14ers.com

Is the new trail on Columbia finished yet?? If it is, it’s on my list this summer.

They're supposed to finish this summer, but I believe CFI is encouraging people to use the lower portion. https://www.14ers.org/what-we-do/curren ... -projects/

The new Columbia trail CFI has been working to build for the past four years is open! Keep in mind that we'll have a crew continuing to build out new structures and more clearly delineate the upper part of the trail. Thus, expect to see people working on the trail and please stop if asked to do so as work requires. Otherwise, enjoy the difference a ton of work has made on what was one of the worst 14er routes in the state.

Was all CFI volunteer work nixed?

yardman wrote: ↑Tue Jun 02, 2020 4:58 pm The new Columbia trail CFI has been working to build for the past four years is open! Keep in mind that we'll have a crew continuing to build out new structures and more clearly delineate the upper part of the trail. Thus, expect to see people working on the trail and please stop if asked to do so as work requires. Otherwise, enjoy the difference a ton of work has made on what was one of the worst 14er routes in the state.

Thanks Lloyd, I'm looking forward to my second ascent of Columbia this summer.

justiner wrote: ↑Tue Jun 02, 2020 5:18 pm Was all CFI volunteer work nixed?

Sadly, yes: https://www.14ers.org/how-you-can-help/ ... storation/

yardman wrote: ↑Tue Jun 02, 2020 4:58 pm The new Columbia trail CFI has been working to build for the past four years is open! Keep in mind that we'll have a crew continuing to build out new structures and more clearly delineate the upper part of the trail. Thus, expect to see people working on the trail and please stop if asked to do so as work requires. Otherwise, enjoy the difference a ton of work has made on what was one of the worst 14er routes in the state.

Good on CFI for all of your hard work, especially on Columbia!!!
I climbed in 2002 and not only was the screefest not very enjoyable it probably wasn't great for the mountain either, so personally I am thankful for all of the hard work that has/is being put in to improve things.

Sean Nunn

best news i've heard all week! can't wait to repeat this one

stephakett wrote: ↑Thu Jun 04, 2020 8:17 am best news i've heard all week!

likewise!! looking forward to doing it this summer!!

Some quick feedback on the new trail... it is FANTASTIC!! I got to use it last year for my descent of Columbia on Labor Day. At the time, CFI recommended using the old trail to summit, but the new trail for descent. They did an incredible job with the new trail... LOTS of work spent putting in new steps, and making it a joy to hike. There is still a section between the top of the new trail and the ridge to the summit that is a scree-fest, but it is only a small section to manage through. Exceptional work!

From CFI's site:

https://www.14ers.org/what-we-do/curren ... e-projects

and this site:

https://www.14ers.com/route.php?route=c ... .+Columbia

West approach.

But I'm not sure if CFI's new trail starts at the same place as the west slopes route listed on this site (link above).