This trail takes you into the James Peak wilderness. Continue between the middle lakes staying on path that runs along the left side of the lake on the right. @ Idaho Springs Visitors Center hiking views lake wild-flowers wildlife forest nature-trips dogs-leash backpacking river camping birding snowshoeing. Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and trails. Adjacent to the Continental Divide on the eastern slope, James Peak Wilderness includes several peaks over 13,000 feet and more than a dozen alpine lakes. James was the first botanist to describe many of the plants of the Rocky Mountains. James Peak (13,294 feet) was named for Edwin James, an American physician and botanist who traveled to Colorado on the 1819 U.S. Army expedition led by Major Stephen Long. Some are deep and speak to the times, like street art to show appreciation for medical workers, while others are a little more whimsical, like the people recreating the popular “Follow me to” photos.A project by James Vreeland in Oak Park, Michigan, falls in the latter category: miniature … (location currently closed) This weekend a friend and I took our kids backpacking for the first time. Situated just below the Continental Divide and close to Winter Park, the hike through the James Peak Wilderness to Heart Lake is ten miles roundtrip. Email Visitor Information, Pawnee National Grassland Once at the peak, it provides a great 360-degree view of the Front Range mountains. Email Visitor Information, Sulphur Ranger District Pets must be on a hand-held leash at all times. A good dirt road leads to Apex, a tiny town northwest of Central City. Nick Sangetta and Barb Sangetta hike to Rogers Pass in the James Peak Wilderness, Colorado on September 26, 2019. If you stick around long enough, you’ll see a … The first part is an old jeep trail that will take you up to WP22, from there a new trail heads up to crater lakes. Box 386 Hiking into the James Peak Wilderness. P.O. There are about 20 miles of hiking trails in the wilderness. The James Peak Wilderness offers some amazing views and great opportunities for backpacking. The first campground north of the Pass is Robbers Roost on the east side of the road. Jun 28, 2016 - The James Peak Wilderness offer some amazing hikes, backcountry camping and even some railroad and mining history. On the eastern slopes of the Continental Divide, the James Peak Wilderness includes several peaks over 13,000' and more than a dozen small alpine lakes. James Peak wilderness consists of 17,015 acres of high altitude peaks, alpine tundra, and over a dozen small alpine lakes and tarns nestled on the eastern edge of the Continental Divide above treeline. Look for cairns in the rocky areas to continue trail. James Peak wilderness is located immediately south of but not contiguous with the Indian Peaks wilderness. Dispersed camping only. It is a fairly new wilderness area being designated in August 2002, and is 14,000 acres in size. We hiked into the James Peak Wilderness up to Heart lake just below the continental divide. Use established sites whenever possible to minimize impact. Box 10 moderate (1217) Length: 8.3 mi • Est. Camping and Backpacking Information. Wheelchairs are exempt. See all James Peak Wilderness Area trails. Some crossings will have boards or a bridge. #3 - Heart Lake via South Boulder Creek Trail, #4 - Lower Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek Trail, #8 - James Peak North East Ridge via Little Echo Lake, #9 - James Peak Trail to Kingston Peak Road, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Crater Lakes Trail via South Boulder Creek Trail, Rogers Pass Lake via South Boulder Creek Trail, Lower Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek Trail, James Peak North East Ridge via Little Echo Lake. Email Public Affairs, Boulder Ranger District This hike is super-short, doesn’t have a lot of elevation gain, and you’ll be camping at one of three beautiful high-alpine lakes. There are ten named mountains in the James Peak Wilderness area and the highest, and most prominent, is Parry Peak. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! National Forest Store: Offers a full, nationwide selection of National Forest, Ranger District, Wilderness, and Specialty Maps for purchase online or by phone, fax, and mail. Keep a look out for big horn sheep and ptarmigan once on the tundra. 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 best hike near Ferndale is Mount Baker via Heliotrope Ridge Trail, a 6.2 mile oneway in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Th… 303-567-3000 (Visitor Information) The steep trail follows the remains of a wagon road across loose rock. 970-295-6700 (Visitor Info) This hike is popular for a reason! Bring your fishing gear in the summer. Find more information about climbing Colorado’s peaks at the Rocky Mountain Region 14ers page. Climbers and mountaineers will love the opportunities for nearby alpine trad routes, a rugged class 4 route to the top of Lone Eagle, and plenty of couloirs. Trails.com member Mario A. recently completed Crater Lakes Trail. Only pelletized or steam-rolled feed grains, or certified weed-free hay, straw, or mulch are allowed in the Wilderness. Forest Service Topography Maps: These maps overlay Forest Service assets, such as roads, trails, and campgrounds, on USGS's topographic maps. Treat all non-potable water before consuming. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Campfires are prohibited. Ault, CO 80610 The James Peak Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area in north central Colorado in the Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests. A gradual climb on easy trail from the trailhead to Rogers Pass, which is a low point on a wide pass variously known as … Backpacking and overnight use in the James Peak Wilderness is available year-round and permits are not required (as they are in the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness). Instructor University of Idaho. Hobbled, tethered, or picketed livestock are prohibited within 100 feet of lakes, streams, or trails. Photo: Shannon Dizmang. The easiest access to the James Peak Wilderness Area is from the east. Group size is limited to 12 people or a combined total of 12 people and livestock. 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. Camp stoves are allowed. There are no use and camping fees and permits are not required to use or camp within the James Peak Wilderness Area, however there are restrictions, which are detailed in the Red Tape section. Hike the Continental Divide and climb a 13,294' summit in an out-and-back hike with great views. Click on the photograph to enlarge. The first part is an old jeep trail that will take you up to WP22, from there a … The wilderness area borders Indian Peaks Wilderness to the north and the James Peak Protection Area to the west. It was about 10 miles round trip. It is possible to day hike this trail, however, you should spend the night here. James Peak (13,294 feet) was named for Edwin James, an American physician and botanist who traveled to Colorado on the 1819 U.S. Army expedition led by Major Stephen Long. James was the first botanist to describe many of the plants of the Rocky Mountains. Continue past the lower lake and climb to the final lake at the base of Continental divide. To get to James Peak Lake, follow the wagon road to the left at the Ute Trail intersection, near the treeline. James Peak Wilderness. I headed to the mountains last Sunday morning for a quick solo hike near the James Peak Wilderness, one of my favorite areas to explore close to Denver, intending to do a half day hike with some light scrambling and to scout snow conditions. 970-834-9270 Permits are not required for camping in the James Peak Wilderness. 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E Map showing recreational areas. Feel Like grabbing a beer … The wilderness area generally extends from Rollins Pass in the north along the Continental Divide to Berthoud Pass in the south. Colorado Backpacking and Multi-Day Hiking; Rock Climbing and Mountaineering; Hiking and Peak Ascents; Guided Mountain Biking and Bike Tours; ... James Peak Wilderness Area Ski Tours; James Peak Wilderness Area Ski Tours. On the Peak to Peak Highway (CO 119), drive to the small village of Rollinsville about four miles south of Nederland. Boulder,  CO 80301 9 Ten Mile Drive There are no designated campsites in this travel zone. This trail takes you into the James Peak wilderness. Rogers Pass Lake is a beautiful place to recreate and camp. 4 h 20 m. Forest trail with mountain views leading to alpine lakes. Map Information, Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=80804, Boulder, Colorado; Winter Park, Colorado; Lawson, Colorado; Empire, Colorado. Be prepared to get the feet wet as there are multiple creek crossings. Optional self-service permits are free and can be filled out at the trailhead. James Peak is the focal point of the James Peak Wilderness inside of Arapaho National Forest and Roosevelt National Forest. These trails range from 0 to 13 miles in length. The area's elevation ranges from 9,200 to 13,294 feet, which includes upper montane, sub-alpine, and alpine ecosystems of the Rocky Mountains. This is a photograph from the James Lake trailhead and shows 13,294 ft. James Peak. James Peak Wilderness feels like a world away with wildflower meadows that explode under the 13,000-foot peak each spring. The James Peak area became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 2002. Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, Forest Supervisor's Office Middle Lakes are easily accessible. Book a Trip. 2140 Yarmouth Avenue Excellent customer service. Contact the Boulder Ranger District (303.541.2500) in advance for the latest updates and conditions. Upper Lakes take more effort and there is light scrambling. P.O. I have led backpacking and wilderness leadership expeditions--2 weeks to one month long-- in Alaska, Wyoming, and Idaho. 115 North 2nd Ave. What Makes It Great Bordered by Indian Peaks Wilderness to the north, the 17,015 acre James Peak Wilderness is located within Boulder, Gilpin and Clear Creek counties. Certified weed-free forage is required. Granby, CO 80446 Beautiful Hike And Views Travel about 7 miles on The East Portal Inlet/Tolland Rd. Although the James Peak Wilderness is a great place to hike because of its scenic lakes, hikers typically visit during the summer. 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.” This is a hike in three sections: 1. Excellent Selection of Great Destinations 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 The weather can turn quickly in the higher altitudes so plan accordingly. James Peak Wilderness Area has 137 hiking trails. 970-295-6600 Grazing livestock within 100 feet of lakes, streams, or developed trails is prohibited. Neighboring the Indian Peaks Wilderness and close to Rocky Mountain National Park and one can easily see some of the most beautiful landscape in the Rocky Mountains. The wilderness contains lodgepole pine and spruce-fir forests, mainly on the northern end, and in drainages on the eastern perimeter. Explore the most popular backpacking trails in James Peak Wilderness with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Show more. Email Visitor Information. The most popular trail is Crater Lakes Trail. The U.S. Forest Service has two campgrounds along U.S. 40, north of Beuthold Pass. Fantastic mountain range views and great wildflowers in the basin while making the approach to James Peak. Explore hiking trails around Ferndale, Washington. Aug 2003 – … Forest trail with mountain views leading to alpine lakes. Go to Wilderness.net for additional maps and information. A hike up to some Alpine lakes and streams to fly fish for cut throat trout in Colorado. Email Visitor Information, Canyon Lakes Ranger District They are available for download by quadrangle. Testimonials. This trail fades in a couple places since it is not well defined yet, but push on and you will find it again. Motorized equipment, or mechanized transportation is prohibited, including drones, motorcycles, chain saws, bicycles or carts. 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E This is a great opportunity to see Colorado without the crowds. Crater Lakes Trail, James Peak Wilderness, Colorado If you’re looking for the perfect beginner backpacking trip for any season, this is it. The time people have been spending inside has led to inspired projects around the world. The area is known for high peaks looming over alpine lakes and tundras. 970-887-4100 The 14,000-acre James Peak Wilderness is located within Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest. Email Visitor Information, Clear Creek Ranger District There are also plenty of fly-fishing, day hiking, and mountaineering routes spread across the wilderness. dirt road through a small town of Tolland to see some nice mountain views as you approach the east side of the Moffett Tunnel. Head west from the center of town on the well-marked Rollins Pass Road. Fort Collins, CO 80526 The next mile is through tundra, entering James Peak Wilderness. Hike from Cascade Creek to Mirror and Crater Lakes. . #2 - Rogers Pass Lake via South Boulder Creek Trail. Camping Camping is allowed in the James Peak Wilderness, however there are no established campsites. If you'd like to extend your trip, just pass Rogers Pass Lake is Heart Lake. 2060 Miner Street Just make your way to County Road 16 and continue on the dirt road for about 5-6 miles to reach the East Portal Trailhead of Moffat Tunnel. Check out Deuter employee Justin Selmanson's trip report on his latest adventures backpacking with the kiddos. Idaho Springs, CO 80452 Towering at an impressive 13,294 feet in elevation with an elevation gain of 3,200 feet, climbing to the peak of James Peak is a worthwhile endeavor for any hiker ready to challenge themselves. #1 - Crater Lakes Trail via South Boulder Creek Trail. 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