Destination hikes provide motivation for hiking excursions, like a trip to a summit or alpine lake. While Bear Lake is the terminus for this route, the trek up Horn Fork Basin is a long and rewarding journey that becomes the destination.

The wonderful trail into the basin is well maintained and begins at about 10,000 feet elevation. Fall mornings can have a wintry feel, possibly even with some snow, but tend to morph into pleasant and sunny afternoons that melt the snow away. The basin is walled in by Mounts Columbia and Harvard, and from mid-September to early October their forested slopes are covered in patches of aspen gold.

From Buena Vista, drive west on Crossman Ave. aka County Road 350. After about two miles CR 350 ends at CR 361, jog right on 361 for about one mile to CR 365. Take a sharp left on 365 then swing west and continue on 365 for about five miles to the end of the road at North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead that leads to Horn Fork Basin.

Begin hiking westward, crossing a creek bridge after a couple hundred yards. The first couple miles climb through shady forest, and when I visited here in mid-September a dusting of snow covered the trees and foliage along the trail. Look for the uncommon three-toed woodpecker in the forested landscape. About 1.75 miles from the trailhead, reach a trail intersection and turn right toward Horn Fork Basin and Bear Lake.

Continue on steeper terrain and rise above tree line to begin an extended stretch through the alpine, where white-tailed ptarmigan and brown-capped rosy-finch reside and summer breeders like American pipits persist into mid-September. Hike through the rocky tundra and willows with 14er Mount Columbia looming on the right and 14er Mount Harvard on the horizon straight ahead. The basin provides a panorama, so be sure to turn around for bonus stellar views of 14er Mount Yale.

After about 3.5 miles, reach a small trail on the left that leads for about a quarter mile to Bear Lake, basically a large collection of snowmelt resting at about 12,500 feet. The brutal barren landscape around the lake offers many rocky tables for a lunch break before retracing the route back to the trailhead.

Joe LaFleur is a hiking enthusiast that hits the trails weekly. He has successfully summited over 150 unique 13ers and 14ers in Colorado. Contact Joe with questions or feedback at joe@betterbirdwatching.com. Hiking is great exercise but can be hazardous. Always be sure to plan well, check the weather, bring a printed map, tell someone where and when you are going and contact them when you return safely.