The highest peak in Gilpin County is James Peak at 13,294 feet -
one of the peaks along the Continental Divide Trail. The James Peak Wilderness
was created in 2002 and provides many hiking trails to alpine tundra and lakes.
The trailhead to the wilderness area is west of Rollinsville, to the right of
the Moffat Tunnel.
Gilpin County is 54% public lands with most of that being U.S. Forest Service lands in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest where
recreation opportunities abound. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is also a
wonderful resource that was established in 1960 and has 36 miles of hiking
trails across its 12,000 acres.
Living in Gilpin County means co-existing with abundant
wildlife. In the past ten years our moose population has surged making
sightings commonplace and causing residents to exercise caution around them.
The herds of Elk are quite a sight in addition to deer, coyote, foxes and
bobcats. Many residents never actually see a mountain lion but rest assured
that the cougars see us!