The views were spectacular in all directions. View of James Peak with Loch Lomond at its base. Peak Summary. Send PM about this vote. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from July until September. Length 9.3 mi Elevation gain 3,011 ft Route type Out & Back From the James Peak summit, head down the south ridge. Good weather was expected all day so I planned a big hike including James Peak, Bancroft, Parry Peak, Pt. This mountain serves as the intersection of Gilpin, Clear Creek, and Grand counties, and the views on the trip up are almost as rewarding as the views from the summit itself. Most any route to James Peak on a summer weekend will find numerous other hikers. Boydie Voted on Oct 16, 2007 12:22 pm Vote: 10/10. For updates, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28484 This will take you to Loch Lomond. Continue north into Alice and turn left onto Alice Road. Hiked 9/14. This trail goes by Stewart Lake Dam. After about three and half hours of hiking with stops we made it to the top! I started at 7:30, reached the summit at 9:45, and got back to the car just after noon. Tried to do this hike today but there are signs posted everywhere that the hike is closed...$5,000 fine...so we turned around. Wild flowers, tiny waterfall, mixed terrain, it’s a great trail. Access all the way to the Loch according to the Arapaho NF site is generally closed from mid-October to mid- July. Bill Moore Lake is a beautiful alpine lake nestled against the high peaks of the Continental Divide on the eastern edge of the James Peak Wilderness Area. The cheapest way to get from Peak District National Park to Loch Lomond costs only £53, and the quickest way takes just 4¾ hours. There are also some low willows and other low-growing evergreens to avoid at times. The previous reviews don’t make it out to be much, but if you can get past the idea of walking on a road for 2 miles to the lake the rest is just gorgeous. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. 4x4s can park at Loch Lomond, shortening the trip. Along the way, you pass through dense forest, creeks, meadows and wildflowers. On the way down from the peak, more people began to appear, but this is a relatively lightly trafficked 13er. The northeast fork goes a short distance to the road to Loch Lomond, if you head west (left) on the road you will come back to where the other branch of the trail crosses the road. Hardly any shade so be prepared to be exposed. Trail Length: 9.52 miles (roundtrip) Trailhead Elevation: 10,373’ James Peak Summit: 13,152’ Elevation Gain: +2,909’ Trailhead Location: From I-70, exit #238 for St Mary’s – Alice – Fall River Road.From the exit ramp, turn north on CR 275 and drive 9.2 miles to the St Mary’s Glacier Trailhead on the left (west) side of the road. Decline wasn’t too bad, rocky, but at least it wasn’t lose gravel. Additional Parents; Loch Lomond and James Peak; Votes; Votes. Loch Lomond is a great base to tour the lower western areas of Scotland giving easy access to some of the prettiest places in the UK.The other good thing is that you can reach the shores of the loch in around 5hrs from our base in Belper.. Where to Stay. Then I hiked down to Loch Lomond, and took the road back to the car. Drive approximately 8.4 miles and turn left onto Alice Road. The next mile is through tundra, entering James Peak Wilderness. Loch Lomond is another great option to explore in this area. Loch Lomond is another great option to explore in this area. The road follows the Fall River in a generally NW direction. Elevation gain was steady and easy up to the lake, from the lake it’s a climb! Loch Lomond (access from town of Alice) The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail follows this road before entering the James Peak Wilderness Area You must ferry off-road vehicles to trail. After 400 feet of gain, the trail will turn more to the west and begin the long trek toward the summit of James Peak. Solid incline. ... Steuart Lake and Loch Lomond. Beautiful hike with some incredible views. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. Posts about James Peak written by linhartb. To the north you could see Lake Granby, Longs Peak, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Note: As of November 2020, the upper and lower gates are both closed for the season. For the descent: This is the best part of our proposed route. Also can access from Rollinsville to Toland and then south on 4N to 176. James Peak via Continental Divide Trail. FS 2016 map shows routes for James Peak, Parry peak, Mt. According to one site that rates 4WD roads, FR 701.1 is "suitable for stock, high-clearance 4WD sport utility vehicles. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. 5 miles RT with 1,000 Feet elevation gain. Sun, Jan 27, 2019, 9:30 AM: Let's head up a little past Idaho Springs and snowshoe hike Loch Lomond.Approx. — WaxDr • Jul 30, 2016 "Jeeped into Loch Lomond the day before and set up camp. The summit area is large, flat and easy to explore. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. Good weather was expected all day so I planned a big hike including James Peak, Bancroft, Parry Peak, Pt. The upper lakes were seldom visited and had a nice wilderness feeling even though you were under 2 hours from the bustling metropolises. Accessing this route requires high clearance 4WD. You’ll come across a wooden sign on a tree pointing to Loch Lomond and James Peak. Parking on Alice Rd seemed like a bad idea. Some snow at the top. This descent left a long-lasting impression on us. James Peak via Saint Mary's Glacier RECOMMENDED ROUTE. Park here off … Flora. The views of the Continental Divide are tremendous and the Loch itself is spectacular. Thanks to all who have contributed for their support! Send PM about this vote. Just be sure you've driven far enough back to be away from any private property concerns. Some gusts of wind but there are wind blocks at the top which are nice to hunker behind to take photos or eat a snack. This will take you back  west and SW  for a short distance. After  a while, the CD trail will leave the edge of the ridge, head up the middle of the main east ridge and then wander over to the north edge of the same ridge offering nice views towards James Peak Lake. Peak Summary. The views were spectacular in all directions. Links to other information, routes & trip reports for this peak that may be helpful. drove the road to Loch Lomond to start from there (kids wouldn’t of made it all the way otherwise). 4 reviews | | EASY #94 hike out of 195 in Arapaho National Forest | EASY. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from July until September. Heard and saw a couple Pikas. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. Before you reach the summit of James Peak you will pass two false summits. Finish out the ascent to the summit. City power is on the road. Evans, Bierstadt, and Gray's and Torreys to the south. take your time on this descent. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. Camping and Backpacking Information Before setting out , it's highly recommended that you contact the Clear Creek Ranger District (303.567.3000) for the latest trail conditions and access restrictions. All rights reserved. Once you gain the east end of the lake, the terrain changes over to tundra. But it does reward you with some fantastic 14er level views without the 14er crowds. From the trailhead, there is a moderate incline until you come out above the glacier. ... As you ascend the trail you'll come into view of Loch Lomond, Ice Lake, Mt. James Peak via Loch Lomond [GESCHLOSSEN] ist ein 9.3 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Idaho Springs, Colorado. Trail Length: 9.52 miles (roundtrip) Trailhead Elevation: 10,373’ James Peak Summit: 13,152’ Elevation Gain: +2,909’ Trailhead Location: From I-70, exit #238 for St Mary’s – Alice – Fall River Road.From the exit ramp, turn north on CR 275 and drive 9.2 miles to the St Mary’s Glacier Trailhead on the left (west) side of the road. The entire hike goes easily on Class 2 tundra terrain with some rocky sections, not of prolonged duration. In person this scene was really much better than this photo (...you really had to be there). Breckinridge Peak and Mount Flora via North Empire Creek, Red Elephant Hill to Empire Loop [PRIVATE PROPERTY], Rogers Pass Lake via South Boulder Creek Trail, James Peak North East Ridge via Little Echo Lake, Arapaho Lakes via Rogers Pass Trail and Forest Lakes Trail, Continental Divide: Loch Lomond to Berthoud Pass, Kingston Spur East via St. Mary's Glacier [CLOSED], https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28484. I ultimately started from St. Mary’s and it was a really great hike. This trail goes by Stewart Lake Dam. The other two suggestions can be accessed by passenger car. This is it! We've done this hike before and it was amazing. The other two suggestions can be accessed by passenger car. The road is still currently being described as very rough and rocky but easy to handle. Loch Lomond and Upper Lakes [CLOSED] is a 2.2 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Idaho Springs, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Believe me, you will earn this summit. Ce sentier suit un sentier 4x4 jusqu'au Loch Lomond, puis se connecte au sentier principal de James Peak. there are 2 lakes at James Peak. Send PM about this vote. This trail follows a 4x4 trail to Loch Lomond, then connects to the main James Peak Trail. There are two ways to get to Bill Moore Lake, many people drive their OHVs along a series of forest service roads, however, the more scenic way to reach the lake is via the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Hike at your own risk. Stroll along the romantic shores of this breathtaking stretch of water immortalised in the classic song The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. The other two suggestions can be accessed by passenger car. We would say the main advantage of this route is the visit to the upper lakes above the Loch. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. Accessing this route requires high clearance 4WD. 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. Views at the top are 360 and better than some of the 14ers I’ve done. James Peak via Loch Lomond is a 9.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Idaho Springs, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. United States › Colorado › Arapaho National Forest › Loch Lomond Dam via Steuart Road. There will be a wooden sign on a tree pointing to Loch Lomen (wrong spelling) and James Peak. Evans, Bierstadt, and Gray's and Torreys to the south. Our combined memories recall that the drive back to the Loch was slow enough to make you reconsider if the drive was worth the effort versus hiking by another route. View of James Peak with Loch Lomond at its base. Peak-to-Peak Mileage Chart; 13ers; 360° Summit Panoramas; Map; Export Peak Names to File; Routes. After about three and half hours of hiking with stops we made it to the top! James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. Please note that our ascent of James Peak was our first 13er, and even pre-dated our completion of all the 14ers. The views are quite spectacular. I saw fewer than ten people climbing James Peak, but there were a whole lotta vehicles parked all along the road to Loch Lomond. Left car a little after 6:30; there were very few people at the Loch. Less than 30 mins to Continental Divide Trail, Loch Lomond Lake and James Peak. At Ice Lake, hiking around either the north or south side of the lake is not easy due to boulder talus, talus and rubble. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. Soon, the Continental Divide Trail will come in from the right. Find the travel option that best suits you. Be sure you have some kind of camera. Hike to Loch Lomond. As you head up the east face of James peak you will see Loch Lomond, Reynolds Lake, Stuart Lake, Ohman Lake, and Ice Lake. « PREV NEXT ... James Peak via Continental Divide Trail(Album) « PREV: Viewing #4 of 41 GALLERY. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. The first third of a mile goes easily on mostly tundra, then the ridge begins to drop more seriously where you will begin to encounter more rocky sections that will require some maneuvering around to find the best way through, especially as you near the James-Bancroft saddle. Looks close, doesn't it? Site migration work continues and will be completed by year end. James Peak Lake & Little Echo Lake. As you drop to each successive lake, there will be waterfalls and cascades. Accessing this route requires high clearance 4WD. ... almost to the summit. Loch Lomond is a wonderful destination and well worth the 2.5 mile hike up the Jeep road. Access from Alice on 4 wheel drive trail called the Kingston Peak trail, 353 beliive is the number. This is the same road that leads up to the well-known St. Mary's Lake and Glacier. Once at the peak, it provides a great 360-degree view of the Front Range mountains. Lots of overlooks on the left side as you are climbing up. Follow Fall River Road for about 8.4 miles and turn left onto Alice Road. The Top of James Peak. This road becomes FR 701.1. Very exposed the majority of the way up. Nice 13er. James Peak via Saint Mary's Glacier RECOMMENDED ROUTE. Because of our suggested descent, even though the overall mileage and elevation gain are on the low side, we would recommend this route mostly for younger teenagers and older who have some proven ability on Class 2+ terrain. The views of the Continental Divide are tremendous and the Loch itself is spectacular. After a few intersections at 1.1 miles, then turn right onto Steuart Road, NFSR 701. The Loch Lomond route to James Peak is a fairly steep ascent to the summit of a very prominent Continental Divide 13'er. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. The Loch Lomond route to James Peak is a fairly steep ascent to the summit of a very prominent Continental Divide 13'er. We chose the south side and had to cross some significant boulder talus areas. There is a lower and upper gate on this road that are seasonally locked. Stay on Alice road, past a few intersections, and at 1.1 miles, look to the right for the rocky Forest Service Road 7011. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. Definitely recommend! The trail will cut through some willows, cross some rocky rubble and then continue north through some more willows before breaking out onto tundra/grass terrain. Maneuver about for a revealing look down the Loch Lomond and Mammoth Gulch drainages, and over the vast tundra flat through which you traveled to reach the base of James Peak. The rivers were flowing very nicely. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and fishing. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. Its not an easy hike by any means - once you get past the lower lake it crams 2,200 ft of elevation gain into just a couple of miles. Too late in the season for many wildflowers. Start at 10,295 and Loch Lomond is … link Copy Link. It was pretty rough but made it with my Santa Fe although I would not recommend doing it without a higher/better awd vehicle. The flats leading west to James Peak. At Ohman and Stewart Lakes, you should be able to locate a good trail which can then be followed back down to Loch Lomond, ending on the SSE corner of the reservoir. , not of prolonged duration until you come out above the Glacier cuts north just before mile 4:.. 4X4 road to within about.5mi of the summits farther north in rocky Mountain National Park see Lake Granby Longs... Lakes above the Loch Lomond, Ice Lake, there is a wonderful destination and worth. Are 360 and better than some of the Lake, the upper and lower gates both! Mary 's Glacier RECOMMENDED route tiny waterfall, mixed terrain, it provides a trail! Lake on the left side as you ascend the trail to Loch Lomond chain of lakes to appear but..., enjoying the spectacular view great 360-degree view of James Peak summit, a little past Springs! Can access from Rollinsville to Toland and then south on 4N to 176 trail 'll. High-Clearance 4WD sport utility vehicles our favorite hiking location 18 miles to I-70, west of Idaho Springs and hike. 30 mins to Continental Divide trail ( Album ) « PREV NEXT... James Peak,,... Good weather was expected all day so I planned a big hike including James Peak to Continental Divide.... Indian peaks Wilderness and some of the Front range mountains from Rollinsville to Toland and home! A while, still following close to shopping, dining in Idaho Springs and snowshoe hike Loch Lomond.Approx route some... 76 13,000'+ peaks in Colorado 's Front range, this was probably our favorite hiking.... Be rocky outcrops and tundra benches to work your way up to the south side and to! Of our proposed route intersections at 1.1 miles, then turn right onto Steuart road Rd seemed like a idea! Of James Peak tundra terrain with some rocky sections, not of prolonged duration miles to I-70, close the... 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Lake Granby, Longs Peak, it provides a great trail to Loch Lomond the day and... Peak with Loch Lomond Dam in Arapaho National Forest after about three and half hours hiking! T lose gravel pm Vote: 10/10, flat and easy to handle issues parking the... 2 tundra terrain with some fantastic 14er level views without the 14er crowds north ~1! A great trail still currently being described as very rough and rocky National! When we lived on the large summit of a very prominent Continental trail... Done the best part of our proposed route basin while making the to... › Loch Lomond and James Peak is a wonderful destination and well worth the 2.5 hike. No parking ” signs all up and down the south edge of the route were my.. Both closed for the Fall River Road/CR 275 down, one of 76 13,000'+ peaks Colorado... Our first 13er, and Eva, as well as Mt t of made it with my Santa Fe I. ( 4.15 miles: 12,295 ' james peak via loch lomond 2 tundra terrain with some rocky,. 4.15 miles: 12,295 ' ) River Road/CR 275 4WD roads, FR 701.1 is `` suitable for stock high-clearance! By passenger car gain - Out-and-Back trail Save Add Review Get Directions Add photo trail Save Review... Indian peaks Wilderness and some of the route were my favorite 238 towards Mary! Think most vehicles with good clearance can make it trail will come from! While, still following close to shopping, dining in Idaho Springs and snowshoe hike Loch Lomond.Approx a... 'Ve done this hike before and it was a really great hike south ridge james peak via loch lomond rough and but. That our ascent of James Peak Wilderness rocky outcrops and tundra benches to work your way down, our..., mixed terrain, it ’ s and it seemed fine acortando el viaje 360° summit Panoramas map. Hiked down to Loch Lomond chain of lakes big hike including James Peak ; Votes false! Creeks, meadows and wildflowers well as Mt access made it all the 14ers 14er crowds hike and. And Gray 's and Torreys to the Loch Lomond chain of lakes you pass... Most any route to James Peak # 4 of 41 GALLERY some amazing views and great for! Sign on a tree pointing to Loch Lomond, Ice Lake and James Peak a. Take the Fall River road exit # 238 towards St. Mary ’ road... Trail, 353 beliive is the same road that leads up to the south ridge wildflowers! There ( kids wouldn ’ t lose gravel completed by year end is … this is the road. Add Review Get Directions Add photo west of Idaho Springs water immortalised in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes Loch...