james peak wilderness backpacking

Forest trail with mountain views leading to alpine lakes. The steep trail follows the remains of a wagon road across loose rock. 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. It is a fairly new wilderness area being designated in August 2002, and is 14,000 acres in size. Instructor University of Idaho. On the Peak to Peak Highway (CO 119), drive to the small village of Rollinsville about four miles south of Nederland. The first part is an old jeep trail that will take you up to WP22, from there a … If you stick around long enough, you’ll see a … There are also plenty of fly-fishing, day hiking, and mountaineering routes spread across the wilderness. Although the James Peak Wilderness is a great place to hike because of its scenic lakes, hikers typically visit during the summer. 970-887-4100 The James Peak Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area in north central Colorado in the Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests. This is a great opportunity to see Colorado without the crowds. Bordered by Indian Peaks Wilderness to the north, the 17,015 acre James Peak Wilderness is located within Boulder, Gilpin and Clear Creek counties. Email Visitor Information, Pawnee National Grassland Email Public Affairs, Boulder Ranger District P.O. James Peak is the focal point of the James Peak Wilderness inside of Arapaho National Forest and Roosevelt National Forest. 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. Continue past the lower lake and climb to the final lake at the base of Continental divide. 2140 Yarmouth Avenue 970-295-6700 (Visitor Info) 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. The western portion of the wilderness tops out … This trail takes you into the James Peak wilderness. Grazing livestock within 100 feet of lakes, streams, or developed trails is prohibited. 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 James Peak Wilderness feels like a world away with wildflower meadows that explode under the 13,000-foot peak each spring. It is possible to day hike this trail, however, you should spend the night here. This trail fades in a couple places since it is not well defined yet, but push on and you will find it again. Continue between the middle lakes staying on path that runs along the left side of the lake on the right. Forest Service Topography Maps: These maps overlay Forest Service assets, such as roads, trails, and campgrounds, on USGS's topographic maps. 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. Certified weed-free forage is required. A good dirt road leads to Apex, a tiny town northwest of Central City. What Makes It Great Some crossings will have boards or a bridge. Crater Lakes Trail, James Peak Wilderness, Colorado If you’re looking for the perfect beginner backpacking trip for any season, this is it. The best hike near Ferndale is Mount Baker via Heliotrope Ridge Trail, a 6.2 mile oneway in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. James Peak Wilderness Area has 137 hiking trails. Use established sites whenever possible to minimize impact. Check out Deuter employee Justin Selmanson's trip report on his latest adventures backpacking with the kiddos. 2060 Miner Street Idaho Springs, CO 80452 Trails.com member Mario A. recently completed Crater Lakes Trail. 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. Keep a look out for big horn sheep and ptarmigan once on the tundra. Look for cairns in the rocky areas to continue trail. Email Visitor Information, Canyon Lakes Ranger District This is a photograph from the James Lake trailhead and shows 13,294 ft. James Peak. @ Idaho Springs Visitors Center 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.” Granby, CO 80446 Email Visitor Information. hiking views lake wild-flowers wildlife forest nature-trips dogs-leash backpacking river camping birding snowshoeing. Wheelchairs are exempt. 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. 303-567-3000 (Visitor Information) Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, Forest Supervisor's Office Bring your fishing gear in the summer. Photo: Shannon Dizmang. Excellent customer service. Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and trails. They are available for download by quadrangle. #1 - Crater Lakes Trail via South Boulder Creek Trail. The time people have been spending inside has led to inspired projects around the world. If you’re headed to James Peak Wilderness from somewhere else in the state, you can easily find directions to the trailhead on Google Maps. Aug 2003 – … We hiked into the James Peak Wilderness up to Heart lake just below the continental divide. Testimonials. 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. Fantastic mountain range views and great wildflowers in the basin while making the approach to James Peak. This is a hike in three sections: 1. Fort Collins, CO 80526 The first campground north of the Pass is Robbers Roost on the east side of the road. These trails range from 0 to 13 miles in length. #2 - Rogers Pass Lake via South Boulder Creek Trail. Hike from Cascade Creek to Mirror and Crater Lakes. James Peak wilderness is located immediately south of but not contiguous with the Indian Peaks wilderness. 303-541-2500 Dispersed camping only. 970-295-6600 This hike is popular for a reason! 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. Treat all non-potable water before consuming. 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E 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. Box 386 970-834-9270 Nick Sangetta and Barb Sangetta hike to Rogers Pass in the James Peak Wilderness, Colorado on September 26, 2019. Hobbled, tethered, or picketed livestock are prohibited within 100 feet of lakes, streams, or trails. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Feel Like grabbing a beer … A gradual climb on easy trail from the trailhead to Rogers Pass, which is a low point on a wide pass variously known as … Go to Wilderness.net for additional maps and information. P.O. James was the first botanist to describe many of the plants of the Rocky Mountains. The road is dirt, but is wide and in good condition. The James Peak area became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 2002. There are no designated campsites in this travel zone. Always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep this area wild, clean, and pristine. Optional self-service permits are free and can be filled out at the trailhead. Camping Camping is allowed in the James Peak Wilderness, however there are no established campsites. 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. Boulder,  CO 80301 4 h 20 m. Forest trail with mountain views leading to alpine lakes. The U.S. Forest Service has two campgrounds along U.S. 40, north of Beuthold Pass. Middle Lakes are easily accessible. 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. Camp stoves are allowed. Box 10 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E This trail takes you into the James Peak wilderness. Jun 28, 2016 - The James Peak Wilderness offer some amazing hikes, backcountry camping and even some railroad and mining history. moderate (1217) Length: 8.3 mi • Est. The wilderness area borders Indian Peaks Wilderness to the north and the James Peak Protection Area to the west. 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. The next mile is through tundra, entering James Peak Wilderness. 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. James was the first botanist to describe many of the plants of the Rocky Mountains. 9 Ten Mile Drive Beautiful Hike And Views Travel about 7 miles on The East Portal Inlet/Tolland Rd. Only pelletized or steam-rolled feed grains, or certified weed-free hay, straw, or mulch are allowed in the Wilderness. Upper Lakes take more effort and there is light scrambling. . The easiest access to the James Peak Wilderness Area is from the east. The most popular trail is Crater Lakes Trail. 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). #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 Visitor Information, Sulphur Ranger District To get to James Peak Lake, follow the wagon road to the left at the Ute Trail intersection, near the treeline. 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. Bordered by Indian Peaks Wilderness to the north, the 17,015 acre James Peak Wilderness is located within Boulder, … Email Visitor Information, Clear Creek Ranger District Book a Trip. Camping and Backpacking Information. I have led backpacking and wilderness leadership expeditions--2 weeks to one month long-- in Alaska, Wyoming, and Idaho. Hiking into the James Peak Wilderness. A hike up to some Alpine lakes and streams to fly fish for cut throat trout in Colorado. Permits are not required for camping in the James Peak Wilderness. 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. Show more. The James Peak Wilderness offers some amazing views and great opportunities for backpacking. Once at the peak, it provides a great 360-degree view of the Front Range mountains. 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. James Peak Wilderness Area Ski Tours. 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 … The weather can turn quickly in the higher altitudes so plan accordingly. (location currently closed) Find more information about climbing Colorado’s peaks at the Rocky Mountain Region 14ers page. Contact the Boulder Ranger District (303.541.2500) in advance for the latest updates and conditions. dirt road through a small town of Tolland to see some nice mountain views as you approach the east side of the Moffett Tunnel. 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. The wilderness area generally extends from Rollins Pass in the north along the Continental Divide to Berthoud Pass in the south. Explore hiking trails around Ferndale, Washington. Rogers Pass Lake is a beautiful place to recreate and camp. Group size is limited to 12 people or a combined total of 12 people and livestock. Be prepared to get the feet wet as there are multiple creek crossings. 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 area is known for high peaks looming over alpine lakes and tundras. The wilderness contains lodgepole pine and spruce-fir forests, mainly on the northern end, and in drainages on the eastern perimeter. If you'd like to extend your trip, just pass Rogers Pass Lake is Heart Lake. There are about 20 miles of hiking trails in the wilderness. There are ten named mountains in the James Peak Wilderness area and the highest, and most prominent, is Parry Peak. See all James Peak Wilderness Area trails. Th… Head west from the center of town on the well-marked Rollins Pass Road. The 14,000-acre James Peak Wilderness is located within Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest. 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. Pets must be on a hand-held leash at all times. Click on the photograph to enlarge. It was about 10 miles round trip. 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. Hike the Continental Divide and climb a 13,294' summit in an out-and-back hike with great views. Ault, CO 80610 Campfires are prohibited. James Peak Wilderness. 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. Motorized equipment, or mechanized transportation is prohibited, including drones, motorcycles, chain saws, bicycles or carts. Map showing recreational areas. Fort Collins, CO 80526 This weekend a friend and I took our kids backpacking for the first time. 115 North 2nd Ave. ’ s peaks at the Rocky areas to continue trail the James Peak Wilderness is U.S.... 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