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Mount Columbia (Fourteener)
At 14,073 feet, Mount Columbia is the 35th highest peak in Colorado. It is located in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. There is currently no standard route delineated for climbing Mount Columbia and climbers should avoid the loose scree slopes directly west of the peak. This area has seen many visitors and is severely eroded. Mount Columbia is a companion peak to Mount Harvard.
The suggested access is through the Horn Fork Basin Route, which is an 11 mile roundtrip. This strenuous user created trail gains 5,800 feet in elevation. From the North Cottonwood Trailhead on the Salida Ranger District, follow the North Cottonwood Trail #1449 to the Kroenke Lake / Horn Fork Basin junction, veer right towards Horn Fork Basin and Bear Lake. Follow the trail to AN OBVIOUS TRAIL JUNCTION NEAR treeline at the mouth of the basin, TAKE THE RIGHT FORK travelling east, which is the Mount Columbia Trail #1449.B, staying to the south of the prominent rock outcrop. Continue up the south ridge to the summit. It will be a DIFFICULT descent; follow back the same route. Please stay on the trail as the vegetation is extremely sensitive.
The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness was established in 1980 to preserve its quality, character, and integrity. This area is intended to be a place where the imprint of humans is substantially unnoticed; where natural processes are the primary influences, and human activity is limited to primitive recreation and minimum tools. Please follow Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics to ensure that this and future generations experience this special place in its natural condition.
The U.S. Forest Service has many partners, including Colorado Fourteeners Initiative that help protect and preserve Colorado's 14,000 foot peaks, or "Fourteeners", through active stewardship and public education.
At a Glance
| Permit Info: | Commercial and organized groups must obtain a permit through the Leadville Ranger District in advance of their trip. |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Busiest Season: | June-September |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness regulations apply. |
| Water: | No potable water. |
| Restroom: | None |
| Information Center: | Leadville Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:Horn Fork Basin Route - From Leadville, travel south on U.S. Hwy 24 to Buena Vista. Then take Chaffee County Roads 350 and 365 west for 10 miles to the North Cottonwood Trailhead.
General Notes:
- Mountain weather is unpredictable and can change quickly. Be prepared with rain gear and extra layers of warm clothing. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
- Thunderstorms occur frequently in the afternoons, so plan your trip accordingly. Also, keep in mind thunderstorms build rapidly, so keep an eye on the weather and get below timberline at the first sign of a thunderstorm. Follow these Lightening Safety Tips.
- Combat altitude sickness by acclimating gradually and staying hydrated. If symptoms (i.e., severe headache, dizziness, or nausea) do occur, immediately descend to a lower elevation.
- At high altitudes, 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.