Mount Elbert
Mount Elbert (14,440ft.) is a 14er mountain located near the town of Leadville in Colorado’s Sawatch Range, within the greater San Isabel National Forest. As the tallest mountain in the state of Colorado, the summit of Mount Elbert is one of the state’s most popular 14er destinations. Indeed, Mount Elbert holds additional notoriety as the second tallest peak in the contiguous United States, just behind California’s Mount Whitney.
There are several fairly easy-to-moderate routes to Mount Elbert’s summit, with the standard approach via the Class 1 Northeast Ridge beginning at the Mount Elbert Trailhead. However, since this standard route’s parking area is typically incredibly busy, we prefer an approach via the Class 2 Southeast Ridge that begins closer to Twin Lakes. This Southeast Ridge route is a 10.5 mile out-and-back roundtrip, with a steep 4,500ft. of elevation gain. Although this route is non-technical, it is by no means simple. Accordingly, we consider this route a challenging day hike, but achievable with proper preparation and training.
Mountain Information
Mount Elbert, the tallest mountain in Colorado, is named in honor of Samual Hitt Elbert, who was Governor of the then Colorado Territory from 1873–1874 and later served on the Colorado Supreme Court from 1876–1888. The first recorded ascent of Mount Elbert occurred in 1874 as part of a survey expedition led by Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden.
Neighboring Mount Elbert is Mount Massive, Colorado’s second tallest peak at 14,421ft. For a time, there was considerable debate over which mountain was truly the taller peak given the slight height difference. Mount Elbert’s original elevation measurement was adjusted from 14,433ft. to 14,440ft. and to this day continues to be noted as the tallest peak in the state.
As with nearly every Colorado 14er mountain, Mount Elbert is extremely popular. Of course, this popularity is even more pronounced because of its distinction as the highest peak in Colorado. Expect a big crowd at the summit and moderate to heavy trail traffic depending on the route. Thus, we recommend planning to hike Mount Elbert on a weekday and consider camping nearby for an early start.
Route Overview
The Class 2 Southeast Ridge route to Mount Elbert begins at about 9,900ft. at the Black Cloud Trailhead. This is a small, secluded parking and camping area just off of CO-82. Indeed, with this route you’ll be rewarded with far less trail traffic than the standard Class 1 Northeast Ridge route.
Start on the trail by passing some dispersed camping spots and be prepared for a gradually steep initial ascent. The trail switchbacks through dense forest with aspen trees and alongside Black Cloud Creek. Cross Black Cloud Creek on a makeshift log bridge at about 1 mile into the ascent near 10,900ft.. Next, in another .2 miles cross the creek again via a second log bridge around 11,070ft.. The trail leads out of dense forest with views of Bull Hill (13,761ft.) ahead and to the left, with improving views of La Plata Peak (14,336ft.) and Rinker Peak (13,783ft.) behind.
The trail steepens considerably around 12,050ft. heading northeast towards Mount Cosgriff (13,566ft.) and up to the ridge line towards the South Elbert sub-summit (14,130ft.). Much of the trail is along solid terrain, though expect occasional sections of loose scree. Around 13,500ft., turn left heading to South Elbert with views of Mount Elbert’s summit in the distance. Be prepared for about another two miles of high elevation exposure. Thus, a very early start for this hike is highly recommended. Once atop South Elbert, about a mile of steep ridge hiking remains to reach the Mount Elbert summit.
Although the Black Cloud route is less busy, plan for crowds atop the peak. Summit crowds aside, enjoy an impressively expansive vista of the Sawatch Range, with La Plata Peak prominent to the south and neighboring Mount Massive to the north. Descend via doubling back from the summit and retracing steps back to the Black Cloud Trailhead parking area.
Getting There
From Leadville, CO, continue on US 24 through town for approximately 14 miles. Reach the junction with Highway CO-82 and turn right heading west toward the town of Twin Lakes. Stay on CO-82 W for about 10.5 miles, passing the Twin Lakes and a few campgrounds (Whitestar, Parry Peak, and Twin Peaks) on your left. Once past the Twin Peaks Campground on CO-82 W, be prepared to make an abrupt right turn into the Black Cloud Trailhead parking area.
Parking
The Southeast Ridge route to Mount Elbert begins at the Black Cloud Trailhead just off of Highway 82 past the town of Twin Lakes. There is very limited parking space in this heavily wooded area. However, there are a few dispersed campsites if camping is of interest. Do plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Camping
If you plan to hike the Class 2 Southeast Ridge route, there are several dispersed campsites near the Black Cloud trailhead, which is located off of Highway 82 near Twin Lakes. If these sites are full, just down the road on Highway 82 is the Twin Peaks Campground with 35 sites, which are first-come, first served. Also, the Parry Peak Campground is a first-come, first served campground a short distance down the road. Lastly, closer to the town of Twin Lakes is the Whitestar Campground which is reservable in advance on recreation.gov.
Pets
Dogs are permitted on leash. However, if you do opt to bring your pet, please be considerate of others by keeping your pet on leash and picking up/packing out any dog waste.
Recommended Gear
When hiking in Colorado, you should always be prepared for sudden changes in weather, especially on 14er hikes. Therefore, you should carry the appropriate type and amount of gear, clothing, food, water, and other essentials.
- Hiking Boots: The Vasque Breeze LT hiking shoes are incredibly lightweight, provide excellent traction, and are quite affordable for their versatility. We like the Vasque Breeze LT’s for everyday hiking that includes a bit of scrambling.
- Hiking Pants: We love prAna’s hiking pants for their quality and versatility. Indeed, their Zion (for men) and Halle (for women) are great on- and off-trail, especially for travel.
- Hiking Socks: For most of our hiking needs, we like Darn Tough socks over the multitude of options on the market. They last long and have an ironclad guarantee.
- Insulated Jacket: The Arc’teryx Atom LT is easily our favorite insulated jacket. Yes, there may be lighter weight alternatives on the market, but we love the style, fit, packability, and function.
- Day Pack: We like REI Co-op’s Flash 22L pack for its affordability, lightweight design, and overall versatility. This pack has enough storage for a day hike and side pockets are available to store Nalgene bottles or other equipment.
- Trekking Poles: Although trekking poles are optional and a matter of preference, we prefer to use them for added stability. The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z is our top choice due to its extremely lightweight construction.
- Trail Map/GPS Device: We recommend Gaia’s free GPS app for your smartphone.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun’s rays, such as Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen and the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap.
- First Aid Kit: A pre-made kit, including bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers, such as the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 First Aid Kit.
- Snacks: Such as energy bars and trail mix, to keep up your energy on the trail, such as Clif Bar Energy Bars.
