Overview:
This hike begins on a jeep road, though 4wd vehicles could drive up and park farther up the trail. The hike is briefly on Interpretive Ocean Trail before taking the turn to the east onto Little Elk Basin Trail, and offers views of the south side of Mt. Lamborn as well as impressive wilderness.
This area is considered to be one of the best habitats in the state of Colorado for bears. It is also an important winter habitat for elk. Look out for claw markings and tracks. Consider whether there may be hunters with you on the trail and dress for visibility. COTREX
Trail Description:
This is a 3 ¾ mile hike each way, moderate difficulty, with an elevation gain of 1,817 ft.
After walking along the Forest Road to the trailhead, the first 1 mile of the actual trail is along the Inter-Ocean trail which allows mountain biking but no motorized vehicles. After the mile along this trail, you come to the junction of the Little Elk Basin trail, which heads east and over Second Creek ridge – and enters the West Elk Wilderness a few miles from this trail junction. This trail does not allow mountain bikes, due to it entering this designated wilderness and eventually joining the Throughline Trail. You could also opt to continue on the Inter Ocean Pass Trail which climbs higher to the Pass and eventually towards the Lone Cabin side of Mt. Lamborn.
Difficulty: Moderate
How To Get To Trailhead: Drive up Stevens Gulch Road, which becomes Forest Road 701 – then take the Overland Reservoir Road to the trailhead just north of the Overland Reservoir.