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BPX 2-Day: James Peak Wilderness from Moffat Tunnel East Portal TH

Trip

BPX Trip – BPX 2-Day: James Peak Wilderness from Moffat Tunnel East Portal TH

This easy two-day backpacking trip into the James Peak Wilderness is designed as a close-to-home, early-season gear shakedown for those looking to test their fitness and backpacking setup before tackling longer trails. With a short 1-2 mile trek and gentle 300-foot elevation gain, the route offers a low-commitment way to dial in equipment and comfort while enjoying the serene beauty of the wilderness. The out-and-back journey provides a relaxed overnight experience, making it an ideal warm-up for the backpacking season ahead. This trip is for BPX members. Please consider joining this fun group if you're not a member already!

Contacts

Wayne Howell
Wayne Howell
Primary Leader
  • Thu, Jun 5, 2025 — Fri, Jun 6, 2025
  • Backpacking Section
  • Backpacking
  • Adults
  • Easy
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 2.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 300 ft

This two-day backpacking adventure into the James Peak Wilderness is the ultimate pre-season gear shakedown—an effortless yet invigorating escape designed to fine-tune both body and backpack before the real journeys begin. A mellow 1-2-mile trek with just 300 feet of elevation gain delivers you to a serene backcountry campsite, where crisp mountain air and towering evergreens set the stage for dialing in your setup without the burden of a grueling ascent. But for those who crave more than just a warm-up, the afternoon offers a tantalizing array of side quests—venture to the glassy, forest-fringed Forest Lakes, the rugged amphitheater of Crater Lakes, or the breathtaking alpine expanse of Heart Lake, each a sparkling gem waiting to be explored. As twilight deepens, the wilderness comes alive with the whisper of the wind and the brilliance of an untamed, star-strewn sky, wrapping you in the embrace of the backcountry before a smooth morning hike out—leaving you primed, polished, and hungry for the long trails ahead.

Please see the R/P for more details about this trip.

BPX Offers multiday, backpacking and camping adventures throughout Colorado and neighboring States. Our trips may include other mountain activities such as winter camping, high peaks, fishing, etc. Members from every part of the state enjoy connecting with others, sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences, and developing friendships. (Backpacking Section — The Colorado Mountain Club)

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at the Colorado Mountain Club (Colorado Mountain Club - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to the Moffat Tunnel East Portal TH Parking Lot (Moffat Tunnel East Portal TH Parking Lot - Google Maps).

Route/Place

BPX 2-Day: James Peak Wilderness from Moffat Tunnel East Portal TH

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

You will need to bring the 10 essentials for backpacking, 2 days worth of food, and plenty of water to start with. More information will be provided in the Trip Plan.

$20 annual BPX Membership Dues are required to participate. Please contact the office at 303-279-3080 ext. 3 or office@cmc.org or use this weblink (Backpacking (BPX) Section Membership — The Colorado Mountain Club) to join the pack!

Trip Reports