James Peak Trip Report 01/29/2013

Peak(s):	James Peak - 13,272 feet
Date Posted:	01/29/2013
Date Climbed:	01/26/2013
Author:	B[3]

A Day for the Good Camera
James Peak with a side trip to Kingston Peak (12,147 ft) TH: St. Mary's Glacier RT Distance: 8.43 mi (according to the GPS) I wasn't going to write a report for James Peak, but the photo opps were just too good not to share. Unfortunately, we didn't have the good camera (battery wasn't charged) so the photos are not the best quality. The weather forecast looked iffy, so we got an early(ish) start at the trailhead of 7:40am (Otina: you were right about the ski traffic--I-70 was not pretty after 6am). With my recent focus on weekday 13er hiking, it was strange to see other people gearing up at the trailhead. Although there was a large group ahead of us, there was still plenty of parking at the upper pay lot. When we started out, the skies were clear. First views of the glacier: Is there really a glacier? I stopped to put on my microspikes prior to heading up the glacier, while Ben was happy with just his plastic Koflach boots (still don't know how he hikes so well in those). It was on the breezy side but manageable. This was our first visit to the area, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Thanks to recent posts (thanks for the great pictures TeamDino5280!), I kept my eye on the slopes next to the glacier. When we got to the top of the glacier, we got our first views of James Peak: Peak is there somewhere... Well, this could be an interesting day! Can't wait to get into that cloud! I think I see the peak! I always like viewing familiar peaks from different angles: Just a glimpse of Grays and Torreys As we headed up the relatively flat section, we watched the party in front of us head up the slope. Even though it was breezy, we decided to take the ridge. Conditions seem to be deteriorating A look down the lower part of the ridge Just as I was starting to think it was fairly breezy for a "breezy" forecast (felt more like "blustery" to me--I know, I know, I'm becoming a weather geek), the winds died down. The ridge was a bit tedious, but we made steady progress: Leo was loving the snow! With the clouds moving in, I was quite happy to get some views from the summit: Indian Peaks, with Longs (barely visible) in the background On the way down, we stuck to the face, and it was much quicker. I really liked the cairns in their winter garb: On the way down, we were able to get a better view of Bancroft and James Peak: Since the weather seemed to be holding, we decided to head over to Kingston Peak (12,147 ft): Sure, it's unranked, but why not extend the day when you're having fun? I had to make a side trip along the way: I actually liked the willows on this trip: I was starting to feel the blisters developing from my new boots when we reached Kingston: Flurries were starting as we headed back down the glacier to the car: Several people were out on the ice. We got back to the car a little before 2:30pm and found the upper lot to be quite full (I was very glad no one had parked behind us!). Great day on a fun peak! Next time, I plan to charge the camera battery before the trip... Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

A Day for the Good Camera

James Peak with a side trip to Kingston Peak (12,147 ft)
TH: St. Mary's Glacier
RT Distance: 8.43 mi (according to the GPS)

I wasn't going to write a report for James Peak, but the photo opps were just too good not to share. Unfortunately, we didn't have the good camera (battery wasn't charged) so the photos are not the best quality.

The weather forecast looked iffy, so we got an early(ish) start at the trailhead of 7:40am (Otina: you were right about the ski traffic--I-70 was not pretty after 6am). With my recent focus on weekday 13er hiking, it was strange to see other people gearing up at the trailhead. Although there was a large group ahead of us, there was still plenty of parking at the upper pay lot.

When we started out, the skies were clear. First views of the glacier:

I stopped to put on my microspikes prior to heading up the glacier, while Ben was happy with just his plastic Koflach boots (still don't know how he hikes so well in those). It was on the breezy side but manageable.

This was our first visit to the area, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Thanks to recent posts (thanks for the great pictures TeamDino5280!), I kept my eye on the slopes next to the glacier. When we got to the top of the glacier, we got our first views of James Peak:

Well, this could be an interesting day! Can't wait to get into that cloud!

I always like viewing familiar peaks from different angles:

As we headed up the relatively flat section, we watched the party in front of us head up the slope. Even though it was breezy, we decided to take the ridge.

Just as I was starting to think it was fairly breezy for a "breezy" forecast (felt more like "blustery" to me--I know, I know, I'm becoming a weather geek), the winds died down. The ridge was a bit tedious, but we made steady progress:

With the clouds moving in, I was quite happy to get some views from the summit:

Indian Peaks, with Longs (barely visible) in the background

On the way down, we stuck to the face, and it was much quicker. I really liked the cairns in their winter garb:

On the way down, we were able to get a better view of Bancroft and James Peak:

Since the weather seemed to be holding, we decided to head over to Kingston Peak (12,147 ft):

Sure, it's unranked, but why not extend the day when you're having fun? I had to make a side trip along the way:

I actually liked the willows on this trip:

I was starting to feel the blisters developing from my new boots when we reached Kingston:

Flurries were starting as we headed back down the glacier to the car:

We got back to the car a little before 2:30pm and found the upper lot to be quite full (I was very glad no one had parked behind us!). Great day on a fun peak! Next time, I plan to charge the camera battery before the trip...

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions

Jay521	Dogs are great friends... 1/30/2013 3:33pm ... aren't they? Leo does look like he is having a great time. Thanks for the pics. Oh - and I think the only thing worse than Sat AM ski traffic is Sunday afternoon traffic coming back down.
B[3]	Hard to believe... 1/30/2013 4:49pm that Leo is over 11 years old. He loves to hike in the snow! If I had a dollar for every time someone called him a puppy! I usually avoid I-70 on the weekends, as I once got stuck in the Sunday afternoon traffic. Once was enough!
ctlee	Glad you posted! 1/30/2013 5:44pm Thinking of heading up there soon! Great pictures-and cute pup!
TeamDino5280	Cool rime! 1/30/2013 10:38pm The rime up there looks really cool glad you had fun! And glad I could help.
Ritzn1	Beautiful Winter Pics 11/20/2020 5:07pm Gorgeous pics, and Leo looked right at home!

Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.

Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.

14ers.com

Social

Mobile App