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Destination: 13,294 foot James Peak via the South Boulder Creek trail in the James Peak Wilderness, Colorado
Colorado Locator Map
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The James Peak Wilderness lies to the south of the Indian Peaks Wilderness and east of Winter Park. The area features several beautiful lake systems, all of which form the drainage basin for South Boulder Creek. There are several possible routes of ascent to the Continental Divide within the wilderness, providing access to fantastic hiking above treeline (complete with beautiful wild flower displays in summer). This area receives very little use compared to nearby Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness, making it ideal for more solitary hiking. Camping is lightly regulated and there are few other rules regarding use of the wilderness. The burden of respecting and preserving the area falls upon the visitor. Trails are well defined early one, but may degrade as you push further back into the wilderness. A map should be carried if you plan on traveling far into the wilderness. I've played at many of the areas in the wilderness, and visited almost every lake in the area. I've even camped there in winter before. The wilderness is quite scenic, and has yet to disappoint me. For great hiking away from the crowds of tourists, take a trip to the James Peak Wilderness.
The route to James Peak starts at the east portal of the Mofat Tunnel and is rather unattractive. Start on the main trail to Heart Lake, though, and the wilderness will soon surround you (though you may be reminded of civilization from time to time if you are close enough to hear the giant fan that vents the tunnel after a train passes through). Most of the initial hiking is through thick forest, though you are treated to two large meadows at the beginning of the trail. Pass two other branch trails that lead to other lakes, staying on the trail to Heart Lake. This trail parallels South Boulder Creek most of the way up. As you near treeline, the main trail fades. At this point, it is best to navigate along South Boulder Creek itself. You'll likely find several social trails to follow. Once at treeline, you'll be treated to fantastic views of the Continental Divide and James Peak. A little bit ahead, the trail runs next to Rogers Pass Lake and then on to Heart Lake. At this point, the trail steeply climbs to the Continental Divide, where it levels out and follows the west side of the ridge towards James Peak. It then switchbacks up the gentle slope of James Peak to the summit.
James Peak, at 13,294 feet, is the highest point in the wilderness. This peak has been on my list for some time, and so on July 10th, myself and a few others decided to bag the summit. An attempt to make the summit the prior weekend was cut short due to inclement weather, for when we approached treeline we noticed the summit swamped in clouds. This time I decided it would be cool to camp at the base of the peak, and make the summit early the next morning. After rounding up a group of like-minded individuals, we headed up to the trailhead early Saturday morning. Enjoy the following photos detailing our trip!
Note: There are 37 pages in the following slide show.
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All photos © copyright Darrell Bellert
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