Frenchman Creek
Frenchman Creek rises in a tundra-clad basin between Mounts Harvard and Columbia, then rushes down through soggy parks to enter the lodgepole forests at the skirts of the mountains. Although the Frenchman Creek Trailhead can be reached by jeep, the road is so rough that the route is more commonly approached via the Colorado Trail. For intrepid four-wheeling enthusiasts, the alpine basin at the head of the valley makes a fine destination for a day hike; if you park at the beginning of the jeep road, Frenchman Creek becomes an overnight trip. Connections with the Colorado Trail and South Pine Creek route allow for the possibility of longer loops or extended backpacks. Peak baggers can attempt the summit of Mount Columbia from the upper basin of Frenchman Creek.
Driving Directions
We cannot find this location: please try again.
Directions to: Frenchman Creek
print directionsTrail Statistics & Information
| Activity | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Nearby City | Buena Vista |
| Length | 7 mi |
| Elevation Gain | 1,850 ft |
| Skill Level | Moderately strenuous |
| Season | Mid-June to late September |
| Trailhead Elevation | 10,300 ft |
| Top Elevation | 12,230 ft |
REI MEMBERS: SAVE $20 on a Trails.com Subscription
Subscribe to Trails.com for just $29.95 a year and gain full access to over 49,000 professional trail guides, high-res USGS topo maps & much more!
