4.4 Miles; +2,056 ft; -235 ft; On-Trail
Description
This is a pleasant on-trail hike with a gentle grade. The final mile of the ascent is extremely scenic. There is plenty of room for antennas within the activation zone.
There was a fire lookout camp on the summit (c.a. 1941). Some of the heavy 9-gauge galvanized telephone wire is still present near the summit.
Trailhead Access
Beginning at the Skyland USFS-569 junction with Hwy-2 (1.8 miles west of the Marias Pass Summit):
1. Drive South 1.6 miles on USFS-569; Turn left (southeast) onto FS-1653.
2. Drive 2.5 miles east on FS-1653 and park just before the gate at the fork in the road.
Trail Description
1. The 2-track road splits just before the gate at the trailhead. Note that both forks are gated. Take the left (uphill / north) fork and follow it a short distance (800 feet) to another road junction.
2. Turn right (east) and follow this 2-track road as it contours up to the old trailhead (about 0.9 miles from the parking area).
3. Follow the single-track hiking trail (Tr. 251) as it gently contours up and around the valley east, then south & southwest, eventually cresting the ridge at a major 4-way signed trail junction.
4. Turn left (north) at the 4-way trail junction and follow this trail as it ascends to the north. The trail will turn right (east) as it enters a large meadow, where it will become very faint, except for occasional cairns. The trail exits the meadow at about elevation 7,080 at a distinct fork which is marked with a large cairn on the left side of the meadow at the edge of the timber.
5. Take the left (north) fork at the cairn. The trail will contour to the north and descend to the south ridge of Elkcalf Mountain. Continue following the trail as it descends to the south saddle, then ascends to near the summit. Leave the trail when it ceases climbing and proceed directly to the summit via the south ridge.
