Heart and Rogers Peak Lakes
Nederland, Colorado
Details
Distance
8.62 miles
Elevation Gain
2113 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Eric Schuette
Visit two beautiful alpine lakes in one hike: Heart and Rogers Peak Lakes. Both lakes make for wonderful camping and fishing destinations. You can ascend an extra 551 feet to Rogers Pass and visit the continental divide.
The hike begins at the East Portal Trailhead outside Rollinsville. Start hiking along the South Boulder trail to the right (north) of the very obvious Moffat Rail tunnel. The trail begins with moderate grades past the Forest Lakes cutoff just 1.25 miles from the trailhead. Continue hiking straight towards Rogers Pass. Do the same at the Cataract Lakes cutoff 1.85 miles past the trailhead.
After the Cataract Lakes cutoff, the trail continues along the creek and through the forest with moderate grades until about four miles from the trailhead. Here, the trees thin into a scenic meadow and you will reach Rogers Peak Lake at 4.05 miles. The trail follows the east side of the lake but there is a use trail that circles around the lake to the west.
Once you have had your fill of the wonderful scenery around Rogers Lake, continue on the trail to the east and north up a steep ridge where the Rogers Pass Trail begins to climb an additional 551 feet to Rogers Pass. For Heart Lake, continue straight on the obvious trail for an additional several hundred yards to the beautiful Heart Lake.
To descend, you'll find the use trail at the outlet stream that will take you along the stream to the main trail 1.35 miles from Heart Lake. You can also follow your ascent route along the main trail past Rogers Peak Lake and back to the trailhead.
The lakes are both located within the James Peak wilderness and additional restrictions and permits exist for campers. Otherwise standard camping gear including tent, sleeping bag, stove, and lights are sufficient.
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Heart and Rogers Peak Lakes Reviews
This area is incredibly beautiful and often not too crowded. I will go here many weekends in a row and never get tired of it!
5.0
The first couple of miles are extremely well marked. Just about when things get tricky the blue tree markers become few and far between. What this trail lacks in clear directions it makes up for in abundant and beautiful water! We unfortunately didn't make it all the way to the lakes since we left our snow shoes in the car. Will try again in the Fall!
4.0
Beautiful scenery that makes for a great overnight trip. Could be done as a day hike as well, but waking up to the sunrise coming up over Rogers Lake is well worth bringing the gear to camp. Could also potentially make for a great way to tick off James Peak. Camp near Rogers Lake, wake up early, head up to the summit of James Peak, then come back down, and either stick around for another night, or scoop up your stuff and head out.
5.0
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