Elkhorn Crest Trail
~3 days · 22.8 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Elkhorn Crest Trail is known for
The Elkhorn Crest National Recreation Trail follows the granite ridgeline of the Elkhorn Mountains for about 23 miles between Marble Pass and Anthony Lake — the highest trail in Oregon's Blue Mountains. Point-to-point, usually 3 days; the lake basins used for camping and water lie a short distance off the crest.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 23,625 ft to 27,480 ft over 22.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 8.0 mi · 35%
- Downhill 11.1 mi · 49%
- Flat 3.7 mi · 16%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Elkhorn Crest Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Elkhorn Crest Trail scores 16/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Elkhorn Crest Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Elkhorn Crest Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 22.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Elkhorn Crest Trail?
The Elkhorn Crest Trail climbs roughly 2,766 ft total — about 121 ft per mile, topping out near 8,389 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.