Located on the Front Range of the Rockies, James Peak is an enormous mountain located just five miles southeast of Winter Park that has excellent hiking in the summer and skiing and snowboarding during the winter. Learn more about what James Peak Trail can add to your time in Winter Park below!
Conquer This Incredible Mountain on the Continental Divide
James Peak is the focal point of the James Peak Wilderness inside of Arapaho National Forest and Roosevelt National Forest. 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. If you have the stamina to hike up James Peak, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Winter Park. A James Peak Hike can have something for everyone!
James Peak is best hiked from the Roger’s Pass Trail during the months of June through August. In order to reach this trail, you’ll need to head southeast of Highway 40 to Rollin’s Pass Road, also labeled as County Road 80 or Forest Road 149. Take this road for eleven miles toward Rollins Pass. When you’ve reached the first of the notorious pass’s trestles—Rifle Sight Notch—you’ll want to follow an old 4×4 road known as Trail #1495A across the road from the trestle, heading south.
From the summit of Roger’s Pass, you should follow a trail that heads south by southwest. This trail runs parallel to the ridge on the west side until the trail runs out half of a mile before the peak. From here, if you want to reach the top, there isn’t a trail, so be extremely careful.
The hike up James Peak is long and arduous. Depending on which way you approach the peak, you could be hiking for anywhere from eight to eleven miles, so this is definitely a hike you’ll want to be prepared for. Make sure you have the stamina and supplies to get yourself back down afterward. Dogs are also allowed on the trail, provided they remain on their leash.
If you decide to try your hand at skiing, snowboarding, or snow climbing along the eastern face of James Peak, try famous trails like Starlight, Sky Pilot, Bailout, Superstar, and Shooting Star.
Vacation Near James Peak Colorado
Life is full of adventures, and one of the best ones you can take is a trip to Winter Park. Contact our reservations team to book your vacation rental near James Peak Trail and other jaw-dropping locales!