| South Slopes from Heart Lake Route |
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| South Slopes from Heart Lake   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 39.87865°N / 105.69946°W Route Type: Hiking, Skiing Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter Time Required: Most of a day Difficulty: Walk-up
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| Page By: CharlesD Created/Edited: Jan 24, 2005 / Mar 29, 2006 Object ID: 163660 Hits: 695 Loading... Page Score: 0% - 0 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
ApproachThis is probably the easiest route from the east side on Heartbeat Peak and makes a good descent route from other, harder ascents. Start from the East Portal trailhead and hike 4 miles on the well-trodden South Boulder Creek trail to Heart Lake at 11,300'.
Heartbeat Peak (left) catches the last rays of the sun over the frozen Heart Lake from the Rogers Pass trail.
Route DescriptionFrom Heart Lake, skirt the south (left) side of the lake. Follow the Rogers Pass trail as it switchbacks up a steep promontory between the two lakes (Heart and Rogers Pass Lakes, that is). After a steep half mile, gain the flat area of Rogers Pass at 11,850'. Turn right (north) and hike for one mile along the Divide to the summit of Heartbeat Peak. Total distance is about 5.5 miles each way.
Heartbeat Peak from near Rogers Pass in the winter.
Essential GearIn summer, standard dayhiking gear is all you'll need for this long but pleasent jaunt above treeline. Be aware of sudden thunderstorms.
Winter conditions vary dramatically. The climb up the promontory above Heart Lake is quite steep and the trail tends to disappear under windloaded snow. Avalanche danger is possible. Crampons may be helpful for secure footing.
Miscellaneous InfoIf you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.
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James Peak Wilderness
