Hiking – James-Bancroft-Parry-Eva-Flora Loop

This is a Difficult Hike based on the significant elevation gain, distance, amount of off-trail travel, high elevation, pace, and terrain (Class 2). Expect a cool start with a long opening climb followed by 10+ miles above timberline. We will be at high altitude all day with no access to water.

Overview: 

A full day loop that starts on the CDT, summits James Peak, and then traverses an alpine ridge that summits 4 more 13ers. This is a combination of marked trail, climbers' trail, and off-trail. The general stats: 15.2 miles, almost 5,700' of gain/loss, and max elevation of 13,367' (Parry Pk). Limited options to bailout once above timberline. Can be hiked in either direction: CCW tackles almost 3,900' of gain of the elevation gain (2/3 on the day) in the first 6 miles, while CW provides superior bailout options if afternoon weather deteriorates. Current plan is to hike CCW. Class 2.

We will start below Loch Lomond and park on Fall River Road, away from the neighborhood.

Details:

This hike goes up from the start, climbing more than 3,100’ in 4.5 miles up the southeast slopes of James Peak (standard route). We’ll then follow the SW ridge off-trail down to a saddle before climbing up to Mt. Bancroft (13,250’). At this point we’ll pick up a climber’s trail and follow the Continental Divide across three more named peaks: Parry Peak (13,367’); Mount Eva (12,805’); and, Mount Flora (13,142’). From the summit of Flora we’ll again pick up the CDT and hike down to our starting point, passing Bill Moore Lake along the way.

There are few opportunities to bail out on this trip. Your fitness and appropriate equipment are essential to be successful. You must be able to climb more than 1,000 feet per hour. If you’re not sure whether this trip is for you, it probably is not. Expect a long, difficult day well above timberline.

Much of our hike will be in the James Peak Wilderness Area within Arapaho NF. This is part of the Clear Creek Ranger District in Clear Creek County.

IMPORTANT: This route is off-trail for about 13% of the distance (2 miles, Class 2) and has no water access for nearly the entire route. The section between James Peak and Mt. Bancroft is rocky, steep, and without a trail. Our pace will slow due to the terrain, but bring your legs and lungs for the massive elevation gain and overall high altitude. I do not expect to finish in less than 10 hours total, and it could be 12 hours. Poor fitness will jeopardize your own safety as well as the group.

Links:

CalTopo: https://caltopo.com/m/A3H04HM
USFS: https://www.fs.usda.gov/arp
Info: https://www.climb13ers.com/colorado-13ers/james-peak-via-st-marys-glacier

We will carpool from the Wooly Mammoth Park-n-Ride next to the Morrison exit on I-70 (Section BB, across from the Exxon station – bathrooms are often out of service) for a 5:15 AM departure. Please arrive a few minutes early to arrange carpools.

From I-70, use Exit 238 for Fall River Road. Drive approximately 6.6 miles to a sharp switchback and take the dirt road to the left, Rainbow Road (CR 274). Continue approximately 1.6 miles to a parking area (no facilities) which marks the James Peak South TH. Link for Google Maps.

CMC suggests that all occupants of a vehicle share the costs of driving. Based on a reimbursement rate of $0.32 per mile, the total amount for the 59-mile roundtrip drive via I-70 is about $19 per vehicle. This cost typically is divided by the total number of people in the vehicle, including the driver.