|
| | | James Peak via Loch Lomond, CO | | | |
|
|
James Peak via Loch Lomond, CO
| | |
| |
|
| Hiking | 4.91 Miles |
2,142 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.91 Miles | | | |
| 2,142 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | This was a hike to James Peak (elevation of 13,271 feet), the highpoint of Gilpin County. This was an out-and-back hike starting and ending at Loch Lomand.
--
The last 2 miles of the road getting to Lock Lomand was pretty rough -- I was mostly driving 2-5 mph. There were mostly high clearance trucks at the TH, although I was amazed to see an Outback that had made the drive.
From where I parked, I took a portion of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) all the way to the summit of James Peak. The trail was a little tricky to follow until I got to the treeline, which is about 400-500 vertical feet above Loch Lomand. Once at the treeline, the trail was easy to follow the rest of the way. Just before the summit, I think that the trail merged with the James Peak Summit Trail that comes in from near St. Mary's Glacier.
Loch Lomand is a man-made lake, and there are a series of lakes above it. All of these lakes get water from snow melt, and I could see water running down from the mountains above into Loch Lomand.
This was an enjoyable class 1 hike -- once above the treeline the trail went through tundra, and there were great views of the surrounding mountains along with some lakes.
I probably saw 4-5 people on the trails, 2 of which were at the summit when I was there. I didn't have the place to myself, but it certainly wasn't overcrowded either. |
| _____________________
| Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there |
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
