Elk Mountain Trail Loop

Route Description for Elk Mountain Trail Loop

The Elk Mountain Trail Loop is a pretty hike of moderate difficulty that takes you underneath Obstruction Peak and up to Elk Mountain before dropping down into the river valley. Most hikers prefer this route clockwise, which is how we’ll describe it.

Begin from the trailhead, taking the trail on your left to wrap under Obstruction Peak. At the junction of the loop, stay to the left to go clockwise. You’ll climb into the ridge and then hike just under the ridge to Elk Mountain. From here, the trail makes a sharp turn and drops steeply into the valley. It turns abruptly to the right and then crosses the creek.

Cross over the valley floor before making one final ascent up a set of narrow switchbacks to where the trail meets. You’re not far from the trailhead from here!