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BPX Trip – BPX 2-Day: Arapahoe Lakes Out & Back from East Portal TH

Trip

BPX Trip – BPX 2-Day: Arapahoe Lakes Out & Back from East Portal TH

Hike to Arapahoe Lake in the James Peak Wilderness just below the Continental Divide with great views and explore exceptional terrain. This out & back trip is 6.25 miles and 1,713 vertical feet. NOTE: This trip is for BPX members only.

Contacts

Craig Townsend
Craig Townsend
Primary Leader
  • Wed, Jun 24, 2026 — Thu, Jun 25, 2026
  • Backpacking Section
  • Backpacking
  • Adults
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 7.2 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,707 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 10,880 ft
  • Pace: 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 MPH

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 2-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1: From the East Portal TH, hike on the South Boulder Creek Trail (#900), the Forest Lakes Trail (#809), and the Arapahoe Lakes Trail (#818) to the lower Arapahoe Lake and establish camp (3.1 miles, +1,662 / -67 ft.).

Route Day 1

Optional Day Hike: Tour de Arapahoe Lakes, 2.3 miles, +-744 ft.

Day 2: From the lower Arapahoe Lake hike to the East Portal TH (3.1 miles, +67 / -1,662 ft.)

Day 2 Route

Overall Route: 6.25 miles, +-1,713 ft.

NOTE: If you are interested in joining this trip ... Please email the trip leader your answer's to the following questions:

  • How long have you been in the CMC?

  • Have you attended WTS, BKPS or other CMC schools?

  • Have you had medical or WFA training? If so, would you be willing to serve as team medic, if needed?

  • Are you a CMC trip leader?

  • How many backpacking trips did you take in in the last two years?

  • How many backpacking trips are you planning taking this summer?

  • Have you ever set up or broken camp in the rain?

  • Have you taken a backpacking trip of this difficulty before? ... If yes, please share details

  • How heavy do you expect your backpack will be for this trip with food and water?

  • Are you willing to stay with the group, regardless of pace or delays?

  • Are you familiar with the seven principles of LNT?

  • If you have an illness or condition that could affect you on this trip, would you please tell me—for both your safety and that of the group?

TBD

Route/Place

BPX 3-Day: Forest Lakes and Arapahoe Lakes Loop from East Portal TH


  • Trail Illustrated 103
    Outdoor Trail Maps Colorado Indian Peaks/James Peak Wilderness Map
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

$20 annual BPX Membership Dues are required to participate. Please contact the office at 303-279-3080 ext. 3 or office@cmc.org to join the pack!

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