James Peak Lake Trail - Hiking trail near Rollinsville, Colorado, United States - Description

The James Peak Lake Trailhead lies above the timberline, at 11,600' elevation. From the trailhead, the James Peak Lake Trail drops 500' over a half-mile to James Peak Lake, set in the basin below the steep eastern face of James Peak. The trail follows the remains of a wagon road across the scree, but that does not mean it is not steep. At the bottom of the slope, near where it enters the trees, the Ute Trail forks to the right (north). To get to James Peak Lake, follow the trail, which stays on the wagon road, left (west) another .7 mile up the valley.

Approximately four miles south of Nederland, head west on gravel County Road (CR) 16 (Moffat Road, and Rollins Pass Road) out of the town of Rollinsville. About five miles out, at the townsite of Tolland, take a left onto CR 4N. Follow CR 4N 3.5 miles, and take a right onto National Forest System Road (NFSR) 353 (this is a rough road - we highly recommend only high-clearance vehicles with 4-wheel drive). Follow NFSR 353 west for 3.3 miles to the James Peak Lake Trailhead.