Hikes/United States/Colorado/Elk Mountains

Scarp Ridge to Mt Emmons Hike

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4.5-6.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
13.4 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
786 m
User Ratings
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The Scarp Ridge to Mt Emmons Hike is a rugged adventure in the Elk Mountains of Colorado that will take you along a ridgeline for summit views. While out hiking the trail, you will climb sharply uphill from the Lake Irwin Lodge in order to reach the top of Scarp Ridge, before following it east to the breathtaking summit of Mount Emmons for views of the surrounding landscape. This trail is only accessible in the summer month, as snowy conditions in the winter make the area prone to avalanches.

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Route Description for Scarp Ridge to Mt Emmons Hike

Featuring some rugged mountain terrain and breathtaking views overlooking the town of Crested Butte and the surrounding Elk Mountains, the Scarp Ridge to Mt Emmons Hike is an amazing trail that will allow you to enjoy the wild scenery of Colorado.

Setting out from the trailhead next to the Lake Irwin Lodge, you will head to the northeast through the light tree cover and begin working your way up the steep slopes before you in order to reach the top of Scarp Ridge. Here, you will traverse the rocky and rugged terrain to the east, as you work your way along the ridgeline towards the summit of Mount Emmons. Take your time through this section of the hike, both to enjoy the beautifully scenic views and to safely traverse the mountain terrain underfoot.

After traversing the length of the ridge, you will make the final push up to the summit of Mount Emmons, where you will enjoy some breathtaking views of the surrounding Elk Mountains and the lovely little town of Crested Butte nestled in the valley far below. After experiencing the views, you will head back along the ridge to the west and take an alternate route down the hillside on the return to the trailhead where you began your mountain adventure.

Getting to the Scarp Ridge to Mt Emmons Hike Trailhead

The trailhead for the Scarp Ridge to Mt Emmons Hike can be found at the Lake Irwin Lodge.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    April-October

  • Pets allowed

    No

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Scarp Ridge to Mt Emmons Hike Elevation Graph

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