Hike Via Eastern Ridge

To get there, travel west on Chaffee County Road 306 at the main traffic light in Buena Vista. (This is the road that leads to Cottonwood Pass.) Follow the signs to Cottonwood Lake by turning left on Chaffee County Road 344. Pass the lake and take that road another 8-10 miles into the canyon. The highest reaches of the canyon is known as Mineral Basin. Continue on Chaffee County Road 344 and park somewhere along the dirt road near or close to the end. There is no trail to the mountain, and so you will need to decide where is the best spot along the road to begin your hike.

Above is the view of Emma Burr Mountain from Chaffee County Road 344. The arrows show the general route I took in August 2008. The closest area is a marshy area with thick bushes. You will likely need to bushwhack through some parts of them.

A photo giving one a better look at the thick shrubs near the base.

There is a trail for a short distance as one approaches the eastern ridge. That is a product of a long-term trail building project that will connect Cottonwood Pass and Tincup Pass. Be advised there are some Class 3 sections on that ridge. You will definitely be using your hands.

Home