Mount Elbert

Leadville, Colorado

Description

Tallest mountain in Colorado and second tallest in continental US, beautiful 360 views at the summit, amazing views from anywhere on the trail in general, abundance of wildflowers, trees, and animals, safe and relatively easy ascend

The North Elbert Trail starts at about 10,040 feet and as you ascend, there will be many types of wildflowers, animals, and the fresh air will make the hike a calm one. The trail winds through forest until you break tree line at about 12,000 feet. From there, a rocky and dirt trail will lead you to the top. As you look up from tree line, you will notice what seems like the summit to the mountain. This is the first false summit, but it is only about another half hour or so to the top where the elevation is 14,440 feet. The climb is a total of about 4,700 feet. The top of Elbert has breathe taking views of Mt. Massive and the rest of the Sawatch Range, the Rocky Mountains, and the beautiful state of Colorado. The nine mile round trip is way worth the intermediate hike.

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Features

Hiking

Easy Parking

Forest

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

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Nearby

North Mount Elbert Trail

Start your trip at the North Elbert Creek trailhead, reached by taking Colorado 300 just south of Leadville, and then a left on County road 11 and a right on Halfmoon Creek road. The dirt road to the trailhead is well traveled. The trail begins from the parking lot and winds upwards past 2 clearly marked junctions, first left, then right. After the short downhill just before the second junctio...

Colorado Trail: Mount Elbert Trailhead to Twin Lakes

Hike Mount Massive

Starting from the Mt Massive Trailhead off of Halfmoon Creek Road (a half mile past the more popular Mt Elbert Trailhead), follow the excellent and easy trail into the woods. This trail is wide and abnormally flat for a 14er trail for the first three miles. During these first 3 miles the only real "challenge" comes in the form of two stream crossings. However, unless you are going in very early...

Mountain Bike the Colorado Trail near Mount Elbert

This is the way to see fall colors if you're into empty trails and endorphins. Grind up the trail starting from South Elbert Trailhead. You'll turn right onto the Colorado Trail at .3 miles and stay here for as long as you like, or 7.3 miles to the Mount Elbert Trailhead. Turn around and go back down to your car. Watch out for Colorado Trail thru-hikers, listen for the elk bugling, and take ton...

Camp at Mt. Elbert Forebay Reservoir

At the base of Mt. Elbert there are three campgrounds. One is a National Forest campground - you have to pay for a spot and it is closed from October-May. The other two are first-come, first-serve free campground areas. As you drive past the south trailhead, right before the reservoir, there is a very large space with multiple campsites.We were here the first weekend in October and there were o...

Mount Elbert via the Southeast Ridge Trailhead (Winter Route)

Classic Route to the Summit of Colorado's highest peak Great for All Seasons this is the Recommended Winter Route with minimal Avalanche Danger. Known as the South Mount Elbert trail, the East Ridge trail or a combo of both, this trail is truly beautiful and remote. DIRECTIONS: To reach the trailhead if coming south take Route 24 until you are south of Leadville. You will take the right ont...