1 shows the route above the tree line. From the trailhead, take the excellent trail downhill to a bridge crossing, and follow it (
2) for 1.4 miles to another bridge. Shortly after crossing it, you'll arrive at a trail junction. Stay right for Horn Fork Basin and Bear Lake. Follow the trail (
3) for another 1.75 miles to a small clearing at 11,250', where Columbia's southwest shoulder becomes visible to your right (
4). Continue on the main trail for another 0.3 mile to the Columbia trail junction
(
5). Turn right for Mt. Columbia.
Hike a short distance through the forest and enter a linear clearing to arrive at another trail junction (
6). Turn right and continue through the forest until reaching another small, linear clearing. Cross this clearing and head southeast, exiting the trees at the base of a wide gully
on Columbia's southwest side (
7). Follow the defined trail up through talus, then swing right (southeast) to gain a shoulder (
8,
9,
10).
Once on the shoulder
(
11), follow the trail as it traverses east and then north, switchbacking up the shoulder (
12,
13). Near 13,300', the terrain becomes steeper, and the trail becomes more rugged and less defined (
14). Carefully zigzag through the rocks until the terrain levels slightly at 13,500', then follow the trail to the ridge
at 13,680' (
15). The summit is still a half mile away. With the remaining route now visible, hike north along the ridge, navigating rock bumps (
16). Near 13,800', you'll reach a point where the summit comes into view again, across a flat section (
17). Continue along the ridge (
18), pass between two rock piles, and finally gain the summit (
19,
20,
21).
GPX Track File
