Our latest adventure, backpacking up to Rogers Peak (Rogers Pass) Lake and Heart Lake from the East Portal Trailhead at the Moffat Tunnel near Rollinsville, CO


What the trail lacks in distance is made up for with altitude gain! The trailhead is just over 9,200' and climbs slowly to the Crater Lakes cutoff before becoming more aggressive as you gain much more quickly to 11,100' at Rogers Peak Lake and 11,300' at Heart Lake. Stunning views, plenty of water and campsites littered about make this one a great overnight or multiday backpacking trip in the James Peak Wilderness.


Side trips from Rogers Peak Lake and Heart Lake include (more climbing) to Rogers Pass 11,800' , Ice Lakes, The Continental Divide Trail and James Peak towering above the area at just over 13,000' with commanding views.


Camping is best just below Rogers Peak Lake where many campsites line a smaller unnamed lake. There are a few places above Rogers Peak lake, a social trail departs just before the climb to Heart Lake. Higher still, Heart Lake is more exposed, lacking tree coverage, though camping would be ideal with good weather on the far side of the lake after the approach.


This is a very popular trail in summer, especially on weekends and holidays. Go early to secure a campsite or to avoid the crowds. There is ample parking and two vault toilets. If your lucky, you might even catch a train using the Moffat Tunnel!



Music:


Light Awash by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty...

Artist: http://incompetech.com/