For me, climbing Mt. Elbert would be the realization of one of my oldest dreams...to climb a Rocky Mountain 14,000'-er. We decided on Elbert not only because it was the highest in the state (and second highest in the lower 48) but because it has a well-travelled non-technical trail to the summit. Neither my wife or I are rock climbers so this was a necessity. We decided on the popular route up the north-east ridge of Elbert. The 9-mile round trip route climbs from an elevation of about 10,000' to the 14,433' summit. Sounds straight forward enough but for a couple of flatlanders the sheer elevation would be a powerful obstacle to overcome. It promised to be a memoravle day on the trail...
The Route...
(Map from 14ers.com)
(Map from 14ers.com)
9500' - This was our first glimpse of Elbert the morning of the climb. Shot from US-24 just north of Leadville...
9500' - Mt. Massive (14,428'), Mt Elbert's slightly lower neighbor to the north...from US-24 north of Leadville...
9700' - An old shack sitting under the gaze of Elbert along the access road...
9900' - Passing Halfmoon Creek Campground on the way to the trailhead...
10,040' - Mt. Elbert Trailhead. The northeast ridge, the one we'd be climbing, rises above the trees...
10,040' - We got the feeling we had arrived a bit late, the parking lot was nearly full...
10,040' - Only 4,700' of vertical to go!!
10,100' - The forest near the trailhead was a mix of Fir and Pine and would remain that way until treeline...
10,200' - A small stream crossing and the last reliable water along the trail...
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