{"id":66256,"date":"2026-01-25T08:10:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-25T15:10:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=66256"},"modified":"2026-01-24T22:15:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T05:15:51","slug":"st-marys-glacier-james-peak-front-range-colorado-6-22-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=66256","title":{"rendered":"St. Marys Glacier & James Peak, Front Range, Colorado (6-22-24)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 6 & 7 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2024 Dingo Vacation to Colorado, Utah, Wyoming & Montana!<\/em><\/p>\n

6-21-24, after dark, pullout along Fall River Road, W of Idaho Springs –<\/em> Finally all caught up!\u00a0 SPHP closed the trip journal.\u00a0 The day had started out most excellently with a delicious breakfast provided by Hotel Dixie prior to departure this morning.\u00a0 However, during the afternoon there’d been an abrupt change, a shocking realization that made this day one of the saddest ones ever.\u00a0 Nothing to be done about it, though.\u00a0 Might as well get some sleep.<\/p>\n

6-22-24, the wee hours<\/em> – Suddenly awake, SPHP saw moonlight.\u00a0 The rain must have ended.\u00a0 A dark figure extended a gentle paw, tapping SPHP’s shoulder again, a little harder this time.<\/p>\n

Ugh!\u00a0 Seriously, Loop?\u00a0 I need to sleep!\u00a0 You’re already all wet.\u00a0 How many times do you have to do this?\u00a0 You aren’t going to have any more success now than before.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sorry, SPHP.\u00a0 Please let me out.\u00a0 I just can’t sleep thinking about it.\u00a0 I know it’s still there!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP opened the door, and the Carolina Dog dashed out once more to search for the packrat that was still hitching a ride in the RAV4’s engine compartment.\u00a0 It had been there for days now, refusing to leave.<\/p>\n

Day by day, the packrat’s squeaks were getting fainter.\u00a0 Without food or water, the poor thing was going to die, if it didn’t have sense enough to abandon the RAV4.\u00a0 Won’t happen now with Lupe all excited, circling and sniffing in the night, but that wasn’t the American Dingo’s fault.\u00a0 The packrat had already had countless opportunities to move on safely, yet had refused to take advantage of any of them, and all of SPHP’s efforts to forcibly dislodge it had been abject failures.<\/p>\n

6-22-24<\/em> – Following a period of predawn peace, the gentle, insistent paw was back yet again.\u00a0 Light out!\u00a0 Morning had arrived.\u00a0 SPHP released the would-be predator once more.<\/p>\n

Unsurprisingly, the stubborn packrat had not made it’s escape.\u00a0 Hiding in it’s RAV4 engine compartment fortress, it provided Lupe another happy hour of enthusiastic barking at the unreachable rodent before SPHP put an end to it.<\/p>\n

Enough already, Looper!\u00a0 Backpack’s ready.\u00a0 Get in the RAV4.\u00a0 It’s onward, puppy ho time!<\/em><\/p>\n

6-22-24, 7:40 AM<\/em> – After a steep uphill drive, Fall River Road leveled out.\u00a0 SPHP began seeing signs advertising $20 per day parking at lots near the St. Marys Glacier trailhead.\u00a0 If willing to drive a little farther and hike back, other signs promised a half price deal – a mere $10 daily fee.<\/p>\n

No great secret which option you’ll choose, is it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

And why not?\u00a0 10 bucks saved, is 10 bucks earned, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

The $10 per day parking lot was near the end of Fall River Road, right across from Silver Lake.\u00a0 Plenty of spaces remaining, too.\u00a0 In fact, only 2 vehicles were present.\u00a0 Other than that, the giant lot was empty.\u00a0 SPHP parked the RAV4 near the S edge of the lot, close to the trees.<\/p>\n

Let’s have a look around, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Signs saying “Pay Here” were on an old log building just E of the parking lot.\u00a0 SPHP went over to investigate.\u00a0 The log building appeared to be all shuttered up and abandoned.\u00a0 Nearby, 3 credit card payment stations were all wrapped in plastic and non-functional.<\/p>\n

Huh.\u00a0 Maybe they couldn’t make a go of it on only $10 per day, Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

20 bucks it is then, SPHP!\u00a0 C<\/em>an we take a quick look at Silver Lake before we drive back to one of the pricey parking lots?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure.\u00a0 Why not?<\/em><\/p>\n

Silver Lake was sweet, nestled in a beautiful mountain setting.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Silver Lake<\/strong> near the end of Fall River Road. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gorgeous!\u00a0 I like this territory, SPHP.\u00a0 Not a cloud in the sky, either!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, sure looks like we’re in for a fabulous day, Loopster.\u00a0 Let’s move the RAV4 to a lot open for business, pay the fee, and get going.<\/em><\/p>\n

6-22-24, 7:55 AM, 51\u00baF<\/em> – Before Lupe even got back to the RAV4, another vehicle suddenly appeared.\u00a0 Sure enough, the $10 parking lot attendant sprang out!\u00a0 Said he was running nearly an hour late this morning, but $10 would absolutely suffice here.\u00a0 SPHP happily paid the discounted fee, and a certain Carolina Dog was on her way.<\/p>\n

An easy, paved hike of 0.3 mile back along Fall River Road past several private cabins led to a very rocky side road.<\/p>\n

This must be the way, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Start of the route to St. Mary’s Lake<\/strong> from Fall River Road. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The old jeep route was super wide and littered with so many rocks, it seemed like additional rocks had been deliberately hauled in, although that didn’t make any sense at all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the rocky, old jeep trail. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

0.25 mile led to a well-beaten, narrower path through the forest that felt more private.\u00a0 350 feet of elevation gain brought Lupe to St. Mary’s Lake.<\/p>\n

St. Mary’s Lake was about the size of Silver Lake, and every bit as lovely.\u00a0 Dead trees stood along the near shore, opposite the steep lower E slopes of Peak<\/span> 11732<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 A little above and beyond the N end of the lake, the toe of St. Mary’s Glacier was already in sight.<\/p>\n

This appeared to be a very popular region.\u00a0 Several people were hanging out at the lake, and even more were over by the glacier.\u00a0 Exploring the E shore of St. Mary’s Lake, Lupe waded into the cold water for a drink.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At St. Mary’s Lake<\/strong>. Toe of St. Mary’s Glacier<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Glacier-fed, the outlet stream leaving St. Mary’s Lake had excellent flow.\u00a0 A slightly arched metal grate bridge made getting over to the N side of the stream a cinch.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the St. Mary’s Lake dam<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the metal bridge<\/strong> over the outlet stream. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing the bridge, a broad, gritty path quickly led up to a region of tall bushes along the edge of the forest.\u00a0 The trail became braided in this region, with a number of alternate routes through bushes or forest all leading to the toe of the glacier.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A quick glance back at St. Mary’s Lake<\/strong> on the way to the glacier. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching St. Mary’s Glacier<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the way to the toe of St. Mary’s Glacier, SPHP saw 6 people start up it.\u00a0 When Lupe got to the toe, all 6 were already out of sight.\u00a0 Everyone else seemed perfectly content to hang around right here, enjoying the views of Fox Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,947 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and St. Mary’s Lake.<\/p>\n

What’s that really big peak way beyond St. Mary’s Lake, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Believe that’s Mount Blue Sky<\/span><\/a> (14,267 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Loop.\u00a0 Formerly Mount Evans.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
St. Mary’s Lake<\/strong> (Center) from a bit higher up. Mount Blue Sky<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the toe of St. Mary’s Glacier.<\/strong> Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Fox Mountain<\/strong> (L), St. Mary’s Lake<\/strong> (R) with Mount Blue Sky<\/strong> beyond. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Where is this James Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,271 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> that we’re supposed to be climbing today, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Above and beyond St. Mary’s Glacier, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Really!\u00a0 Are we going to climb the glacier, SPHP?\u00a0 That would be cool!\u00a0 Or do you mean that we’re just going to follow along beside it?<\/em><\/p>\n

I suppose it’s safest to just follow these trails N of the glacier, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, well, that only worked until it didn’t.\u00a0 After gaining some elevation alongside the glacier, the rocky dirt paths next to it all came to an abrupt end.\u00a0 Nothing but glacier ahead!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The St. Mary’s Glacier<\/strong> trek begins! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

St. Mary’s Glacier was still rather steep at this point.<\/p>\n

I can climb it, SPHP.\u00a0 No sweat!\u00a0 Can you?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I think so, Looper.\u00a0 St. Mary’s Glacier isn’t that big.\u00a0 Doesn’t even seem like a real glacier to me.\u00a0 Just looks like a big snow bank.\u00a0 Not that icy, and I seriously doubt there are any crevasses.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Even without much iciness, the snow was hard and slippery.\u00a0 SPHP’s poles were a big help maintaining traction.\u00a0 Although not all that wide, and quite short even lengthwise according to the topo map, St. Mary’s Glacier went on farther than expected.\u00a0 Lupe enjoyed chomping chunks of glacier snow while SPHP plodded higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Fox Mountain<\/strong> (R) below as Lupe takes a bite out of St. Mary’s Glacier<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Would have been possible to leave the glacier well before reaching the end, but by the time that opportunity materialized, St. Mary’s Glacier was no longer as steep.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was enjoying the glacier trek, so she simply stuck with it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading higher! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

St. Mary’s Glacier wasn’t steep at all as Lupe approached its upper end, where the last bit of glacier forked into 2 different shallow ravines.\u00a0 Up here, Peak<\/span> 11732<\/span><\/a><\/strong> was merely a gently-sloping hill along the ridge to the SW.\u00a0 Farther away, Kingstone Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,153 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was also in sight off to the N.\u00a0 Both looked like easy climbs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 11732<\/strong> (L of Center) from the upper end of St. Mary’s Glacier<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Venturing onto the point of ground between St. Mary’s Glacier’s last snowfields, the American Dingo’s true objective was dead ahead.<\/p>\n

James Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,271 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!\u00a0 That’s got to be it, SPHP!\u00a0 Still a ways off, and a big climb, but even it really doesn’t look all that hard.<\/em><\/p>\n

Righto, Loop.\u00a0 Ought to be cake, other than the required elevation gain.\u00a0 We’ll be running into the Continental Divide Trail<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (CDT), which goes right over James Peak.\u00a0 In fact, I believe I already see a trail leaving St. Mary’s Glacier off to our L.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
St. James Peak<\/strong> (R) from the upper end of St. Mary’s Glacier<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A final glance back from the top of St. Mary’s Glacier<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After angling over to the trail already in view, Lupe followed it WNW.\u00a0 Beyond Peak 11732, the trail leveled out almost completely on a broad, gently sloping plain of tundra, low bushes, and scree.\u00a0 From St. Mary’s Glacier to where the final ascent of James Peak would get significantly steeper was a pleasant trek of more than 1.5 miles.\u00a0 Approaching James Peak, views of nearby\u00a0Mount Bancroft<\/span><\/a><\/span> (13,261 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Parry Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,366 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> improved steadily, as well.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Parry Peak<\/strong> (L) with Mount Bancroft<\/strong> in front. James Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Receding snow had left portions of the terrain soft and damp.\u00a0 In several places, standing water covered the trail, but no more than a few inches deep.\u00a0 Lupe eventually came to USFS Road No. 353.1.\u00a0 Crossing the road, it wasn’t much farther to the CDT.\u00a0 Throughout this march, Mount Blue Sky<\/a><\/span> (14,267 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was once again in sight off to the S, along with Square Top Mountain<\/span><\/a> (13,797 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Grays Peak<\/span><\/a> (14,276 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and many other magnificent mountains on display toward the SSW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At one of several wet spots<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Closing in on James Peak<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Blue Sky Peak<\/strong> (L), Square Top Mountain<\/strong> (R) and Grays Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A glimpse back at Kingston Peak<\/strong> (L), Peak 11732<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the CDT, Lupe followed it toward James Peak.\u00a0 However, as the slope steepened, the CDT soon vanished beneath a vast snowfield.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Losing the CDT beneath the snow. James Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Angling WNW hoping to find it, the CDT was nowhere to be seen when Lupe reached bare ground again.\u00a0 SPHP checked the map.<\/p>\n

The Continental Divide Trail goes up farther W, Loopster.\u00a0 We’re already above it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Must be why I see people way off to the W, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 They must be on it, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Do we have to go clear over there then, SPHP?\u00a0 Why not ascend right here?<\/em><\/p>\n

The CDT isn’t as steep, but since it doesn’t look like there’s any snow on the steepest part of the slope above us, I suppose we can just keep climbing.<\/em><\/p>\n

So that became the plan.\u00a0 The big slope got plenty steep, forcing SPHP to pause many times to gasp for air.\u00a0 Other than that, though, there was nothing to it.\u00a0 Leading with enthusiasm, Lupe reached James Peak’s SE ridge well before SPHP did.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Above the biggest snowfield. Mount Bancroft<\/strong> (L), Parry Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) James Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the crest of the SE ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From where Lupe reached the crest of James Peak’s SE ridge, the summit was only another 500 feet higher.\u00a0 Cliffs to the NE were easily avoided.\u00a0 Marmots whistled as the American Dingo sniffed her way up a couple of big humps separated by relatively flat ground before reaching smoother terrain.\u00a0 During her ascent of this final slope, Lupe came across the CDT again, which switchbacked the rest of the way up the mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the SE ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On final ascent<\/strong> before reaching the CDT. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-22-24, 1:14 PM, 54\u00baF<\/em> – A cool 15 mph breeze was blowing from out of the WSW, as the Carolina Dog stood proudly atop a large pinkish-white boulder near the W end of a roomy summit plain strewn with rocks and tundra.\u00a0 This morning’s clear skies were gone.\u00a0 Hard to be certain, but rain showers far to the W seemed likely to miss James Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,271 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Even so, best to keep an eye on them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
James Peak true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Congratulations, Loopster!\u00a0 You’ve made it to the true summit of James Peak, the Gilpin county, Colorado high point.<\/em><\/p>\n

James Peak is terrific, SPHP!\u00a0 Look at all the snowy mountains around us.\u00a0 This has got to be chocolate coconut bar territory!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, no!\u00a0 So sorry, Loop, but I’ve forgotten to bring any again.\u00a0 How about a duck jerky and some Taste of the Wild?<\/em><\/p>\n

What!\u00a0 You forgot the chocolate coconut bars again, SPHP?\u00a0 Whatever am I going to do with you?\u00a0 And yes to the duck jerky and Taste of the Wild.\u00a0 Even American Dingoes can’t climb mountains this big without a bit of nourishment now and then.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, then wearily sat on a convenient boulder while digging the promised goods out of the pack.\u00a0 After eating, Lupe was also ready for a rest break, but the rocky ground wasn’t very comfortable, and marmots kept whistling nearby.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog soon recovered enough to run off to investigate, while SPHP sat munching an apple.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
One of many fascinating resident marmots.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

James Peak was not a lonely place.\u00a0 People kept coming and going.\u00a0 A trail runner arrived first.\u00a0 10 minutes and he was gone.\u00a0 At their request, SPHP took a photo of an older guy with his 2 young teenage daughters.\u00a0 Both girls were uncommonly slender.\u00a0 Neither complained at all about the long trek up James Peak from some lake they’d camped at the night before.\u00a0 A second trail runner appeared, joining the conversation.<\/p>\n

No one stayed long.\u00a0 SPHP was soon left in complete solitude, pondering the views, while recharging the iPhone’s battery with a newly acquired external battery pack.\u00a0 Tired from the long climb, the time flew.\u00a0 Lupe’s traditional summit hour was already over when, abandoning the phone, SPHP wandered W a little way to where Lupe was sniffing around on the brink of disaster, still searching for marmots.<\/p>\n

Don’t get so close to the edge, Looper!\u00a0 The marmots know this terrain, and you don’t.<\/em><\/p>\n

No worries, SPHP.\u00a0 I’m being careful.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, but if a marmot pops up close to you, you’ll get way too excited, Loop.\u00a0 Stick with me, and let’s have a look around.\u00a0 Our summit tour is already long overdue, and those rain showers are getting closer.<\/em><\/p>\n

Looking E from the rocky summit plain, no other mountain was as high as James Peak.\u00a0 Views extended to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains front range, then clear out onto the prairies of eastern Colorado where all details faded away in a distant haze.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
James Peak summit region<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That panoramic view toward the E was actually the least dramatic one available.\u00a0 Even the views of Pikes Peak<\/span><\/a> (14,109 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> way off to the SE, and Mount Blue Sky<\/span><\/a> (14,267 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> directly S, seemed relatively tame, in part because the mountains farther W were snowier.\u00a0 Starting from the SSW, Square Top Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (13,797 ft.)<\/strong><\/span>, Argentine Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,742 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Mount Edwards<\/span><\/a> (13,860 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Grays Peak<\/span><\/a> (14,276 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Torreys Peak<\/a><\/span> (14,272 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Grizzly Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,434 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and others were all on display, strung out along a long winding ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Blue Sky<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Square Top Mountain<\/strong> (far L), Argentine Peak<\/strong> (L), Mount Edwards<\/strong> (L of Center), Grays Peak<\/strong> and Torreys Peak<\/strong> (R of Center), Grizzly Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Much closer, Mount Bancroft<\/span><\/a> (13,261 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Parry Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,366<\/span><\/strong> ft.)<\/strong><\/span> were now seen from another perspective on the next ridge to the SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Grays Peak<\/strong> & Torrey Peak<\/strong> (far L) with Mount Bancroft<\/strong> (L) and Parry Peak<\/strong> (R) in the foreground. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Square Top Mountain<\/strong> and Argentine Peak<\/strong> (far L), Grays Peak<\/strong> and Torreys Peak<\/strong> (L) beyond Mount Bancroft<\/strong>, Grizzly Peak<\/strong> (Center), Parry Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The prettiest scene was due W, where rows of snowy mountains stood one after another, the highest jagged line of unfamiliar peaks forming the far horizon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To the NW, where the sky was now darkest with rain, snow-free ski runs at Winter Park were visible thousands of feet lower.\u00a0 Directly N, another collection of rugged peaks sporting some snow was dominated by a giant on the horizon.<\/p>\n

Longs Peak<\/span><\/a> (14,257 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

That would be my guess, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Longs Peak<\/strong> (Center) on the horizon? Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Suddenly the wind switched, picking up as it began sweeping in from out of the NW.\u00a0 Looked like trouble for a few minutes before it became clear that the rain showers were going to miss James Peak.\u00a0 Fortunately, they were too far N to cause a problem.<\/p>\n

6-22-24, 2:40 PM<\/em> – No one else had been on James Peak for nearly an hour when Lupe finally started back down the CDT.\u00a0 This time she stuck with the trail instead of going down the SE ridge.\u00a0 Below the switchbacks, several stretches were hidden beneath rapidly melting snowfields.\u00a0 As the American Dingo lost elevation, a lake began coming into view in the deep canyon to the S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down the CDT<\/strong>. Part of Loch Lomond<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Does that lake have a name, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 That’s Loch Lomond, Looper.\u00a0 Supposed to be another trailhead down there with free parking.\u00a0 However, the road to it is reportedly rough, which is why we didn’t park the RAV4 there.<\/em><\/p>\n

If we had parked there, we wouldn’t have seen St. Mary’s Glacier, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

So you liked your St. Mary’s Glacier romp, Loop?\u00a0 Me too, which is a good thing, because we’ve got to go back that way again.<\/em><\/p>\n

The map showed several smaller lakes hidden above Loch Lomond in the upper end of the same canyon.\u00a0 Continuing the descent, Reynolds Lake was the next one to come into sight.\u00a0 A short distance off the CDT, Lupe could see half of Steuart Lake and Ohm Lake, too.\u00a0 Ohm Lake was almost completely buried in snow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loch Lomond<\/strong> (L), Reynolds Lake<\/strong> (Center), Blue Sky Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loch Lomond<\/strong> (L), Steuart Lake<\/strong> (L of Center), Reynolds Lake<\/strong> (Center), Ohm Lake<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While simply heading straight back to St. Mary’s Glacier would have been easiest, without all that much extra effort Lupe now had the option of tagging either Kingston Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,153 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> or Peak<\/span> 11732<\/span><\/a><\/strong> on the way back, too.<\/p>\n

Any preference, Loop?\u00a0 Or do you want to just skip it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Kingston Peak is highest, SPHP.\u00a0 Let’s go over there.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for Kingston Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was a bit of a march from the CDT over to Kingston Peak, but an easy one.\u00a0 During this pleasant jaunt, SPHP failed to notice how unsettled the weather remained back to the W.\u00a0 Approaching the summit, the wind suddenly grew much stronger.\u00a0 By the time Lupe reached the top, a 45 mph gale was blowing from out of the WNW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Rather stormy looking back toward James Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-22-24, 4:45 PM, 52\u00baF, Kingston Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,153 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> –<\/em> Ducking behind a rock windbreak on the 10 foot diameter summit didn’t provide much of a respite from the wild WNW wind.\u00a0 Retreating a little down the lee side slope helped.<\/p>\n

Wow!\u00a0 Sure got windy fast, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 Glad I have my poles, Loopster.\u00a0 I can barely stand up in this gale without them.<\/em><\/p>\n

Under these conditions, the American Dingo had no reason to linger on Kingston Peak.\u00a0 A short rest break, then it was time for the obligatory summit photo of the windswept Carolina Dog.\u00a0 Another one of a badly battered survey benchmark, and Lupe was on her way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Kingston Peak’s windy summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The battered “Kingston” survey benchmark<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Only Kingston Peak’s summit was rocky.\u00a0 As soon as Lupe left it, she had a blast roaming vast open slopes on her way S back to St. Mary’s Glacier.\u00a0 Even descending the glacier, the wind remained surprisingly strong.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Parry<\/strong> behind Mount Bancroft<\/strong> (L), and James Peak<\/strong> (R) as seen on the way back to St. Mary’s Glacier from Kingston Peak. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-22-24, 6:10 PM, 54\u00baF<\/em> – Light rain was falling when Lupe reached the RAV4 in the $10 parking lot across from Silver Lake again.\u00a0 Despite such a long day spent in the mountains, the first thing she did was to carefully sniff the RAV4’s engine compartment for the stowaway packrat.\u00a0 Results were disappointing.<\/p>\n

Nothing, SPHP!\u00a0 I can’t pick up a scent.\u00a0 The packrat must have escaped!<\/em><\/p>\n

For the first time in days, SPHP didn’t hear any squeaks, either.<\/p>\n

That’s fabulous news, Loop!\u00a0 Let’s hope our uninvited passenger found a new home and something to eat.<\/em><\/p>\n

Speaking of eating, I’m famished, SPHP!\u00a0 You must have some chocolate coconut bars in the RAV4, don’t you?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, yeah.\u00a0 I’ll get you a chocolate coconut bar, Loopster.\u00a0 You earned it. Then we’ll head down to our pullout along Fall River Road before that crazy packrat returns.\u00a0 I’ll rustle up some dinner there, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

Now you’re talking, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

The stowaway packrat was never seen, sniffed, or heard from again.\u00a0 Yet it was not completely forgotten, and whether justified, or not, ultimately took the blame for several unfortunate and expensive adventures yet to come.\u00a0 For the time being, though, those unhappy events were still far in the unknown and unforeseeable future, and didn’t interfere in the least with Lupe’s enjoyment of her dinner, or her subsequent adventures in Dingo Dreamland atop her pink blanket.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On James Peak<\/strong>, Central Front Range, Colorado 6-22-24<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s GPS Track<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track & Ascent Statistics<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Master Peak Map<\/span><\/a>,<\/strong> Summer of 2024 Dingo Vacations to Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/em>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 6 & 7 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2024 Dingo Vacation to Colorado, Utah, Wyoming & Montana! 6-21-24, after dark, pullout along Fall River Road, W of Idaho Springs – Finally all caught up!\u00a0 SPHP closed the trip journal.\u00a0 The day had started out most excellently with a delicious breakfast provided by Hotel Dixie … Continue reading St. Marys Glacier & James Peak, Front Range, Colorado (6-22-24)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":66231,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1703],"tags":[105,106,296,26,1820,1818,1819,104,1817],"class_list":["post-66256","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1703","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-colorado","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-gilpin-county-high-point","tag-james-peak","tag-kingston-peak","tag-lupe","tag-st-marys-glacier"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_4235-scaled.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66256","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=66256"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66256\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":66496,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66256\/revisions\/66496"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/66231"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=66256"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=66256"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=66256"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}