The hike to the top of Mount Elbert gives hikers a chance to say they’ve reached great heights – literally. Here is what you need to know before.
Mount Elbert is known as a gentle giant. It is the highest peak in the Rockies (and the second highest in Lower 48 after Mount Whitney). The easiest and most popular climbing routes on the mountain are classified in class 1 to 2 (from A +). It is a mountain that can be walked by the fittest hikers.
It is a very large fourteen rising to 14,400 feet or 4,404. Mount Elbert is located in the San Isabel National Forest near the town of Leadville. The mountain is often snowy all year round – even in summer. Right next to it, to the north, is Mount Massive, the second highest peak in the Rockies. Another great way to explore the Colorado Rockies is to take a hot air balloon ride.
Destroy Mont Massive
Originally, Mount Massive was measured as the highest peak in the Rockies – there is only about 12 feet or 3.7 meters of difference between them. Mount Elbert was originally measured at 14,433 feet or 4,399 meters, it was considered shorter than Mount Massive (which today is measured at 14,428 feet or 4,398 meters). But Mount Elbert was subsequently remeasured at 14,440, making it the tallest.
- Height: 14,440 feet or 4,404 meters
Oddly enough, this led to protests and Mount Massive supporters even tried to build large piles of rock from the summit to reclaim the highest mountain status (Mount Elbert supporters just demolished them). Today, Mount Elbert officially remains the highest in the Rockies.
Trails to the summit
There are five routes that lead to the summit, three of them (including Black Cloud Trail) are considered main routes. All of them gain more than 4,100 feet (or 1,200 meters). The most difficult of the main routes is the Black Cloud Trail. It is classified as a Class 2 climb and takes approximately 14 hours to gain 5,300 feet. It is very steep, with some loose and rocky spots along the trail. The US Forestry Service has more information on trails, with tips and trail maps.
Unlike other mountains like Denali in Alaska (considered North America’s Mount Everest), none of these conventional routes require specialist mountaineering skills. The routes are arduous but one of the main risks is altitude sickness.
North Mount Elbert Trail
The North Mt. Elbert Trail is one of two standard routes (except the Black Cloud Trail) on the mountain (the other being the South Mt. Elbert Trail. Both are good in summer. The North Mt. Elbert Trail is a gorgeous trail this is only recommended for very experienced adventurers and the best hiking season is May through October The trailhead is accessible just past Elbert Creek Campground off Halfmoon Road in southwest of Leadville. It can be quite tiring but is definitely rewarding.
- Length: 4.3 miles
- Popularity: Heavy traffic
- Type: Back-and-forth
- Elevation gain: 4,400 feet
Mount Elbert South Trail
This trail is accessible from the South Elbert Trailhead just above Twin Lakes on Country Road 24 from Shore Pretty Overlook. For those who wish to reduce the hiking time further, they can travel another 1.8 km on the Forest Service Road if they have a 4×4 vehicle in the summer (the road is impassable in the winter). The South Mt. Elbert Trail is considered the standard route in winter. The trail is well marked and generally suitable for people in reasonable physical condition.
- Length: 5.8 miles
- Difficulty: Considered the “easiest” route to Mount Elbert
- To note: Elevation gain is still 4,800 feet
- Open season: Friday before Memorial Day
- Water and toilets: Nothing
Seasons and activities
In winter, visitors enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In the spring, wildflowers bloom on the mountainside and people see the migration of herds of elk.
In summer, the season is ideal for hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, rafting, mountain biking and fishing. Fall is a great time to see the stunning colors as the greens turn to gold – and the peach is at its best. The hike is even better right now as the water levels are low and the higher trails are therefore more accessible.
Lodge accommodation
There are a number of accommodation options around the mountain, and an active rustic option is Mt. Elbert Lodge. They are open year round so visitors can experience the heart of the Rockies during all four seasons. Some of the accommodation options include (note that some require a two night minimum and the price may vary depending on the season):
La Plata
- Bed: 1 double bed, private bathroom
- Rate: $ 135.00
Twin peaks
- Bed: 1 double bed and 1 twin bed, private bathroom
- To note: Great views to the south and east and great views of the sunrise
- Rate: $ 130.00
Mont Massif
- Bed: 1 king size bed, private bathroom
- To note: Their largest room and enjoys the best views to the east and south
- Rate: $ 150.00
Barn
- Bed: 3 bedrooms, one bathroom, living / dining room / kitchen area
- To note: Built in 1898 was one of the original stables hours away
- Rate: $ 145.00
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