The trail is wide and easy to navigate but the top section is very steep and the loose dirt is very slippery. Biologists used to count over 1,000 head of elk from the air near Vail, Colorado. Very disappointing. When you get to the meadow you can see the four wheeler trail continue .Follow this trail 20 yards or so and go left up thru the clearing following a light trail. Hiking trails are a path to destruction for Colorado elk Recreationalists in Vail are having a devastating impact on the local herd. From there, you’ll ascend to the sub-alpine section of the park—an area full of firs, pines, elk, mountain lions, and coyotes. The Lily Lake Trailhead. A 10-mile dirt road leads to your next adventure, Elk Mountain Ranch. Started at 9:30ish back in the car at 12:30. Alongside other peaks, the two peaks are known as fourteeners. You will travel uphill a little ways (about .25-.5 a mile) before you get above tree line and are nearing the summit. Who knew? The Elkheads are very popular for hunting in the fall and contain large populations of deer, elk, bear, etc. Considered one of the top day hikes in the state, Missouri Lakes is for every skill … Start from the Cathedral Lake trailhead. Finding Trail: The Elk Mountain fourteeners tend to be among the least hiked and climbed in the state because of the difficulty, Sargeant said. A 10-mile dirt road is your gateway to adventure.  More Mountains & Rocks, Tellurium, A Rugged Peak Whose Summit I Could Not Reach, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness - Willow Lake, Lost Remuda Basin, Buckskin Pass, Four Days in Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Area, Sensory Overload in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Fall Break in the Maroon Bells - October 15-18, 2010, Colorado's Elk Range: Four Pass Loop (and More! Maroon Peak stands at an incredible height of 14,163 feet (27th tallest in Colorado), while the North Maroon Peak stands at a whopping elevation of 14,019 feet and is position 50 in the ranking of the tallest peaks in Colorado. An amazing trail through the woods emerging into a meadow with a final climb above the timberline to the summit at 11,422 ft. We hiked this on July 25. The trail was a good hike with pretty views of forest, meadows, and grasses. One thing unique about the range is that hiker use is overall actually decreasing, rather than increasing as it is in most places in Colorado. The trailhead from the road and transition between the switchbacks and final accent are not well marked, but easy enough to find if you follow the map. Be very careful on this section of the trail. it's not marked but there is what could be an old sign at TH. Our guide was a young man named Blake. This intimate setting on 5 enchanting acres, is nestled in the National Forest at the end of 10 miles of country roads. Days Required: 1-2 days. The TH is not marked, there are other reviews that have done a better job describing how to access. Elevation at the top is 11420’. It is just past the meadow. Sadly clear views of the smoke from the WIlliams Fork fire on the way down. Unbeatable views at the top. (10), Additions & Corrections Great views even though it’s incrediblyyyyy smoky. Spectacular opportunity to own the best value in dude ranching found deep in the Colorado Rocky Mountains! (13), Comments By definition, a fourteener refers to a mountain peak that has a minimum height of at least 14,000 feet. Our first time in Aspen. The last mile is open and hot in the sun and smoke. I will definitely return. Beautiful trail. Living in Boulder County, Colorado, has its advantages like the drive to Rocky Mountain National Park takes less than an hour. There is cell phone coverage at least for Verizon for most of the journey. You must make time to visit Maroon Lake when here. Elk Range Trail is a 6.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Golden, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. all on Map, 44 Cool views on the top but the smoke does hinder them. 66 reviews. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Sunset in the West Elk Mountains of Colorado. Shadow Mountain Fire Lookout Trail [CLOSED], Granby Ranch Fraser Canyon Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY]. The majestic brown animals, a symbol of the American west, dotted hundreds of … Next comes the alpine layer, known as the “land above the trees.” Here, you’ll spot a different set of greenery, along with birds, elk, and smaller mammals. Trail is a fairly easy hike along an ATV / snowmobile trail. Elk Mountain is a prominent mountain summit in the Rabbit Ears Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. Cattle on the road coming in so drive with caution. All Rights Reserved. (2 ), Dawson's Guide to Colorado Fourteeners Vol. "Every poet is a thief." Once above tree line, just keep heading up and you will find yourself on top of Elk! Beautiful at the top. They rut two months earlier than Wisconsin deer. But really, just the drive up there was spectacular. Turn left and bushwhack through the trees here as there is no distinct trail from this point. No animals along the trail, only 3 humans and 2 dogs. Published on Jun 5, 2016 We have hiked up Elk mountain in Chilliwack region on 4th June 2016. Gorgeous hike! It was still muddy at places along trail up to meadow and a bit soggy coming out of the meadow. The high mountains of Colorado’s Elk Range are among the finest peaks in the Rockies. Good for many skill levels! © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. The Elk Mountains are a high, rugged mountain range in the Rocky Mountains of west-central Colorado in the United States. Of the larger wilderness tracts in Colorado, the West Elk is perhaps the least well known. I'm an out of shape 60 year old who still thinks she can hike. The number of hikers fell to an estimated 1,320 last year from 1,508 in summer 2018, according to CFI. Not once, and I've done the route 5 or 6 times, have I succeeded in hitching a lift along the road back the Cathedral Lk trailhead parking lot... Not the best of finishes to an excellent walk that starts and finishes among the summer crowds but boasts an exhilarating centerpiece. Castle Peak is the exception. Crystal clear streams, pristine alpine lakes and lush green … Then drop down E along the shoulder before heading down to American Lake. We saw tons of flowers, the meadow that others have mentioned was beautiful. I’d rate this a moderately easy hike. The Elk Meadow Trail Near Evergreen, Colorado, is a Gorgeous 4 Mile Hike with Incredible Views of Elk Meadow, Beautiful Forests and Mountains Around Evergreen. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Golden aspens illuminated by sunset light, with Marcellina Mountain in the distance. Good quick hike to the summit. There are a couple of slightly dodgy segments on the ridge - bad rock and considerable exposure on the Conundrum side - but it's easy enough to get over to Pt 13,540. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Final approach up steep uplift is rewarded by a 360 view of Grand County. The views on the top are absolutely amazing and well worth the hard work to get there! While access can be challenging, the hike itself typically is not. Looks like Forest Service is trying to restrict vehicles and cure erosion problems. We are finally back home in Crested Butte, Colorado after our big 3.5-month road trip! With Wilderness designation, these protected mountains are rugged, steep and aesthetically pleasing. ), Photos, Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness, Colorado, Maps: Maroon Bells, White River National Forest, Paonia Ranger District, PO Box 1030, North Rio Grande Ave., Paonia, Co 81428 (970)527-4131, Gunnison Ranger District, 216 N. Colorado, Gunnison, Co 81230 (970)641-0471, Gunnison Ranger District, PO Box 89, Lake City, CO 81235 (970)641-0471. Needle Rock Natural Area BLM Public Lands 1 mi (RT); 450 ft elevation gain . Bring a windbreaker as there are cold, choppy winds at the mountain’s peak, dropping the air temperature by 20° on a warm summer day. Colorado Elk Hunting Ranch – Guaranteed High-Fence Trophy Elk Hunts In Western Colorado Mountains Elk and Deer Hunting, Weddings, Snowmobiling, Corporate Retreats, and Fishing Private Elk Hunting Ranch near Gunnison Colorado ALL Elk hunts are guaranteed. Elk Mountain Trail is a 4.2 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. It's worth the hike, though - awesome views from the summit! The Woods Walk, Lower Loop, and Budd Trail are 3 beginner to moderate trails that access spectacular views of Crested Butte Mountain and Paradise Divide. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. You won't be disappointed. This challenging loop takes in both peaks, connecting them via the Wilson River Trail and trail connections on the back sides of both peaks that involve a couple of scramble sections. 1: The Northern Peaks, http://skithe14ers.com/p-snowmass-mtn.php, Dawson's Guide to Colorado Backcountry Skiing, Volume 1, http://www.wildsnow.com/articles/ratings/ski-board-d-rating-system.html, View Scarp Ridge Gunnison National Forest 3.5 mi (RT); 1,350 ft elevation gain. We are planning on doing the hike again when the smoke isn't a factor. Still some snow on the trail but easily navigable. Just FYI the last 13 miles of the drive are all dirt road. The mountains sit on the western side of the Continental Divide, largely in southern Pitkin and northern Gunnison counties, in the area southwest of Aspen, south of the Roaring Fork River valley, and east of the Crystal River. The trail was a little muddy in parts and there was a good amount of bugs as others have mentioned. Very beautiful wild flowers along trail as you go up. Renowned Elk Mountain Ranch has been the destination vacation for visitors seeking the ultimate dude ranch experience for over 35 years. He was knowledgable of the area and pointed out many of the interesting facts of … The views were incredible and the actual traverse wasn't extremely difficult making it a good mountain for less experienced hikers. (217), Climber's Log Entries Elk Mountain Ranch is secluded within the San Isabel National Forest near Buena Vista, CO. A pleasant two hour drive from Denver or Colorado Springs brings you to the heart of the Rockies. Stunning, absolutely stunning end!!!! There is also a blue post there now someone put in to mark the turn. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. In the winter, the mountains are covered with virgin snow and winter wildlife. See previous comments on how to locate the trailhead. Fantastic short hike. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. The trail is very hard to find, but the AllTrails app makes it a lot easier! The hike itself begins with a steady incline up the mountain through a beautifully forested area. 40° 10' 17.1876'' N, 106° 8' 19.7016'' W. There's also a pink ribbon tied to a tree at the trailhead. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until January. Great hike through the forest to top. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. There is plenty of mud and runoff. I grew up in Wisconsin where deer rut in November and was surprised to find a bull sniffing around his sixty-plus harem on the edge of Estes Park. The 360 view from the top was incredible, although there were a lot of ants and bugs. Also look for the pink ribbon on a tree. Jason answered my call and was accommodating to book us a snowmobile tour for that coming Wednesday. Excellent place to camp better than to hike. It is strictly hiking only upon turning NE headed toward the mountain summit (35% grade) on the Elk Mountain Trail #111.1. Beautiful views on the drive up, but we could not locate the trial head with the coordinates from All Trails. A week at the Elk Mountain Dude Ranch encompasses the best of Colorado all at a great price. Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain are two popular hiking destinations in Oregon's Coast Range. I was in love with this hike, one of the best I have been on in awhile. But the trail is so beautiful with tons of trees and the groundcovers were all turning their fall colors. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Pretty decent 360 views - including Rocky Mountain National Park to the NE. Crater Lake via Monarch Lake (Indian Peaks) Distance: 15 miles. Elk Mountain Resort is surrounded by a beautiful national forest, attracting visitors from around the world. Could not find the trail head and the roads for the last 12 miles are no maintenance roads. Elk Mountain Trail is a 6.8 kilometer lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. You do have to make a reservation to get on the bus wher Elk Mtn Trailhead is not marked - actual location = 40° 10' 17.1876'' N, 106° 8' 19.7016'' W. Parking is best in clearing across CR-21 where old drill site is located. Hiked on Wednesday morning, only one around until decent from peak. Nevertheless, the visitor is offered scenic vistas of dark volcanic breccia worn into spires, towers, stone walls and castle-like formations of immense size. Great hike. There is a rusty metal sign at the entrance where someone wrote the trail name in chalk. It’s perfect for everyone - families, couples, singles and small groups. Easy to find with the app and has a rusty sign right out front, so keep an eye out for that! to the mountains goes I! The trail will be on the right side of the road with what looks like a 4x4 trail. We're backpacking on a loop of about 26 miles through the Elk Mountains' Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness on the western slope of the Rockies, using some of the highest maintained trails in the Lower 48. Nestled into the Elk Mountains near Aspen and woven through with hiking trails and fishing holes, the iron-rich Maroon Bells are so sublime that more than … Begin your Colorado Dude Ranch Adventure, Explore: The Woods Walk is a popular path between Kebler Pass and the Lower Loop. From Electric Pass Peak, head N directly along the ridge towards Hayden Peak. The wildflowers were beautiful. View Elk Mountains Image Gallery - 217 Images. I shall relegate the strict adherence of time to a forgotten corner within the deepest recess of my cavernous cranial-bearing noggin. Parking is somewhat limited, so park along the road somewhere out of the way. BEAUTIFUL views on the drive but wanted people to know what they are getting into! Easy incline for most of the way, the last stretch will have you breathing hard though! "Lily Lake is a beautiful little mountain lake with an easy trail around … It's possible to do a slight variant on the route suggested - one that allows you to take greater advantage of the fabulous views from the Cathedral-Hayden ridge. Elk Mountain Resort is a magical place. Long valleys and sun-dappled aspen forested slopes offer unique scenic beauty to the intrepid hiker. The last part of the hike that goes above timberline that leads to the elk mountain cliff was a slight struggle, as it's a decent climb in elevation. West Elk Mountains: Beckwith Pass from Lost Lake Gunnison National Forest 6 mi (RT); 500 ft elevation gain. One other pair of hikers, otherwise complete solitude. I know! Judd Falls Gunnison National Forest 2.3 mi (RT); 300 ft elevation gain. The Elk Mountains and West Elk Mountains, near the ski towns of Aspen and Crested Butte, are arguably the most beautiful mountains in Colorado.The combination of jagged peaks, multi-colored rocks, expansive fields of wildflowers, and vast groves of aspen make these mountains pure alpine eye candy. We had amazing views from the top, but must have gone too early for any wildflowers. Updated and Revised in 2019 - An opinionated guide to the best hikes in one of Colorado's best hiking areas, the Sawatch and Elk Mountains in central Colorado around the towns of Aspen, Buena Vista, Crested Butte, Marble and Leadville. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Oh, Joy! I have nothing to do for the next four days beyond finding a bit of solitude and treading lightly in body and soul. (3), Images Several hiking trails are just steps from the Elk Mountain Lodge. 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