HI All,
My buddy and I are planning a trip to James Peak wilderness, we thought about going to Heart Lake and set up camp and hike the surrounding area in the upcoming days. Using my GPS map (All Trails) I see that there is a trail to get there via South Boulder Creek (Moffat Tunnel East Portal Parking lot) but we found another trail that I dont know much about and that is the Rogers Pass trail that goes from the James peak Wildernes Trailhead located on Highway 80 south towards South Boulder Creek Trail.. Has anyone here been on that trail?
Another potential camping spot would be Clayton lake but Im not sure that we can get a good campsite setup...
Thanks
James Peak Wilderness - Heart Lake
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zipp83
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HikesInGeologicTime
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Re: James Peak Wilderness - Heart Lake
I’m not familiar with camping options in that area, but have done quite a few day trips.
The Rogers Pass Trail is a nice trail from both sides. If you do go from the west (the Winter Park/Rollins Pass/Corona Pass/Grand County Road 149 side, depending on which map you’re consulting), you’ll be starting just about at treeline, which means less elevation gain to the pass than you’d have from the Boulder/Rollinsville/East Portal side, but if you are dropping down to Heart Lake from there, you would have to deal with some uphill on the way back to your car.
Last time I drove up the Rollins Pass Road from the west side, I thought the road was slightly rougher than the road to East Portal, but that was several years ago. I also recall the west side being a bit less crowded, but that, too, may have changed.
What I can tell you is that the whole area is a great place to be. If you’re into railroad history, the road follows the path of the old Moffat Railroad, and there are plenty of old tracks and structures along it (in varying stages of disrepair, so approach at your own risk), plus the remnants from the town of Corona. A short ways south of Rogers Pass is James Peak; north of Rollins Pass is Devil’s Thumb. The Continental Divide Trail goes over some scenic, rolling terrain in both directions.
Hopefully someone else can chime in with more information about the camping options.
The Rogers Pass Trail is a nice trail from both sides. If you do go from the west (the Winter Park/Rollins Pass/Corona Pass/Grand County Road 149 side, depending on which map you’re consulting), you’ll be starting just about at treeline, which means less elevation gain to the pass than you’d have from the Boulder/Rollinsville/East Portal side, but if you are dropping down to Heart Lake from there, you would have to deal with some uphill on the way back to your car.
Last time I drove up the Rollins Pass Road from the west side, I thought the road was slightly rougher than the road to East Portal, but that was several years ago. I also recall the west side being a bit less crowded, but that, too, may have changed.
What I can tell you is that the whole area is a great place to be. If you’re into railroad history, the road follows the path of the old Moffat Railroad, and there are plenty of old tracks and structures along it (in varying stages of disrepair, so approach at your own risk), plus the remnants from the town of Corona. A short ways south of Rogers Pass is James Peak; north of Rollins Pass is Devil’s Thumb. The Continental Divide Trail goes over some scenic, rolling terrain in both directions.
Hopefully someone else can chime in with more information about the camping options.
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zipp83
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Re: James Peak Wilderness - Heart Lake
Thank you for the reply. Does also anyone know the fishing regulations for James Peak Lakes?
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two lunches
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Re: James Peak Wilderness - Heart Lake
all the info i found (as i am now also super interested in fishing this area- how could i not have thought of this before....) says no live fish for bait, and state bag limits apply, so 4 daily, 8 possession for trout. looks like they're mostly stocked with cutties. i'll be right behind you OP! have a great trip, the backpacking around heart lake and rogers pass lake is spectacular. also the route to james peak from east portal is exceptional
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” – Mary Davis
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zipp83
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Re: James Peak Wilderness - Heart Lake
Thanks Mate,
I have found the same article... If it's not posted on the lake then I would think that the state wide fishing regulation would apply.
I have found the same article... If it's not posted on the lake then I would think that the state wide fishing regulation would apply.
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griddles
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Re: James Peak Wilderness - Heart Lake
Just went up to Rollins Pass trailhead this weekend. Just FYI, the google maps directions take you to a closed road. When it tells you to turn right onto 149 just turn left then connect to 80. Also the road is pretty rough. I was unable to get my Outback all the way up the road, higher clearance is needed. Lots of pickups and side-by-sides though.
