Directions:

From Blackhawk/Central City head North on Route 119 to Rollinsville. Turn left onto East Portal Road (16) following the signs to the Moffat Tunnel. Stay on E. Portal Road until it ends at the tunnel and East Portal Trailhead. The road is dirt but very well maintained.

Description:

While I was planning a classic romantic evening for my 16 year wedding anniversary—complete with fine dining and cocktails—my wife suggested a different plan: a big Colorado alpine hike and dinner at a brewery in the mountains. I’m a lucky guy. Heart Lake in the James Peak Wilderness seemed like the perfect hike for a wedding anniversary, an alpine lake shaped like a heart…perfect!

The hike was amazing. I’ve hiked to the other lakes accessible from the East Portal Trailhead but Heart Lake is a long hike so I’ve never made the effort before. Don’t sleep on this lake, it is worth the effort. Because of the length, the lake see’s fewer visitors than the Crater Lakes or the Forest Lakes, mostly backpackers.  It was busy on a summer Saturday morning, but not congested, it was way busier in the parking lot than on the trail or at the lake. 

From the East Portal Trailhead, the South Boulder Creek Trail starts off mellow, flowing through the aspen groves near the Moffat Tunnel, crossing creeks and meadows, and arriving at the junction with the Forest Lakes Trail after about a mile of hiking.  Continuing on the South Boulder Creek Trail, the next segment follows the creek through the pine forest over steady but rocky terrain to the junction with the Crater Lakes Trail, most hikers turn off here, you’ll stay straight.

The hike continues through the forest for the next mile and a half and gets a bit steeper and crosses numerous creeks and the occasional waterfall or cascade. As you approach treeline, the trail weaves through some rock cliffs before finally, after almost four miles, breaking out of the forest and displaying the stunning alpine scenery that makes this area so special. 

Wildflowers, mountain peaks, creeks, and ponds lead you to the majestic shores of Rogers Pass Lake. This lake is breathtaking with Haystack Mountain rising over 11,000 ft providing the backdrop to the serene waters. In the distance, the top of James Peak rises ahead and the pinnacles leading to Rogers pass add some extra alpine drama to the scene. Rogers Pass Lake is great for camping and relaxing, it’s more sheltered than Heart Lake, and a relaxing spot to spend some time. 

Rogers Pass Lake is a worthy destination itself, but Heart Lake is just a bit further, though it’s a good steep push up from Roger Pass Lake. Past Rogers Pass Lake, you’ll see the switchbacks heading up the northern slopes, Heart Lake lies at the top of the switchbacks. The views on the way up the trail are the best the hike has to offer and the steep climb is helped by the frequent stops to take photos. At the top is a junction with the trail up to Rogers Pass heading off to the left and the trail to the shore of Heart Lake to the right.

Heart Lake is a big alpine lake, big and beautiful. The rounded peaks of the Continental Divide tower in the background and the scrubby vegetation of the lake shore provides, some, escape from the typical alpine winds. There is no shortage of perfect spots to relax around the lake and solitude can be found on the far shores. Social trails lead around much of the lake so you can explore and take in the majesty of the James Peak Wilderness.  When you are satisfied…either continue up to Rogers Pass, or head back down the South Boulder Trail. The return hike felt very long to me on this hike, but it’s been a while since I did a 10 mile hike.

The hike to Heart Lake was everything we hoped it would be for our anniversary adventure, remote, rejuvenating, and romantic…if you consider burning quads and aching backs romantic…