James Peak (13,294 ft) – Day Hike

James Peak Topo
On Sunday, I led a CMC day hike up the gentle slopes of James Peak. It was a long end-of-summer day, but everybody had a great time.

St. Mary's Glacier & Lake

Wildflowers, St. Mary's Lake, & CMC Hikers
At 8:20am, we started ascending via the standard route and soon we were walking across St. Mary’s Glacier. Neato!

Pam Traversed St. Mary's Glacier Crystal Traversed St. Mary's Glacier
The glacier crossing was a first for many of us; what a unique experience!

James Peak Summit Team
After this, we hiked up towards “lunch rock” (~11,600 ft) and took a little break at 10:40 am. The peak behind and to the right of the group is James Peak.

Mt. Bancroft & Ice Lake
On the way to the summit, we stopped off to see the lakes; Loch Lomond, Reynolds, Steuart, Reynolds, Ohman, and Ice Lakes. This view of Ice Lake & Mt. Bancroft is spectacular.

James Peak Summit Celebration

The Glorious Summit of James Peak

Winter Park Ski Resort from James Peak Summit
We arrived at the summit around 12:30pm, where we enjoyed lunch and chocolate (thanks to co-leader Steve!). The picture right above is of the Winter Park Ski Resort (sans snow!).

My Bristlecone Pine Impression

Bristlecone Pine in Anchor Gulch
Instead of hiking back the same way we came, we decided to take an alternative descent. Going down Anchor Gulch rewarded us with a walk through a bristlecone pine grove. We all thought it was very cool! Much thanks to Paul for suggesting we check it out, right on!

We got back to the car around 5:20pm, all very happy to be taking off the hiking boots! We then stopped in Idaho Springs for a very tasty meal.

Arctic Gentian
The picture above is for my co-leader, Steve, who not only shared chocolate, but an extensive knowledge of wildflowers. Thank you, Steve!

As for me, my peeps all summitted (for some it was their first 13’er – or CO 13’er !); Steve, Paul, Pam, Kelly, Crystal, and Kem. More importantly, nobody got hurt or was lost. What a rewarding experience, I could not have been *any* happier at the end of a day than I was that evening! Can I get a “whoop-whoop”?

Lastly, I did manage to lose my mitts near the summit, but a nice guy named Grover Cleveland found them. When I got an e-mail from a dead president, at first I thought it was a hoax, but Grover was definitely not playing pranks. THANKS for sending those mitts back, GROVER! You rock.

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