This popular hiking trail provides access into the heart of the southern half of the Mt. Evans Wilderness. Note that the trail is not shown on the Mt. Evans quad. The hike is rated as moderately difficult due to its length and elevation gain. It offers spectacular high mountain scenery and vistas. You should be alert to the possible development of summer afternoon storms with their accompanying lightening, particularly above treeline. Because the trail is almost entirely in designated wilderness, Wilderness regulations apply.

The first part of the trail follows Threemile Creek in a northeasterly direction. The stream and trail are in a narrow canyon with a number of stream crossings. As the trail swings more toward the east, it gradually begins to open up into a meadow. From a point east of Spearhead Mountain, the trail begins to rise steeply away from the creek in a series of switchbacks. As you ascend these switchbacks, look behind you from time to time for dramatic views to the southwest of Kenosha Pass, South Park and the mountains west and south of Fairplay. At the top of the switchbacks the trail begins heading north. You will still be in trees and gaining elevation, but at a much lower rate than the steep switchbacks. Shortly, you will emerge from the trees into open tundra. Kataka Mountain will be on your left (west) and Mt Evans and Mt Bierstadt will be ahead of you and slightly to the left (north/northwest). Continuing north, the trail descends to meet the Rosalie Trail.

Basic Directions