Colorado · Hiking

Elk Mountain

2.3 mi
round trip
1,121 ft
climb
9,387 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Elk Mountain open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 3 alerts for Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.

As of · Source: USFS · Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Elk Mountain is a moderate out-and-back hike in Colorado's Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, within the Sulphur Ranger District. The trail runs about 2.3 miles, with a total elevation gain of 1,121 feet, and the high point reaches 9,387 feet. The route is natural-surfaced and open year-round, and the Forest Service manages the surrounding land. The climb is most pronounced near the middle of the trail, where the steepest grade hits about 14 percent at roughly 0.8 miles. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical July averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 73°F and lows near 40°F, while winter highs stay in the low 30s. The trail is open to both horses and bikes, so it works for riders and pack animals. Denver Creek Campground, about 3.5 miles away, offers a place to stay. Paddlers can head to East Fork Troublesome Creek, about 4.3 miles off, and Troublesome Cut Off, a hike just 0.3 miles away, makes an easy addition to the day.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit Elk Mountain

    Best months: June–August. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      29° / 3°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      30° / 5°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      38° / 12°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      45° / 20°

      10 wet

    5. May

      55° / 27°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      67° / 33°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      73° / 40°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      72° / 38°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      64° / 31°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      51° / 22°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      38° / 12°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      30° / 4°

      12 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Gould 4se Sfsp, CO, 17.5 mi away at 9,000 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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