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

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-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) and the Forest Lakes Trail (#809) to the upper Forest Lake and establish camp (3.6 miles, +1,707 / -35 ft.).

Route Day 1

Optional Day Hike: Rollins Pass, 4.4 miles, +-1,016 ft.

Day 2: From the upper Forest Lake hike to the lower Arapahoe Lake and establish camp (1.7 miles, +599 / -666 ft.)

Day 2 Route

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

Day 3: From the lower Arapahoe Lake hike to the East Portal TH (3.1 miles, +67 / -1,605 ft.)

Day 3 Route

Overall Route: 8.5 miles, +-2,420 ft.

NOTES:

1. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques.
2. More information about James Peak Wilderness is available here.
3. This trip can also be done in 2 days.
4. General Requirements: Hiking above the lake is above tree line.  Care is needed concerning weather.
5. Driving Directions:  From Nederland, travel south for 4.5 miles on Colorado Highway 119 to Rollinsville. Turn west onto the gravel Gilpin County Road 16 and continue eight miles to the Moffat Tunnel. A large parking area is available at the East Portal Trailhead.
6. Google Map 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

• Length: 8.5 mi
• Elevation Gain: 2,420 ft
• High Point: 10,880 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