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Frenchman Creek trails
The Frenchmen Creek trails; 3 Elk Creek Trail #1455, Frenchmen's Creek Trail #1457 and Pine Creek Trail #1467, are located northwest of Buena Vista, Colorado and all three trails lead into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.
Frenchmen's Creek Trail #1457 is NOT the best approach to Mount Columbia or Mount Harvard. The North Cottonwood Trail, on the Salida Ranger District, is the standard access route.
To access Mt. Harvard and Mt. Columbia, follow the North Cottonwood Trail to the junction with Horn Fork Basin/Bear Lake Trail. The route cuts off prior to Bear Lake and ascends Harvard’s south slopes.
Please remember to Stay the Trail, Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace.
At a Glance
| Usage: | Medium |
|---|---|
| Busiest Season: | June-September |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness regulations apply. |
| Information Center: | Leadville Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:To get to the Frenchmen’s Creek Trail #1457, travel north from Buena Vista on US Hwy 24 for about 7 miles then turn left on Chaffee County Road 386. Travel about 2.5 miles to reach the trailhead.
To get to the 3 Elk Creek Trail #1455, travel north from Buena Vista on US Hwy 24 and turn left 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 FSR 368 and drive on a high clearance road for another 0.8 miles. The trailhead sign is at mile 8.0.
To get to the Pine Creek Trail #1467, travel north from Buena Vista on US Hwy 24 for about 11 miles, then turn left on Chaffee County Road 388.The trailhead and first half mile of the trail is on private property. Please be respectful of the private property owners allowing access through their land. The trail enters the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness area about three miles up the trail.