| The James Peak Lake Trail lies above the timberline, at 11,600 feet elevation. From the trailhead, the James Peak Lake Trail drops 500 feet over a half mile to James Peak Lake, set in the basin below the east face of James Peak. At the bottom of the slope, near where it enters the trees, the Ute Trail forks to the right (north). To get to James Peak Lake, follow the trail, which stays on the wagon road, left (west) another 0.7 miles up the valley.Following the Ute Trail from its intersection with the James Peak Lake Trail, visitors will cross the valley, cross Mammoth Creek and climb slightly half a mile to Little Echo Lake (elevation 11,185) right about tree line. From here, the Ute Trail continues northward, slanting up the side of the ridge before taking a sharp turn to the west as it gains the ridge top.On the ridge, the Ute Trail joins a closed two-track road from Nebraska Hill. In three miles from Echo Lake, the trail reaches the Continental Divide, where it meets the Continental Divide Trail. At this point, visitors can leave the Ute Trail to hike left (south) up the ridge to James Peak. Though this is the Continental Divide Trail, this part is more of a route than a developed trail. The Ute Trail (and northbound Continental Divide Trail) swings back northward to follow the Continental Divide for about a mile to Roger's Pass (11,860 feet).This trail has been rated "moderate" and has moderate usage. Elevation ranges from 11,100 to 13,294 feet. Depending on how far you wish to hike, a round trip can be anywhere from 1.8 to 10 miles long. |
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