A Collegiate Peaks fourteener usually paired with neighboring Mount Harvard via a connecting ridge, sharing Harvard's approach trailhead.
The North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead is about ten miles west of Buena Vista via Chaffee County Roads 350 and 365, the same trailhead used for Mount Harvard. Follow the North Cottonwood Trail toward Horn Fork Basin, then branch off toward Columbia's west slopes rather than continuing to Harvard. Climb the west slopes directly to the summit at 14,073 feet; this side of the mountain has been significantly eroded by off-trail travel over the years, so staying on the most established line matters for both footing and impact.
Many parties descend back over Harvard rather than straight down Columbia's west slopes, to avoid worsening the erosion on that side and because the ridge connection is more efficient than descending and re-ascending separately; that connecting ridge traverse is exposed and recommended only for experienced climbers with technical gear.