Jims Grove Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain Jim, James Nugent, is the namesake for Jim's Grove. Rocky Mountain Jim came to the area, and settled near Muggins Gulch, in 1868. In 1869, according to Enos Mills, Rocky Mountain Jim lost his eye, and almost his life, in a tussle with a bear. On June 19, 1874 he was shot by Griff Evans. He lived three months after being shot and died under treatment in Fort Collins.

Jim's Grove is located in Rocky Mountain National Park off the Longs Peak Trail north of Mills Moraine and west past the Battle Mountain backcountry site. (Click here for google map of Jim's Grove location) Some debate whether this shortcut saves any time but it saves distance. The area used to have campsites and the park service has removed those and revegetation is in process. There is no camping allowed in Jim's Grove any longer. There is a campsite nearby, i.e. the Battle Mountain backcountry campsite.

Jim's Grove is suggested by some as a safer place if you happen to get caught up in a storm while on your Longs trek.

Sources and other info:

• NPS 1
• NPS 2
• Enos Mills Cabin Museum
• Rocky Mountain National Park Forums (search results for "Jim's Grove")
• Google Map of Jim's Grove location
• Photo courtesy and copyright, John Swadley