Jims Grove Trail

The start of this trail is not signed and is usually only used by very fit park rangers needing to travel back and forth from the Boulder Field in a hurry. It can be useful as a quick and dirty way to descend from Longs Peak in the most direct fashion. The start of Jims Grove Trail is tricky to find. Descending from Granite Pass, the Long's Peak Trail turns back to the south and a series of large stone steps begin to curve and lose elevation. Look for two large curved mounds of pinkish rock that look a bit like surfacing whales. Near these rocks, pick up Jims Grove Trail as it heads directly east and steeply downhill.

Jims Grove Trail drops quickly utilizing stone and log steps. Pass by the faint remains of the Longs Peak shelter cabin and then one short switchback brings you to the edge of Jims Grove. This is the highest stand of pines on the slope and it is easy to pick out from a distance. Wind through the trees, cross Alpine Brook and arrive at the signed junction with the main Longs Peak Trail.