Elk Mountain Trail

This pleasant trail follows old mining roads through a landscape occupied by blossoming meadows, scenic woodlands, ponds, waterways, and steep mountains. While this route can be biked, we prefer to hike it—allowing ample time to indulge and admire the beauty of the Rocky Mountains that rise from the landscape. As much of the terrain is unshaded, it is important to be prepared to wear inclement weather, and we suggest dressing in layers as insurance against changing conditions. It is also wise to wear SPF! Note that this route is often unstable with mud after rainfall and spring, so don’t wear your new white runners!

Embark on your journey on the Elk Mountain Trail from the parking lot of National Forest Development Road 649. Setting out from here, turn left onto the roadway, wandering along the route before merging onto Trail 628. After some hiking through the mixed pine woodlands, the path will open into a lush meadow—offering spellbinding views of the Sawtooths. Admire the grandeur of the range, then follow, then merge onto Trail 853, trekking northwardly, nearing Elk Creek. Eventually, you will reach the route’s end—keep right, and you will be diverted onto the NFR629, heading east. Curving around to the eastern face of Elk Mountain, intersecting with Park Creek.

Eventually, you will reconnect with Stanley Lake Road, turn right and hike alongside the roadway all the way back to your vehicle, marking the end of your adventure.