James Peak to Rollins Pass Loop

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

This hike goes past creeks and along alpine meadows and lakes to reach Rogers Pass, continues south to the summit of James Peak, then turns back north along the CDT: South Boulder Creek to Rollins Pass and returns via the Forest Lakes Trail. The loop also presents several shorter options.

From Moffat Tunnel, the South Boulder Creek Trail takes you above the treeline to Heart Lake and the continental divide at Rogers Pass. After reaching the pass, follow the trail south, along the west side of the divide until reaching the final summit push for James Peak.

After summiting the peak, return back to Rogers Pass, then continue north along the CDT: South Boulder Creek to Rollins Pass. If following the CDT be aware there is not actually a trail, but you'll just be following a series of posts/cairns along the ridge. In a few sections there are faint trails. The posts are easy to follow but it is slow going. Once there, follow the Rollins Pass (aka Corona Pass) road to a side trail up and over the Needle tunnel to the Forest Lakes Trail, taking that back to where you started.

This run also provides shorter options. Turning around after first reaching Rogers Pass results in a 9 mile run. Those that summit James Peak and return directly via the South Boulder Creek Trail will have a 13.5 mile day. A run that goes directly from Rogers Pass to Rollins Pass, skipping the trip to James Peak, will measure 16 miles. But there are no bailouts (besides turning around) once on the CDT headed to Rollins Pass (aka Corona Pass).

Lots of wildflowers.