Overview:
The first two miles are on the Crater Lake trail, and then Elk Park Trail the rest of the way, for a total of 3 mostly level miles of pleasant and easy hiking. Most of this 3 miles is a large meadow setting, with beautiful wildflowers including a few Columbines, Indian Paintbrush, etc. Due to the open meadow terrain, there are great views of the West Elk Mountains (the Beckwiths, The Castle Range) and The Raggeds. COTREX
Trail Description:
This is a 3.1 mile each way, easy hike, with an elevation gain of 260 ft.
Elk Park trail dissects right through the middle of 2 recommended wilderness areas (WSCC is committed to this recommendation). One is Chalk Mountain to the north of the trail, and the other is Elk Park Mountain to the south of the trail. Currently, only hiking, horseback riding and mechanized vehicles (mountain bikes) are allowed on this trail.
The first two miles are on the Crater Lake trail. You can then veer off along the Elk Park Trail the rest of the way for a total of 3 mostly level miles of pleasant and easy hiking. Most of this 3 miles is in a large meadow setting, where you can observe some beautiful wildflowers.
Difficulty: Easy
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.