3 Elk Creek Trail #1455
Three Elk Creek Trail #1455 is located just north of Buena Vista off County Road 368 that provides access to Mount Columbia at 14,073 feet, with an elevation gain of 4,813 feet. Please keep in mind that the Horn Fork Basin detailed in the Mount Columbia page is the recommended route for this Fourteener.
From the trailhead, walk south on a logging road for 300 yards. When the logging road turns right (west), continue heading south on a well-defined trail that is marked with blazes. You will cross other logging roads, but keep heading south on the trail. You will come to 3 Elk Creek in a small gorge. Cross the creek, climb out of the gorge and find an old road that is now used as the trail. Head west on this road/trail. You will intersect the Colorado Trail at 10,270 feet, near Harvard Lakes, but keep heading west on the old jeep trail for another mile and a half until you break out of the timber at around 11,300 feet.
The trail seems to keep going, but it will take you into a marshy stand of trees and then peter out. Look for the wide east ridge of Mount Columbia on your right. You will see a huge stand of trees that are intermixed with a lot of dead trees. There are some nice photo opportunities here. Head under this mini forest following the basin, and then cut northwest after bypassing most of the trees to begin an ascent of the ridge. Pick a place that looks easy to ascend the ridge. Try to keep an eye on where you left the trail so it’s easier to find on the way back. The ridge is long, and the views are more amazing as you gain altitude. There are several false summits along the ridge, so do not get discouraged; just enjoy the scenery as you hike the approximately 2 miles to the true summit.
No matter what, the views from the summit are amazing as you can see Sawatch fourteeners and thirteeners in every direction. Reverse the route to return to the car. If you have a GPS, you might want to mark important places, such as where you left the trail and the route through the maze of logging roads in the woods near the trailhead.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
General Information
Getting There
Directions
To get to the 3 Elk Creek Trailhead, drive to Buena Vista on U.S. Highway 24. Head north out of Buena Vista and turn west onto Chaffee County Road 350, also called Crossman Avenue. Reset your trip odometer here. Drive for around 2 miles until you come to a T-intersection. Turn right onto County Road 361 and drive 3.8 miles (5.9 miles from reset of your odometer) to Chaffee County Road 368. Turn left onto 368, and then drive 1.2 miles to Chaffee County Road 368A (mile 7.1). Turn left (southwest) onto 368A and go just 0.1 mile to Forest Service Road 368 at mile 7.2. Turn right onto the unimproved Forest System Road 368 and drive on a high clearance road for another 0.8 miles. The trailhead sign is at mile 8.0.
Additional Information
Operated By
Leadville Ranger District
Recreation Opportunities
Climbing - Mountain Info
Thousands of people enjoy climbing Colorado’s peaks. To protect natural resources and preserve the experience for others, please follow Leave No Trace hiking techniques.
Remember, you are within the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. As such, special regulations apply, including the following:
- Campfires are prohibited within 100 feet of water and trails
- Group size is limited to 15 people per group with a maximum combination of 25, including pack and saddle animals, in any one group within wilderness
- Dogs must be under physical restraint of a leash at all times
- Bicycles are prohibited
- Organized groups are required to obtain approval from the Forest Service, Leadville Ranger District
- Short-cutting switchbacks is prohibited
Safety Information
Mountain weather is unpredictable and can change quickly. Be prepared with rain gear and extra layers of warm clothing. Thunderstorms occur frequently in the afternoons, so plan your trip accordingly. Also, keep in mind that thunderstorms build rapidly, so keep an eye on the weather and get below timberline at the first sign of a thunderstorm.
Combat altitude sickness by acclimating gradually and staying hydrated. If symptoms (i.e., severe headache, dizziness or nausea) occur, immediately descend to a lower elevation. At this altitude, sunlight is much more intense, and the air is much drier. Wear sunscreen and a hat, and drink plenty of fluids. Always carry a map and compass, and know how to use them.
Seasonal Information
Snow, rain and lightning storms are common. Daytime temperatures range from 40 to 70 degrees in the summer months. Be prepared for changing weather. Carry rain gear and extra layers of warm clothing.