As you begin the drop from Ice Lake to Ohman Lake, roughly follow the drainage. The coordinates for the summit are N39 51.122, W105 41.437. Accessing this route requires high clearance 4WD. But it does reward you with some fantastic 14er level views without the 14er crowds. We have done the best we can to update our information, but you would do well to check on other sites. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. Loch Lomond Dam via Steuart Road . Solid incline. Find the travel option that best suits you. Looks close, doesn't it? Peak Summary. At Ice Lake, hiking around either the north or south side of the lake is not easy due to boulder talus, talus and rubble. On the way back to Loch Lomond on Steuart Road you can find some dispersed, primitive campsites. 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. Accessing this route requires high clearance 4WD. Los 4x4 pueden estacionarse en Loch Lomond, acortando el viaje. This road is closed off with a Forest Service gate from October 15th through July 1sth for erosion control.Kingston Peak (access up Fall River Road to York Gulch). There is copious amounts of “No Parking” signs all up and down the road. Evans, Bierstadt, and Gray's and Torreys to the south. This is it! Beautiful hike with some incredible views. I think most vehicles with good clearance can make it. The other two suggestions can be accessed by passenger car. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. James Peak via Continental Divide Trail. From I-70 westbound, take the Fall River Road exit #238 towards St. Mary’s/Alice Road. Drove 4x4 road to within about .5mi of the lake. 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 trail from the tundra basin heads up parallel with the ridge and cuts north just before mile 4. 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. Hike at your own risk. Ce sentier suit un sentier 4x4 jusqu'au Loch Lomond, puis se connecte au sentier principal de James Peak. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. Posts about James Peak written by linhartb. Length 9.3 mi Elevation gain 3,011 ft Route type Out & Back That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. 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. The road follows the Fall River in a generally NW direction. James Peak Lake & Little Echo Lake. Links to other information, routes & trip reports for this peak that may be helpful. Loch Lomond is another great option to explore in this area. Continue north into Alice and turn left onto Alice Road. 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. 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. Very exposed the majority of the way up. 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. Arrived 7AM, not at all busy on the way up, and only moderate traffic coming up when I was on the way down. In person this scene was really much better than this photo (...you really had to be there). Along the way, you pass through dense forest, creeks, meadows and wildflowers. There will be a wooden sign on a tree pointing to Loch Lomen (wrong spelling) and James Peak. For those that have done the Loch Lomond hike / drive before, this is an awesome hike to experience the lakes and peaks there from a new perspective. Once you gain the east end of the lake, the terrain changes over to tundra. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. The summit area is large, flat and easy to explore. Thanks to all who have contributed for their support! 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 next mile is through tundra, entering James Peak Wilderness. The James Peak Wilderness offers some amazing views and great opportunities for backpacking. The three we suggest here are all Class 2, with our primary route offering some Class 2+ work on the descent. I ultimately started from St. Mary’s and it was a really great hike. The final drop to the saddle will be the most difficult part of this descent, along with the 400 ft. trip down the slope to Ice Lake. 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. Send PM about this vote. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. Accessing this route requires high clearance 4WD. There is a lower and upper gate on this road that are seasonally locked. 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. After over six miles miles, the road makes a second, abrupt switchback to leave the Fall River drainage and climb up to St. Mary's Lake and Alice. The views were spectacular in all directions. We chose the south side and had to cross some significant boulder talus areas. The entire hike goes easily on Class 2 tundra terrain with some rocky sections, not of prolonged duration. Turn right onto Steuart Raod. The Top of James Peak. 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. Peak Summary. Some snow at the top. There are also some low willows and other low-growing evergreens to avoid at times. This trail goes by Stewart Lake Dam. The views along the this section of the route were my favorite. We would say the main advantage of this route is the visit to the upper lakes above the Loch. I saw fewer than ten people climbing James Peak, but there were a whole lotta vehicles parked all along the road to Loch Lomond. I saw a Forester head up the 4x4 road and it seemed fine. After a few intersections at 1.1 miles, then turn right onto Steuart Road, NFSR 701. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from July until September. You’ll come across a wooden sign on a tree pointing to Loch Lomond and James Peak. 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. Eva and Mt. This is a moderate one way trail to Loch Lomond Dam in Arapaho National Forest. Access all the way to the Loch according to the Arapaho NF site is generally closed from mid-October to mid- July. Visitor information for Loch Lomond, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs & The Forth Valley including accommodation, things to do, attractions, events and food & drink. 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. Just be sure you've driven far enough back to be away from any private property concerns. This descent left a long-lasting impression on us. As you head up the east face of James peak you will see Loch Lomond, Reynolds Lake, Stuart Lake, Ohman Lake, and Ice Lake. As you drop to each successive lake, there will be waterfalls and cascades. Added by ... James Peak is one of 76 13,000'+ peaks in Colorado's front range. 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 Top of James Peak. Send PM about this vote. View of James Peak with Loch Lomond at its base. Additional Parents; Loch Lomond and James Peak; Votes; Votes. From I-70, west of Idaho Springs, take exit 238 for the Fall River Road/CR 275. Less than 30 mins to Continental Divide Trail, Loch Lomond Lake and James Peak. 4x4s can park at Loch Lomond, shortening the trip. From the trailhead, there is a moderate incline until you come out above the glacier. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. It is a 1 mile from the parking area to James Peak lake on the trail to the west, Trail 804 I think. 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. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and fishing. « PREV NEXT ... James Peak via Continental Divide Trail(Album) « PREV: Viewing #4 of 41 GALLERY. Finish out the ascent to the summit. Mount Bancroft (left) and James Peak (right). ... Steuart Lake and Loch Lomond. The trail from the tundra basin heads up parallel with the ridge and cuts north just before mile 4. Tried to do this hike today but there are signs posted everywhere that the hike is closed...$5,000 fine...so we turned around. James Peak via Saint Mary's Glacier RECOMMENDED ROUTE. FS 2016 map shows routes for James Peak, Parry peak, Mt. desainme Voted on Oct 21, 2007 8:24 pm Vote: 10/10. This trail follows a 4x4 trail to Loch Lomond, then connects to the main James Peak Trail. Boydie Voted on Oct 16, 2007 12:22 pm Vote: 10/10. The rivers were flowing very nicely. After about three and half hours of hiking with stops we made it to the top! James Peak via Loch Lomond [CLOSED] 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. The views of the Continental Divide are tremendous and the Loch itself is spectacular. Reasonably steep ascents, but no scrambling. I started at 7:30, reached the summit at 9:45, and got back to the car just after noon. The summit offers some enticing views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness and some of the summits farther north in Rocky Mountain National Park. Loch Lomond is another great option to explore in this area. 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. This will take you back  west and SW  for a short distance. Assuming you've arrived at Loch Lomond without losing your oil pan or damaging your vehicle too much, walk to the north end of the dam and locate a trail that heads uphill in a northward direction. Loch Lomond is a wonderful destination and well worth the 2.5 mile hike up the Jeep road. On the way down from the peak, more people began to appear, but this is a relatively lightly trafficked 13er. On your way up to the peak you will pass St. Mary's Glacier. This is a moderate one way trail to Loch Lomond Dam in Arapaho National Forest. James Peak is a popular summer hike with several route possibilities. 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. Once at the peak, it provides a great 360-degree view of the Front Range mountains. Send PM about this vote. The views were spectacular in all directions. The road is still currently being described as very rough and rocky but easy to handle. That descent takes you by the upper lakes in the Loch Lomond chain of lakes. Before you reach the summit of James Peak you will pass two false summits. 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. James Peak via Loch Lomond So it's not quite 14,000 feet. 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.