Hiking info for James Peak, Parry Peak, Mount Eva, Mount Flora Loop, located in Arapaho National Forest, Colorado. 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. Call Number . If you have a mid-clearance vehicle, I'd recommend you start where I labeled "Park" on the map attached. Mount Bancroft summit, view back toward James Peak. Mount Flora is visible on the left. 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. After a pleasant walk through a meadow, the Colorado Trail continued into the trees, descending to where I parked my car. "Sure, Bob. Mounta Flora summit ahead, Ethel Lake below. Looking back just below James Peak's summit. The trail begins at the top of a ridge and rapidly descends a rocky trail to the lake. All we needed was ski poles and a good pair of hiking shoes. James Peak - 8.3 Miles Summit County - Eagle County - Clear Creek County. That being said, this is a 13er and the altitude and exposure to … Date . 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. Above treeline, heading toward James Peak. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. The trail ascended slightly along the slopes, some nice views of the tops of Flora and Eva serving as a nice backdrop. James Peak rises above the alpine meadow. The Colorado Trail basically follows the treeline on the left. Pikas, marmots, and wildflowers are abundant in the tundra. The steep trail follows the remains of a wagon road across loose rock. So then I went hiking and left my parents to fend for themselves. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. The other two suggestions can be accessed by passenger car. From CO-119, turn left onto Cnty Rd 16, Tolland Rd and head west for 5 miles. 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. 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. Thanks to all who have contributed for their support! 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 … James Peak is poking up between them. It is also the Gilpin County highpoint. 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. Steuart Lake at the foot of Mount Bancroft. A James Peak Hike can have something for everyone! James is the first known person to successfully climb Pikes Peak. Lots of fire haze, unfortunately. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. Spruce really enjoyed hiking James Peak and got some great model photos! Or join our World Forum for more general information. Steuart Lake and Loch Lomond. Eventually, the Colorado Trail curved north and finished its descent off Mount Flora. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. I had no interest in doing an out-and-back of these 13ers, hoping instead to find a loop. Once at the peak, it provides a great 360-degree view of the Front Range mountains. May I have the day off?" This is a 15.9 mile loop hike with 6400 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 7-10 hours to complete. Hiking in Colorado - James Peak - Colorado mountain hiking and trail photos. You can bring your dog on this trail but please keep them on a leash. Easiest 14er Hikes; Cell Phone Reception; 13er Routes; Mountaineering Safety; Safety Videos; Difficulty Rating System; Gear List; Peak Conditions. James Peak summit, view north toward the Indian Peaks Wilderness. I only placed one piece of gear before topping out. Accessing this route requires high clearance 4WD. Looking back. The route keeps to the left on the talus (it's more rocky on the right) down to the rocky outcrop in the center. The majority of the hike follows the Colorado Trail. Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. 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. James Peak was visible in the distance and I was happy to get some nice views at the end of the day. A snow climb of Shooting Star Couloir on James Peak. Some final views toward James Peak as I descend down to my car. 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. You can see the dirt road leading to Bill Moore Lake on the right. Topped off with a glacier and beautiful alpine lake, making James Peak a must hike in the Peak to Peak Region. Eva and Flora visible on the left. James Peak is one of the easier 13ers or 14ers to do, but it is still difficult to do and well worth hiking. Thanks in advance! It is not an actual glacier yet a permeant snow field that is popular among skiers and snowboarders year round. Be prepared for a strenuous trek that includes a snow climb and plenty of time above tree line. View Peak Condition Updates; ... Front Range • James Peak. 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. Looking back, the ridge I came down from Mount Flora visible on the left. We started the hike at 4:45 and were back home before noon after spending 30 minutes on the summit. Avoiding the rocky outcrop on Class 2, hugging the cliff. From Mount Flora, I hopped on the Colorado Trail and descended Mount Flora's east ridge. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. Fantastic mountain range views and great wildflowers in the basin while making the approach to James Peak. The ridge becomes filled with talus and the trail becomes hard to follow at times, but cairns help in staying on track. ... Winter Park and Mary Jane ski areas as seen by looking northwest from the summit of James Peak. Hike it. Summit of James Peak: 8:15 am Summit of Mt. Colorado Trail heads through the trees after a nice long meadowy walk. Alternative Parking 2 (39.8027, -105.70908) is another option, and this road isn't terrible, and is a bit more of a remote area compared to the Loch Lomond area. 0 Likes Likes Accessing this route requires high clearance 4WD. After crossing about a mile of high elevation flat land (and one four wheel drive road) we arrived at the base of James Peak. Allow for … The trail was obvious at first, and followed the wide and expansive ridge. The hike to James Peak is 8.3 miles round trip with approximately 2,900 feet of elevation gain. James Peak out of frame on the right. 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. That being said, this is a 13er and the altitude and exposure to … Nearing the Parry Peak summit, view back toward Mount Bancroft and James Peak. James Peak hike. Eventually, a trail started peaking in and out of the left side of the glacier, so I made my way over to it. The lake is in Gilpin County. Description: Nestled at 13,294 feet in elevation, James Peak is a close escape from the Boulder/Denver metro area. "James Peak was my first summit hike in my life and it was an excellent one to start with! I left treeline quickly, and enjoyed the morning views as the Colorado Trail meandered through the tundra, intersecting the the James Peak Trail. 8 photographs. Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. 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.” Heading down from Parry Peak, continuing to Mount Eva. 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. Most people seem to approach Mount Flora and the subsequent traverse to James Peak by coming up from Colorado Mines Peak via Berthoud Pass. James Peak is best hiked from the Roger’s Pass Trail during the months of June through August. Duration: Day Hike - Overnight. 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 … The climb up the east face of James Peak is a classic Colorado high altitude hike. Hiking trip report for James Peak, Parry Peak, Mount Eva, Mount Flora Loop, located in Arapaho National Forest, Colorado. Mount Eva summit, view back toward Parry Peak and Mount Bancroft. Late into the spring, James Peak frequently populates the snow line for the Rocky Mountains. Loch Lomond was pretty from above, but the road to it means ATVs and cars with access made it a shitshow. Site migration work continues and will be completed by year end. Ice Lake nestled between James Peak and Mount Bancroft. Hiking info, trail maps, and 6 trip reports from James Peak (9,413 ft) in the Wasatch of Utah This is a 15.9 mile loop hike with 6400 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 7-10 hours to complete. It descended along the slopes, which became riddled with talus, switchbacking down to avoid some of the more rocky regions. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. BHS 143-1-3. Looking back toward Mount Flora, Ethel Lake poking out on the right. Mount Flora visible on the right. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. At the saddle of Parry Peak and Mount Eva. The hike to James Peak is 8.3 miles round trip with approximately 2,900 feet of elevation gain. 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 flats leading west to James Peak. James Peak provides fantastic summit view of the front range and continental divide but is completely exposed to the elements for the entire hike. The peak is the highest point in Gilpin County and the James Peak Wilderness. Colorado Trail gains a little elevation as it hugs the slopes. Still along the Colorado Trail, view looking back toward the ridge I descended from Mount Flora. James Peak High Traverse to the couloir. It was slow-going - the snow was pretty solid, providing a good climbing surface, and my hiking poles helped provide a bit of stability. The route I would take follows the Colorado Trail from the summit, leading along the ridge visible in this photo. I continued along the ridgeline over Parry Peak, Mount Eva, and all the way to Mount Flora. With that being said, it was a great hike! I will be down in those trees seen top left after descending from the ridge. 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). Photos. © 2020 The Climbing Cooneys. Crater Lakes Trail – James Peak Wilderness. 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. Our fund raising campaign has come to a close. Continuing south toward the traverse to come. Looking back along the James Peak Trail, Loch Lomond visible below. The Colorado Trail curves left when nearing the base of the ridge and heads down toward Bill Moore Lake. View Peak Condition Updates; Post a Condition Update ; Trailheads. Starting down from Mount Flora's summit, view back along the ridge. The trailheads are located in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests near the mountain towns of Nederland and Rollinsville. The hike from the lot to the top of James Peak and back is between eight to ten miles. Tucked away on the northern border of the Powder Mountain ski area is a mountain known today as James Peak. Just Hiking. 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