Fortification Mountain

Trail access from Elkhart Park. This trail goes off from the Miller-Sweeney Cutoff.  See that post for information on getting to the trailhead.  There is also access from Kelly Park Meadow.  It is well marked with blue diamonds and as of August 7, 2019 is clear or passable all the way to the ski resort. On some forest service maps, it is called the "Elkhart Park Loop" trail.  The riding season begins when the snow is melted in mid to late June and goes until lasting snowfall sometime in October. Most of the photos were taken on Sept. 19, 2018.  

Track on September 19, 2018.  Total mileage=9.8.  Altitude=9,032'-9,708'.  Total ascent/descent=1,590'.  Trail conditions= mostly"Easy" to "Moderate".  25% somewhat to moderately rocky, 70% dirt/decomposed logs/grass, 5% meadow.  One rocky stream crossing. Excellent trail for barefoot horses in reasonable condition.

Track on August 7, 2019.  Total mileage about 9 from the Stock Parking Lot.

(click on any photo for enlarged images.)

This what I call "Sign Meadow".  It has the sign pointing one way for "White Pine/Surveyor" and the other way for "Sweeney Creek and Fortification Mountain."

This is the view looking from Sign Meadow.  In about .2 mile, you will come upon the sign shown below. The trail divides here.  Right goes to Fortification Mountain and left goes on to Miller Lake.

 

This is the first landmark that you are on the right trail.  A large area of sawdust that is at least a foot deep.  I recommend keeping your horses out of it because they may seriously want to roll.

You almost immediately come upon what I call "Narrow Elk Meadow".  Doesn't really look like a trail, but it follows the meadow to its southern end.  The sign to the right is at the bottom. As of August 7, 2019 the meadow is very boggy, but passable.

Narrow Elk Meadow, August 24, 2019

Narrow Elk Meadow, August 24, 2019

The choices are "Sweeney Creek" which warns with a sign "Most Difficult"...and they're not kidding.  We rode in about .2 mile and then the trail disappears.  Fortification Mountain is the way pointed to. 

August 7, 2019

The trail winds through some wonderful, peaceful forest.

photo by Teisha Preece

Recent downfall.  However, we could get around this one on August 7, 2019.

Once you get actually ON Fortification Mountain, the views are stunning.

I call this "Aspen Alley".  Although, the leaves are mostly gone on this grove.

Looking toward the ski run hill.  On September 19, 2018, the aspen colors were gorgeous.