Elephanthead Mountain isn’t just one of our favorite summer hikes; it’s also a classic spring ski tour. You can drive the road to the trailhead (which typically isn’t the case during the winter,) making the approach more manageable. Find instructions to the trailhead by visiting our Favorite Hikes on our website.
Strap your skis to your pack for the first 1-2 miles, as the trail is melted out for this portion. We prefer wearing our hiking boots, and carrying our ski boots in our pack, for this type of approach. Once you get to the snow, you can then skin up and start skiing, or keep boot packing if the snow is consolidated enough. Don’t obsess about staying on the summer trail, just take the easiest route up the drainage and it will lead you to the base of the mountain. Then just skin, or boot pack, up the face. The slope angle isn’t crazy steep, but is in the high 30 degree range-- which is prime time for avalanches, so be aware.
The views from the top are some of the best around. Bring a map, as you’ll be wondering about the names of all the other surrounding peaks. Inspiring, to say the least. And be sure to carry your bear spray, it’s that time of year. Remember to tread lightly and leave no trace. Please stop in for great gear, the latest information, or further suggestions on other hiking/skiing destinations.
