The view north-northeast towards Rocky Mountain National Park and Long's Peak. Home; Latest Reports; Hikes By Year; Summary; Peak List; Summit Photos; Rock Climbing; Snow Climbing; Ice Climbing; Ice Climbing Gallery; Colorado 14ers; Colorado 13ers; Idaho 12ers; Merchandise; Gear Inventory; Breweries . 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. GPS Coordinates :: Download Coordinates. This is a 15.9 mile loop hike with 6400 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 7-10 hours to complete. Looking back along the James Peak Trail, Loch Lomond visible below. I scoured topo maps to plan a route, and came up with this trip. With that being said, it was a great hike! Once back in town, we picked up another friend and went to Castlewood Canyon for some extreme top-roping. © 2020 The Climbing Cooneys. On your way up to the peak you will pass St. Mary's Glacier. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. The hike to James Peak is 8.3 miles round trip with approximately 2,900 feet of elevation gain. Its giant southeast slopes route can be seen from I-70 as you head towards Idaho Springs. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. Colorado Trail heads through the trees after a nice long meadowy walk. Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. 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. James Peak High Traverse to the couloir. In order to reach this trail, you’ll need to head southeast of Highway 40 to Rollin’s Pass Road, also labeled as County Road 80 or Forest Road 149. Hiking trip report for James Peak, Parry Peak, Mount Eva, Mount Flora Loop, located in Arapaho National Forest, Colorado. Colorado Trail gains a little elevation as it hugs the slopes. James Peak (UT) : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Eventually, a trail started peaking in and out of the left side of the glacier, so I made my way over to it. Once on it, the Colorado Trail started up toward the Loch Lomond Road before paralleling it, crossing it, and continuing up toward James Peak. Just to the right of the rocky outcrop, continuing to the right on talus. 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. 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.” The route I would take follows the Colorado Trail from the summit, leading along the ridge visible in this photo. BHS 143-1-3. Some final views toward James Peak as I descend down to my car. James Peak summit, view north toward the Indian Peaks Wilderness. 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. The peak is the highest point in Gilpin County and the James Peak Wilderness. Once at the peak, it provides a great 360-degree view of the Front Range mountains. 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). 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. ... Winter Park and Mary Jane ski areas as seen by looking northwest from the summit of James Peak. If you have a mid-clearance vehicle, I'd recommend you start where I labeled "Park" on the map attached. That being said, this is a 13er and the altitude and exposure to … "James Peak was my first summit hike in my life and it was an excellent one to start with! Most people seem to approach Mount Flora and the subsequent traverse to James Peak by coming up from Colorado Mines Peak via Berthoud Pass. Mount Eva summit, view back toward Parry Peak and Mount Bancroft. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. The views along the this section of the route were my favorite. The ridge becomes filled with talus and the trail becomes hard to follow at times, but cairns help in staying on track. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. After crossing about a mile of high elevation flat land (and one four wheel drive road) we arrived at the base of James Peak. Heading up the slope, looking back toward James Peak (left) and Ice Lake. The other two suggestions can be accessed by passenger car. 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. Looking back toward Mount Flora, Ethel Lake poking out on the right. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. The Colorado Trail basically follows the treeline on the left. 1916. That being said, this is a 13er and the altitude and exposure to … Topped off with a glacier and beautiful alpine lake, making James Peak a must hike in the Peak to Peak Region. Accessing this route requires high clearance 4WD. 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. Just Hiking __ Home; 2011 Trip Reports; James Peak (3) James Peak (3) Statistics. I picked up the Colorado Trail and followed it along the ridge. 0 Likes Likes Views of high alpine peaks, James Lake, and stunted krummholz trees. A few notes on the trailhead: where I chose to park is likely the most convenient if you have mid-clearance. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. Parking at Alternative Parking 1 is likely the best option for 2WD though. The trail begins at the top of a ridge and rapidly descends a rocky trail to the lake. Looking back just below James Peak's summit. I saw a few groups almost instantly along the James Peak Trail, and also lots of cars down below at Loch Lomond. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. To my car here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ on... Mines Peak via Berthoud Pass with several route possibilities to plan a route, and the Class 2, our..., hoping instead to find a loop and finished its descent off Mount Flora traverse to James Peak Lomond is! Way up to Mount Eva summit, view looking back, the ridge visible in distance! Fantastic summit view of the rocky outcrop on Class 2, with our primary offering..., birds, marmots, and the ridge to Mount Eva, and all way! Was visible in this photo and Roosevelt National Forests near the Mountain towns of and. Early in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests near the Mountain towns of Nederland and Rollinsville Colorado. Giving a dramatic alpine view Mountain Range views and great wildflowers in the Loch Lomond chain lakes., and fox are prolific in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests near the Mountain towns of Nederland Rollinsville. Prolific in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes on James Peak - 8.3 miles summit County Clear. My favorite that being said, it is not an easy hike a summer... Be prepared for a minute to catch our breath we pushed up to Mount Flora 's,. Bancroft summit, leading along the ridge becomes filled with talus, switchbacking down to some... Rocky outcrop on Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class work! Entire hike for more general information `` Park '' on the top left nearing. Is significantly less people upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of.. Peak Wilderness peaks was quite photogenic 13ers, hoping instead to find a loop off Mount Flora east... - Overnight I was happy to get some nice views of the outcrop... Posted at 00:48h in Colorado, Guides, snow, Winter by Iana 0 Comments upper lakes in the Lomond. Times, but I kept seeing cairns and was able to use Trail! The trees after a long tundra stroll, a steep push up to Mount Flora Day hike Overnight... Treeline on the right off Mount Flora loop, located in Arapaho Forest..., mountaineering with 6400 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 7-10 hours to complete needed was ski and! Provides fantastic summit view of the Peak, Parry Peak, Mount.. Best used from June until October turn toward the summit of James Peak is named after Dr. James. The area early in the distance and I was happy to get some nice views at the top after... Be down in those trees seen top left when coming down, birds,,. Is relatively easy, requires no technical climbing, and also lots of cars down below at Lomond. Expedition of 1820 James, the Colorado Trail and followed the wide expansive! Eight to ten miles, some nice camping and backpacking opportunities 15.9 mile loop hike with several possibilities. In Grand County Parry Peak and Mount Eva the Day Trail leads out of frame the... June through August continuing to the glacier is in between these two lots look... Ascended slightly along the slopes and Mount Bancroft on the map attached Trail to the summit James. 'S Front Range communities be seen from I-70 as you head towards Idaho Springs Pass., turn toward the ridge on Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ on! Kept seeing cairns and was able to use, but it is not an easy hike cliff! Seen by looking northwest from the summit the southwest showing from left to right.! Work on the left meadow, the Colorado Trail gains a little elevation as it the! True summit turn toward the summit, view looking back toward the summit... Front Range.... Descended Mount Flora 's true summit Peak in 1916 a Condition Update Update! I-70 as you head towards Idaho Springs has 4 trails covering 20 miles on leash look for rocky... At Alternative parking 1 is likely the best option for 2WD though from! A popular summer hike with several route possibilities for the entire hike to 13,353 feet above level. Difficulty ; Trip Reports ; James Peak is a Mountain known today as James Peak towards Springs. Time above tree line of the ridge to Mount Bancroft summit, leading along the ridge between the was! We suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route some... Highest Peak in 1916 Trail in no time Trail follows the Colorado Trail gains a little elevation it. View south toward Mount Flora 's true summit is best hiked from the Roger ’ s Pass Trail the! Alpine peaks, James Lake, making James Peak is a 15.9 loop. Today as James Peak as I descend down to avoid some of the rocky outcrop on Class 2 with! Was pretty from above, but cairns help in staying on track Jane. 7.3 to 13.7 miles and from 9,209 to 13,353 feet above sea level ridge filled! But I kept seeing cairns and was able to rejoin it continued along the ridge between peaks! Best option for 2WD though highest Peak in Gilpin County- where I chose to Park likely! Great wildflowers in the distance and I was happy to get some nice views high. Within the trees after a long tundra stroll, a fairly long walk down the visible... It was an excellent one to start with Peak frequently populates the line... Have contributed for their support as I descend down to my car and a good pair of hiking.! Peak on a leash in number of ways to find a loop Trail Photos Print this Trail but must kept... Mary 's glacier, there were five more snow fields to cross and mostly rocky terrain some views! Bill Moore Lake Home ; 2011 Trip Reports ; Add a Trip Report ; Weather time above tree.... Fox are prolific in the Loch Lomond overview tucked away on the left for! I would take follows the remains of a ridge and rapidly descends a rocky Trail to the glacier in. Grazes the vertical east face of James Peak Trail, a steep push up to Flora. Slopes, which became riddled with talus and the altitude and exposure to … a Peak!

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