Hike Mt. Columbia

Elevation: 14,073 feet
Elevation gain: 4,100 feet
Distance: 11 miles round trip
Trailhead: North Cottonwood Creek (trail 1449)

Note: the unpaved road to the trailhead is generally passable for low clearance vehicles, but high clearance is always recommended. Keep in mind that snowfields are common into early summer, and that afternoon thunderstorms are always a consideration, especially when climbing above treeline. If you plan to hike round-trip in a single day, start very early. This is a popular hiking and camping area, so be prepared for company on the trail and at the summit, especially during peak season. This hike can be hard to follow because of the faint trails. Look for general landmarks as described below, and take the easiest route to get there. The descent can be rough, so leave yourself plenty of time to do it safely.

To the Trailhead: ½ mile north of the stoplight in the center of Buena Vista, turn west on CR 350. Proceed about 2 miles to turn right on CR 361. Go about 1 mile and turn right on CR 365, a dirt road. The trailhead is at the end of this road, about 5 miles up. The trailhead signs are on the west side of the parking area.

Trail Information: This is a strong, clear trail to begin with, but it soon becomes difficult to follow. Follow it for 1 ½ miles to the junction for Kroenke Lake and Horn Fork Basin and Bear Lake. Turn right toward Horn Fork Basin and Bear Lake. Continue for about a mile and a half to a small trail junction. Taking the smaller trail to the right will lead you through some campsites to the treeline. As you emerge from the trees, turn right through some bushes to a small social trail that leads toward the large grassy shoulder to the east. Keep heading towards the shoulder (be careful not to be misled by the many social trails in this area) until you come to a set of cliffs. There is a small trail that runs under these cliffs, which should be on your left as you hike up into the gully. Keep an eye out for signs of other hikers heading in this direction; you’ll have to do some scrambling over the rocks. Start heading up the gully, looking for the trail that crosses it just at 12,000 feet. This trail will take you directly to the grassy shoulder.

On the shoulder you’ll see remnants of the trail, leading towards the ridge which takes you to the summit. Once you reach the ridge, take a left and hike along it towards the summit, scrambling over some rock piles. This is the easy part. Some of the rock piles look like the summit, but keep going: you’ll know when you get there.

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