2.5 miles; + 1,700 feet
Beginning at the intersection of Hwy 287 in Augusta, drive southwest on the main street and turn right on the Benchmark Road at the edge of town. Follow the Benchmark Road west, over the dam at Nilan Reservoir, and on to the “Y”, 14.7 miles from the starting point. Turn left at the “Y” and continue onwards towards Benchmark. The Crown Mountain trailhead is 20.1 miles from the starting point on the left side of the road. While there may be limited parking down by Ford Creek, we found it easiest to park alongside the Benchmark Road. The Crown Mountain Trailhead (Trail 270) is well signed.
Walk west down through the closed gate and down the private drive that parallels the Benchmark Road. The private drive crosses Ford Creek and continues south a short distance towards some private cabins. The Crown Mountain trail (USFS 270) turns off to the right shortly before reaching the last cabin. Continue up Tr. 270 for about 0.9 miles as it follows Whitewater Creek. Turn left (southeast) off the trail shortly after it bends to the west and crosses a wide forested swale and small rivulet. Bushwack up the rivulet to the southeast to the forested saddle between Peak 6940 and W7M/CL-110. Turn left here and follow the ridge northeast. The climb soon breaks out of thick timber and continues upwards through sparser windblown timber, meadows, and scree to a false summit before turning to the east for the final 0.2 miles to the top. The summit is mostly open, with some small trees and fantastic views in all directions.
