The 13,271 foot thirteener is located on the Continental Divide in the James Peak Wilderness of Arapaho National Forest and Roosevelt National Forest, 5.2 miles (8.4 km) east-southeast (bearing 110°) of the Town of Winter Park, Colorado, United States.

The summit is the tripoint of Clear Creek, Gilpin, and Grand counties.

James is the first known person to successfully climb Pikes Peak.

[4] James Peak has a broad south slope that is very popular with hikers.

The steep, sheer walls of the east face offer multiple technical couloirs for snow climbers, skiers, and snowboarders.