Mount Flora to James Peak
Date: 06/20/2021
Partner: Kristi Henes
Start: Berthoud Pass
Finish: St. Mary's Glacier
Summits: Flora, Eva, Parry, Mt. Bancroft, James
Distance: 13 miles
Ascent: 5,400ft
Descent: 6,200ft
Duration: 7.25hrs
Rating: Class 2
Mount Flora to James Peak is a long and gentle traverse with one class 3 move on James' south ridge. After spending a full day on alpine ridges arriving at Saint Mary's is like showing up at Disneyland. The long glissade down the glacier feels like an amusement ride. The glacial snow runs all the way to Saint Mary's Lake and there are people skiing and snowboarding every month of the year. The lake has a tropical island feel with people swimming and kids running around having the time of their lives. If you like longer days in the alpine this hike is well worth the shuttle.
Flora 14ers.com Page
Eva 14ers.com Page
Parry 14ers.com Page
Bancroft 14ers.com Page
James 14ers.com Page
13 miles - 5,400ft up - 6,200ft down - 7.25hrs
The trail to Mount Flora with views all the way to Parry
Heading to Flora with Colorado Mines Peak behind
From Flora you can see the remainder of the route to James(far center)
Descending Flora - Eva, Parry and Bancroft in view
Ascending Eva with Flora behind
Eva summit selfie - Parry, Bancroft and James in view
Approaching Parry
Leaving Eva
Approaching Bancroft
Summitting Bancroft with Parry behind
James Peak in the sights
Contouring around Bancroft before descending to the James saddle
James in full view
Ice Lake is kinda badass
Assessing our route on James' south ridge. We went left of the tower / right of the snow patch
The one class 3 move of the day
There was some loose 2+ scrambling on the ridge
More Ice Lake views
Approaching James' summit with Bancroft(L) and Parry(R) in view
Ohman, Steuart and Reynolds Lakes
Approaching St. Mary's Lake at the bottom of the glacier