Mont Columbia West Slopes

This route begins and ends at Cottonwood Creek trailhead (9,900'), reaching the summit of Mount Columbia at 14,073'. From the trailhead, follow the trail downhill to a bridge crossing, then continue 1.4 miles to a second bridge. Just past it, reach a junction and stay right for Horn Fork Basin. Continue 1.75 miles to a small clearing at 11,250', where Columbia's southwest shoulder comes into view, then 0.3 mile farther to the Columbia trail junction. Turn right for Mt. Columbia. Hike a short distance through forest to a junction and turn right, continuing through more forest to a small clearing. Cross it, head southeast, and exit the trees at the base of a wide gully on Columbia's southwest side. Follow the defined trail up through talus, then swing southeast to gain a shoulder. From the shoulder, follow the trail as it traverses east, then north, switchbacking up the shoulder. Near 13,300' the terrain steepens and the trail turns more rugged and less defined; zigzag carefully through the rocks until the ground levels slightly at 13,500', then follow the trail to the ridge at 13,680'. The summit is still a half mile off. Hike north along the ridge, navigating rock bumps, until the summit comes into view again near 13,800' across a flat section. Continue along the ridge, pass between two rock piles, and gain the 14,073' summit. Retrace the route to the trailhead.