Overnight backpack trip to Crater Lakes in the James Peak Wilderness

Start at the East Portal about 8 miles west of Rollinsville on Tolland Rd. There is ample parking but be sure to stay off railroad property, the railroad takes security for the Moffatt Tunnel seriously. There are also two vault toilets at the parking area but every time I have been there they have been trashed. Please leave them clean for the next person.

Follow the signs to the trailhead and get started. The trail is extremely rocky in places and can be very muddy in the spring/early summer or after a rain. A walking stick can be very useful. There are several stream crossings though foot bridges are in place.

The trail is easy to follow and when the weather is nice you may see other hikers frequently. Once you hit the switch backs about 2 miles in the trail gains about 600 feet in about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile.

Once you get above the switch backs it becomes much easier unless there is snow on the ground. I have seen drifts 10-15 feet deep in early July and they may span creeks and give way while crossing them. (speaking from experience it is no fun to end up waist deep in freezing water and then wonder how you will will get out)

Views are great at the lakes and later in the year the fish are on the surface and readily take a fly.

There are no fires allowed, so bring a stove to boil water and cook. Stars are awesome on a clear night and it can get quite cold even in July.

Folks wanting to do a 2 night trip can go to Heart Lake the second day.