This hike arguably presents the finest views available of the entire Caldera. While difficult at times due to some steep and continuous slopes, the La Garita Trail itself is easy to follow as it is simply an old jeep road. When the jeep road ends at the Caldera boundary fence line, a wooden post marks the continuation of the trail to the summit. At the fence, simply turn right and stay close to the fence (a footpath more or less exists here) and continue uphill to the summit. When it is time to turn south towards the summit meadow, another post (now fallen down), with a right angled-arrow, indicates the trail to follow. The trail markers can be seen in the photos below.

The final section of trail is literally loaded with deadfall, and if you are wearing hiking shorts, as did the author, be mindful of the countless dead branches that can easily cut. The thick deadfall soon gives way to the high meadow though, with views of the Caldera that are absolutely spectacular. Once there, the fantastic scenery beckons you to stay and enjoy. Check out the photos below, many of which would not comfortably fit on the interactive hiking map. Of course, no photo can come close to the feeling of standing there!