The trail winds up through the meadows below Engineer Mountain through beautiful aspen groves, into deep spruce and pine forests. This hike is about 3 miles up to the base of the mountain. From here, if you wish, you may climb up the southeast ridge of the mountain to the top. There is a somewhat defined trail up the ridge. Be aware that you will be scrambling up through rocks and boulder with some exposure on a very steep ridge.
Caution is recommended.
This trail has a great high altitude start at the top of Coal Bank Pass, north of Purgatory about 8 miles. The trailhead is on the west side of the highway just before you start down the pass. The trail winds up through thick pine and spruce forests ending up in a series of mountain meadows full of colorful wild flowers. This trail joins the Engineer Mountain Trail just above treeline. From this junction you may bear left down Engineer Mountain Trail or turn right and continue around Engineer Mountain, bearing left, to the Engine Creek Trail and back down to Cascade Creek for a full day of strenuous walking.