Mount Columbia East Ridge Trail

A long hike along a beautiful stream through bristlecone pine to a fourteener. The old logging road leads to the trailhead. You will see a path continuing south when the road takes a sharp turn right. This is the key to the trail. The rest is easy once you find this trail. The trail will turn west after crossing Three Elks Creek. It was Columbia. The trail will cross the Colorado Trail. These lakes are a short detour. The trail goes past Three Elks Creek after passing the lakes. You will have to climb a steep slope before you can see the basin of Three Elks. The trail fades quickly once in the basin. You will have to find your own way up the ridge. Simply follow the ridge to the summit. There are false summits along the way.