Overview
James Peak rises above St. Mary's Glacier, west of Idaho Springs. The route follows the popular trail to St. Mary's Lake, climbs beside the permanent snowfield, crosses a broad flat, and follows a good trail up the east slopes to the summit, past views of Loch Lomond.
It is Class 2 on trail, with snow along the glacier even in late summer. Stay back from the cliff on your right near the top.
The round trip is about 8.1 miles with 2,900 feet of gain.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be past the 4WD road by 10 a.m.
Snow on the glacier section in early season; cliffs near the summit.
Easy. Past the big cairn above the glacier, go straight about 0.6 mile to a 4WD road, go right briefly, then look left for a small cairn and the trail.
St. Mary's Lake. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
St. Mary's Glacier
Two miles west of Idaho Springs on I-70, take exit 238, Fall River Road. Turn right onto Fall River Road and drive about 9 miles to the large St. Mary's Glacier lot on the left.
Parking is paid (by phone; there is cell service) and no-parking signs line the road. The trailhead is a short walk up the road.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
St. Mary's Glacier. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →