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Details

8 mi Length
Moderate level of difficulty
1,811 ft Elevation gain
4h 30m Estimated time
Out & back trail

**I'VE INCREASED THE NUMBER OF ATTENDEES, SINCE SO MANY WANT TO ATTEND. TO ABIDE BY COUNTY REGULATIONS, WE'LL BREAK INTO TWO GROUPS OF 10 (MAX ALLOWED PER GROUP IS 12), EACH WITH A LEADER, AND KEEP 1/4 MI. APART AS WE HIKE.

Adjacent to the Continental Divide on the eastern slope, James Peak Wilderness includes several peaks over 13,000 feet and more than a dozen alpine lakes. Highlights include: stunning scenery, magnificent mountain views, an abundant variety of wildflowers, (including the Colorado State Flower, the Columbine) and two beautiful lakes.
This mostly shady, forested trail winds past a creek through the James Peak Wilderness to Forest Lakes. We'll pass through multiple aspen groves (especially beautiful during the autumn season).

Link to trail map/route we'll follow:
https://trails.colorado.gov/map/@39.911529,-105.668493,16.27z/details

***We wait 5 MINUTES MAXIMUM for hikers who arrive late, out of consideration for those arriving on time. Please allow some extra time to drive to the trailhead.***
IMPORTANT: Your participation in this event is at your own risk, and you are solely responsible for your personal hiking experience, from start to finish. Please consider your fitness/comfort level & the demands of this hike (length/elevation gain/difficulty) prior to signing up.

Dogs are allowed on hiking trails within the James Peak Wilderness Area, but they must be on a leash at all times. The leash should be hand-held and no longer than 6 feet, according to the Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance. This rule is in place to protect both the dog and other visitors, as well as wildlife.

LOCATION/DIRECTIONS:
The Forest Lakes trailhead in the James Peak Wilderness, Colorado, is located at the end of Gilpin County Road 16, near the Moffat Tunnel. Specifically, it's at the East Portal Trailhead, right next to the Moffat Tunnel's eastern entrance according to the US Forest Service. The address is listed as: East Portal Moffat Tunnel, Rollinsville, CO 80474, according to TripAdvisor.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead.

LINK TO DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir//39.903,-105.64414/@39.8908236,-105.6787968,81429m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDUyNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
NOTE: THIS ADDRESS DENOTES THE CRATER LAKES TRAILHEAD; THE FOREST LAKES TRAILHEAD (FROM THE EAST PORTAL PARKING LOT) IS AT THE SAME LOCATION, BUT IS NOT SHOWN ON THE MAP.

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