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James Peak Wilderness in Idaho Springs | Map and Routes

Dog friendly · Lake · Pond

5 (25 ratings)

Welcome to the James Peak Wilderness in Idaho Springs, a breathtaking natural haven spanning 17,093.8 acres, with a diverse range of walking and hiking trails to explore. Whether you're a ...

Welcome to the James Peak Wilderness in Idaho Springs, a breathtaking natural haven spanning 17,093.8 acres, with a diverse range of walking and hiking trails to explore. Whether you're a seasoned hiker seeking a challenging trek or a leisurely walker looking to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of nature, this park has something for everyone. The park's well-maintained trails offer an opportunity to engage in invigorating physical activity while surrounded by stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. With its convenient location in Idaho Springs, this park is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable walking or hiking experience. Enthusiastic walkers and hikers will delight in the variety of routes available in the James Peak Wilderness. One notable trail, the CDT iii, spans 11.5 miles and is renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse terrain. With a plethora of trails catering to different skill levels, visitors can embark on exhilarating journeys that suit their preferences and abilities. Whether you seek a leisurely stroll amidst the serene surroundings or a challenging hike to test your endurance, this park provides an array of options for all outdoor enthusiasts. As you traverse the trails, be prepared to encounter stunning vistas, pristine alpine lakes, and an array of flora and fauna that make each excursion a truly enriching experience. For those planning a visit to the James Peak Wilderness, be sure to download Pacer Pedometer, a reliable resource for accessing detailed information about the park's routes, including length, estimated time, and user reviews. Whether you're seeking to explore the longest route or discover the total number of trails available, this user-friendly app will provide valuable insights to enhance your walking or hiking adventure. With its seamless interface and comprehensive data, Pacer Pedometer is the perfect companion for enthusiasts eager to make the most of their time amidst the natural splendor of James Peak Wilderness in Idaho Springs.

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Walking and Hiking in James Peak Wilderness

James Peak Wilderness in Idaho Springs is a haven for walking and hiking enthusiasts seeking a pristine natural environment and breathtaking landscapes. With its essential amenities including parking lots and dog-friendly trails, this park offers the ideal setting for outdoor activity. Whether you are looking for a leisurely walk or ...

James Peak Wilderness in Idaho Springs is a haven for walking and hiking enthusiasts seeking a pristine natural environment and breathtaking landscapes. With its essential amenities including parking lots and dog-friendly trails, this park offers the ideal setting for outdoor activity. Whether you are looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, James Peak Wilderness has something to suit every level of fitness and adventure. The park's accessibility and dog-friendly trails make it a great destination for walkers and hikers looking to explore the beauty of Idaho Springs while enjoying the company of their furry friends. With its well-maintained trails and diverse terrain, James Peak Wilderness is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature and embark on unforgettable walking and hiking adventures.

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Other Info about James Peak Wilderness

HoursOpen 24 hours
Websitehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Peak_Wilderness

Essential Amenities in James Peak Wilderness

Dog friendly
Parking lot

Accessibility in James Peak Wilderness

Dogs allowed

Best Walking Routes in James Peak Wilderness

#1 - CDT iii
1
Length: 11.5 milesEst. Time: 3h26m

CDT iii is a 11.5 mile (26,000-step) route located near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 1679.4 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2 - CDT iim
1
Length: 8.9 milesEst. Time: 2h25m

CDT iim is a 8.9 mile (20,000-step) route located near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 2952 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3 - James Peak Trail
1
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 18m

James Peak Trail is a 1.1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

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James Peak Wilderness Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
coonball2
4
mvp10699
2
gabemiller8569
2
4felicia
2
5mlnielsen15
1
6Delaney
1
7Jeffrey
1
8
1
9kmdeff121
1
10reese.lange
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
James Peak Protection Area
P.A.W. Educational Site for Universal Design
Minton Park & Ballfield
Hideaway Park
Clear Creek Whitewater Park
Confluence Park
Wolf Park
Alvarado Open Space Park
Vasquez Peak Wilderness

FAQs About James Peak Wilderness

Where is the best place to walk in James Peak Wilderness?

The best place to walk in James Peak Wilderness is along the CDT iii route, which is highly rated by the Pacer community with a 4.0 rating. This route spans 11.5 miles and offers a great hiking experience.

How many routes are in James Peak Wilderness?

Currently, there is one main route available in James Peak Wilderness, known as CDT iii. The Pacer community has provided valuable information and reviews for this route.

Which is the longest route in James Peak Wilderness?

The longest route in James Peak Wilderness is the CDT iii, which spans 11.5 miles. It offers a moderate challenge and stunning scenery, as reviewed by the Pacer community.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in James Peak Wilderness?

Yes, there are parking lots available for visitors. The park is also dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companion along for the hike.

How accessible is James Peak Wilderness?

James Peak Wilderness is accessible for walkers and hikers. The park is dog-friendly, making it convenient for pet owners to explore the trails with their dogs.

What kind of sports can I do in James Peak Wilderness?

In James Peak Wilderness, you can enjoy activities such as hiking, walking, and trekking through the beautiful natural surroundings. The park's dog-friendly policy also makes it suitable for dog walking and leisurely strolls.

What is the best season to walk in James Peak Wilderness?

The best season to walk in James Peak Wilderness is typically from late spring to early fall, when the weather is milder and the trails are more accessible. Summer is particularly popular for hiking due to the comfortable temperatures and clear skies.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in James Peak Wilderness?

In James Peak Wilderness, hikers should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Sudden afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer months, so it's important to carry rain gear and be aware of the forecast. Additionally, temperatures can vary significantly, so dressing in layers is advisable.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in James Peak Wilderness?

Hikers in James Peak Wilderness may encounter a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and various bird species. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and to respect the natural habitat of these animals by keeping a safe distance and not feeding them.

Last updated: Dec 1, 2025

Parks Near James Peak Wilderness

James Peak Protection Area
P.A.W. Educational Site for Universal Design
Minton Park & Ballfield
Hideaway Park
Clear Creek Whitewater Park
Confluence Park
Wolf Park
Alvarado Open Space Park
Vasquez Peak Wilderness

Latest Check-ins at James Peak Wilderness

mvp10699Oct 6, 2025
Oct 6, 2025Hiking
mvp10699Sep 6, 2025
Sep 6, 2025Hiking
mlnielsen15Jul 18, 2025
Jul 18, 2025Walking
coonball2Jul 1, 2025
Jul 1, 2025Hiking
gabemiller8569Jun 19, 2025
Jun 19, 2025Hiking
DelaneyJun 5, 2024
Jun 5, 2024Hiking
JeffreyNov 4, 2023
Nov 4, 2023Walking
Sep 24, 2023
Sep 24, 2023Walking
cassidy.lange15Jul 22, 2023
Jul 22, 2023Hiking
gabemiller8569Jul 3, 2022
Jul 3, 2022Hiking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at James Peak Wilderness

RankingCheck-ins
coonball2
4
mvp10699
2
gabemiller8569
2
4felicia
2
5mlnielsen15
1
6Delaney
1
7Jeffrey
1
8
1
9kmdeff121
1
10reese.lange
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in James Peak Wilderness
#1- CDT iii
1
Length: 11.5 milesEst. Time: 3h26m

CDT iii is a 11.5 mile (26,000-step) route located near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 1679.4 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2- CDT iim
1
Length: 8.9 milesEst. Time: 2h25m

CDT iim is a 8.9 mile (20,000-step) route located near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 2952 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3- James Peak Trail
1
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 18m

James Peak Trail is a 1.1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#4- Mill Creek Ridge Trail
1
Length: 2.9 milesEst. Time: 50m

Mill Creek Ridge Trail is a 2.9 mile (6,500-step) route located near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 193.5 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#5- Clayton Lake Trail
1
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m

Clayton Lake Trail is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near Nederland, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#6- Crater Lakes Trail
1
Length: 1 milesEst. Time: 17m

Crater Lakes Trail is a 1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Nederland, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 597 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#7- Mount Flora Trail
1
Length: 5.2 milesEst. Time: 1h51m

Mount Flora Trail is a 5.2 mile (12,000-step) route located near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 1397.3 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Photos of James Peak Wilderness

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