james peak hike

The steep ascent to Mount Bancroft was pleasant. Along the Colorado Trail, a fairly long walk down the ridge. James Peak is best hiked from the Roger’s Pass Trail during the months of June through August. 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 . A snow climb of Shooting Star Couloir on James Peak. So then I went hiking and left my parents to fend for themselves. It was amazing. It is also the Gilpin County highpoint. 0 Likes Likes That being said, this is a 13er and the altitude and exposure to … From CO-119, turn left onto Cnty Rd 16, Tolland Rd and head west for 5 miles. I had no interest in doing an out-and-back of these 13ers, hoping instead to find a loop. James Peak summit, view north toward the Indian Peaks 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 peak is the highest point in Gilpin County and the James Peak Wilderness. Most people seem to approach Mount Flora and the subsequent traverse to James Peak by coming up from Colorado Mines Peak via Berthoud Pass. If you have a mid-clearance vehicle, I'd recommend you start where I labeled "Park" on the map attached. Overview Tucked away on the northern border of the Powder Mountain ski area is a mountain known today as James Peak. "Sure, Bob. I saw a few groups almost instantly along the James Peak Trail, and also lots of cars down below at Loch Lomond. Deer, birds, marmots, and fox are prolific in the area early in the morning. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. After a long tundra stroll, a steep push up to Mount Flora's false summit. Thanks to all who have contributed for their support! Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. Heading up the slope, looking back toward James Peak (left) and Ice Lake. A James Peak Hike can have something for everyone! At 13,294 feet James Peak is the 5th highest summit in the Indian Peaks. hiking views lake wild-flowers wildlife forest nature-trips dogs-leash backpacking river camping birding snowshoeing This is a 15.9 mile loop hike with 6400 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 7-10 hours to complete. Colorado Trail heads through the trees after a nice long meadowy walk. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. View Peak Condition Updates; ... Front Range • James Peak. James Peak hike. Description: Nestled at 13,294 feet in elevation, James Peak is a close escape from the Boulder/Denver metro area. Photo 1 - View to the southwest showing from left to right Mt. The trail is difficult and offers some nice camping and backpacking opportunities. 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. The trail was obvious at first, and followed the wide and expansive ridge. 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 info, trail maps, and 6 trip reports from James Peak (9,413 ft) in the Wasatch of Utah Once back in town, we picked up another friend and went to Castlewood Canyon for some extreme top-roping. Topped off with a glacier and beautiful alpine lake, making James Peak a must hike in the Peak to Peak Region. Lots of fire haze, unfortunately. And while James is considered to be an “easy” 13er, it is not an easy hike. Looking back. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. A James Peak Hike can have something for everyone! Hiking info for James Peak, Parry Peak, Mount Eva, Mount Flora Loop, located in Arapaho National Forest, Colorado. Eventually, the Colorado Trail curved north and finished its descent off Mount Flora. Fantastic mountain range views and great wildflowers in the basin while making the approach to James Peak. James Peak is poking up between them. May I have the day off?" 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. Hiking Trails . It was slow-going - the snow was pretty solid, providing a good climbing surface, and my hiking poles helped provide a bit of stability. With that being said, it was a great hike! Just Hiking __ Home; 2011 Trip Reports; James Peak (3) James Peak (3) Statistics. The trailheads are located in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests near the mountain towns of Nederland and Rollinsville. James Peak is best hiked from the Roger’s Pass Trail during the months of June through August. I left treeline quickly, and enjoyed the morning views as the Colorado Trail meandered through the tundra, intersecting the the James Peak Trail. The climb up the east face of James Peak is a classic Colorado high altitude hike. The trail ascended slightly along the slopes, some nice views of the tops of Flora and Eva serving as a nice backdrop. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. ... Winter Park and Mary Jane ski areas as seen by looking northwest from the summit of James Peak. Looking back just below James Peak's summit. 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. "James Peak was my first summit hike in my life and it was an excellent one to start with! 1916. View Trailheads; Post a TH Status Update; Update TH Cell Reception; 14er THs by Road Difficulty; Trip Reports. Most any route to James Peak on a summer weekend will find numerous other hikers. James Peak out of frame on the right. The hike to James Peak is 8.3 miles round trip with approximately 2,900 feet of elevation gain. View Peak Condition Updates; Post a Condition Update ; Trailheads. There are 12 hard trails in James Peak Wilderness ranging from 7.3 to 13.7 miles and from 9,209 to 13,353 feet above sea level. I recommend the route via Saint Mary’s Glacier near Idaho Springs. Description . Accessing this route requires high clearance 4WD. Once we got past St. Mary's glacier, there were five more snow fields to cross and mostly rocky terrain. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. Starting down from Mount Flora's summit, view back 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. Heading down from Parry Peak, continuing to Mount Eva. Ice Lake nestled between James Peak and Mount Bancroft. View Trip Reports; Add a Trip Report; Weather. 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. GPS Coordinates :: Download Coordinates. Just Hiking. Ice Lake and Loch Lomond below were incredibly scenic and colorful, and the ridge between the peaks was quite photogenic. Accessing this route requires high clearance 4WD. 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. 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. After crossing about a mile of high elevation flat land (and one four wheel drive road) we arrived at the base of James Peak. The climb up the east face of James Peak is a classic Colorado high altitude hike. It is not an actual glacier yet a permeant snow field that is popular among skiers and snowboarders year round. 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. Summary . Looking back toward Mount Flora, Ethel Lake poking out on the right. All we needed was ski poles and a good pair of hiking shoes. James Peak is named after Dr. Edwin James, the botanist on Major Stephen H. Long's expedition of 1820. Date . James Peak is one of the easier 13ers or 14ers to do, but it is still difficult to do and well worth hiking. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. 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. Mount Flora visible on the right. The trail to the glacier is in between these two lots (look for the sign that says “Glacier Hike”). Site migration work continues and will be completed by year end. 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.” Posted at 00:48h in Colorado, Guides, Snow, Winter by Iana 0 Comments. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. The view north-northeast towards Rocky Mountain National Park and Long's Peak. The hike from the lot to the top of James Peak and back is between eight to ten miles. Easiest 14er Hikes; Cell Phone Reception; 13er Routes; Mountaineering Safety; Safety Videos; Difficulty Rating System; Gear List; Peak Conditions. 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. On your way up to the peak you will pass St. Mary's Glacier. Once we got past St. Mary's glacier, there were five more snow fields to cross and mostly rocky terrain. A few notes on the trailhead: where I chose to park is likely the most convenient if you have mid-clearance. The views along the this section of the route were my favorite. Mount Bancroft summit, view back toward James Peak. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. It is relatively easy, requires no technical climbing, and access is quick and easy from the Front Range communities. Accessing this route requires high clearance 4WD. After a pleasant walk through a meadow, the Colorado Trail continued into the trees, descending to where I parked my car. 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 hike to James Peak is 8.3 miles round trip with approximately 2,900 feet of elevation gain. Once on it, the Colorado Trail started up toward the Loch Lomond Road before paralleling it, crossing it, and continuing up toward James Peak. The Indian Peaks Wilderness has 4 trails covering 20 miles. BHS 143-1-3. Eva and Flora visible on the left. Some final views toward James Peak as I descend down to my car. The lake is in Gilpin County. Allow for … 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). Views of high alpine peaks, James Lake, and stunted krummholz trees. Eventually, a trail started peaking in and out of the left side of the glacier, so I made my way over to it. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. Continuing south toward the traverse to come. Easiest 14er Hikes; Cell Phone Reception; 13er Routes; Mountaineering Safety; Safety Videos; Difficulty Rating System; Gear List; Peak Conditions. We started the hike at 4:45 and were back home before noon after spending 30 minutes on the summit. I picked up the Colorado Trail and followed it along the ridge. Nearing the Parry Peak summit, view back toward Mount Bancroft and James Peak. James Peak (UT) : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. The route I would take follows the Colorado Trail from the summit, leading along the ridge visible in this photo. Mount Bncroft visible on the right. 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