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

This 2-day, 1-night backpacking trip into the James Peak Wilderness begins at the Moffat Tunnel East Portal TH. Hikers will follow the South Boulder Creek Trail, navigating through diverse terrain, before reaching a scenic campsite near Arapaho Creek for an overnight stay. The route offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and an immersive wilderness experience, ideal for a gear check and brief escape into nature, with optional day hikes to Forest Lakes, Crater Lakes, or Heart Lake to further explore the area.

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

Day 1: Starting at the East Portal TH hike ~1 mile into the James Peak Wilderness along the South Boulder Creek Trail (#900) to the west side of the Arapaho Creek crossing and head off-trail to the northwest to locate the campsite (~1 mile, +268 / -40 ft.).

Route: Day 1

Day 2: Hike out same path (~1 mile, +40 / -268 ft.).

Route: Day 2

Overall Route: ~2 miles, +--310 ft.

NOTES:

1. Always practice Leave No Trace principles.
2. More information about the James Peak Wilderness is available here.

3. Optional Day hikes:

   1. Forest Lakes : 6.1 miles, +-1,685 ft.

   2. Crater Lakes: 4.4 miles, +-1,295 ft.

   3. Heart Lake: 7.2 miles, +-2,059 ft.

4. Driving Directions: From the Colorado Mountain Club (Golden, CO) to the East Portal TH.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking
• Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 2.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 300 ft
• High Point: 9,468 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  James Peak Wilderness Area, Boulder Ranger District (ARNF)
• Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12