Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Colorado 13ers
  5. James Peak

13,272 ft · Front Range, Colorado

James Peak

James Peak is a 13,272 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the James Peak by Loch Lomond: 4 mi, 2,080 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
James Peak in the Front Range, Colorado

James Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,272 ft4,045 m
  • RouteJames Peak by Loch LomondClass 2
  • Distance4 mi2,080 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the James Peak by Loch Lomond

James Peak sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is James Peak by Loch Lomond, rated Class 2. Plan about 4.9 miles round-trip with roughly 2,080 ft of gain from about 11,192 ft. Summer monsoon storms build fast, so start early and be off the summit by early afternoon. Watch for loose rock, route-finding on talus, and brief exposed steps where the terrain steepens. Stats and approach details follow climb13ers.com. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit ridge. Carry extra water above treeline.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with James Peak

Peaks near James Peak

  1. Parry Peak

    Parry Peak

    13,367 ft · 1.6 mi away

  2. Mount Eva

    Mount Eva

    13,131 ft · 2.3 mi away

  3. Engelmann Peak

    Engelmann Peak

    13,370 ft · 9.4 mi away

  4. Bard Peak

    Bard Peak

    13,641 ft · 10.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is James Peak?

James Peak is 13,272 feet (4,045 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.

How does James Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,272 feet, James Peak is the 368th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike James Peak?

The James Peak by Loch Lomond is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 4 miles with 2,080 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike James Peak?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the James Peak by Loch Lomond, covering 4 miles with 2,080 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike James Peak?

The James Peak by Loch Lomond needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 4 miles with 2,080 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on James Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and James Peak reaches 13,272 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking James Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to hike James Peak?

The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb James Peak with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

App StoreGoogle Play