(An old path continues straight at this point, crossing the new section of trail.). Elbert at 14,433'. The Lower Trailhead is on the north side of Lakeview Campground. Elbert is on a social trail near mile 1.8 (2.9 km). A 0.25 mile climb leads to the summit ridge. Walk or drive (1.85 miles) to the Upper Trailhead.
The intended direction a trail should be ridden. The North Mount Elbert Trail follows the Northeast ridge to the summit. An old directional sign is just beyond the bridge. From the Lower Trailhead (Lakeview Campground) it is 1.85 miles to the Upper Trailhead or 6.05 miles, total. It will exercise your heart, lungs, and legs. Continuing the trail re-enters the tree cover for 0.35 mile and then climbs above tree-line. Latitude: 39.15233, Longitude: -106.41198, Route: Northeast Ridge - North Mount Elbert Trail, One-Way Mileage: 4.8 miles - includes new section of the Colorado Trail to the North Mount Elbert Trail junction. Access Info. Elevation North Mount Elbert Trailhead: 10,040', Range: Sawatch Range, CO - the land is managed by the Leadville Ranger District of San Isabel National Forest Here, Mt. Elbert trailhead near Twin Lakes. Mount Elbert is the highest point of elevation in the state of Colorado, but the South Mount Elbert Trail is not technically difficult. Be prepared. Leave the parking area and hike south into the forest on the North Mt. The North Mount Elbert Trail begins next to the trail kiosk. The Adventure Guide to Mount Elbert - South Mount Elbert Trail includes a trail description, photographs of the trail, comments from our hikes, mileage data, custom Mount Elbert topo map, and Mount Elbert - South Mount Elbert Trail tracklog on a geo-pdf map. Recent work on this trail has rerouted some of the worst parts of the hike-a-bike. Turn left and follow the gentle rise of the summit ridge for 0.05 mile to Mount Elbert's highest point. Once on the Northeast Ridge, the trail stays close to the ridge crest through the first section.
The North Trail is however steep. It is 2.90 miles from the trailhead and at an elevation of 11,900 feet. The trail through the meadow is considerably less steep, but the trail continues to climb. No reviews yet, be the first to write a review or ask a question. Do you like to hike-a-bike?
Once on the Northeast Ridge, the trail stays close to the ridge crest through the first section.
Turn right (west) on Colorado Hwy 300. Trails are compared with nearby trails in the same city region with a possible 25 colour shades. From the trailhead at just over 10,000', follow the North Mt. The partial enclosure is large enough to be used as a tent platform. Near the top of the section the trail is very steep! The South Trail is similar to the North Trail in that it is steep. Violent thunderstorms are a daily occurance in summer. Trailforks scans ridelogs to determine which trails are ridden the most in the last 9 months. Follow Hwy 82 for about 4 miles to Lake County Road 24. Elbert trailhead near Twin Lakes. Elbert Trail and the North Mt. It is 0.80 mile along the Northeast Ridge before the Upper Ridge is gained and the Upper Ridge is 4.35 miles from the trailhead. South Mount Elbert Trail Comments .
A rock stacked wind break is passed after 0.20 mile of climbing. From an opening along the trail, there is a good view of Emerald Lake. However, Mt. Be prepared.
Parking is alongside the road.
The grade is mostly moderate, but it is enough to get your attention. 1 mile to reach a flat area, near 10,600'.Descend slightly and reach a trail junction near 10,560' . After 0.30 mile along the rolling Colorado Trail, the South Mount Elbert Trail turns left at a junction. We hope the guide helps you on your climb.
After 0.75 mile turn left on Lake County Rd 11. (The photo at the very top of the pages is from the same location in 2009.). South Mt. Lots of hikers, play nice.
The North Mount Elbert Trailhead has parking, a privy, and a trail kiosk. Leaving the junction (to the right) with the Colorado Trail, the North Elbert Trail is level for a very short enticing distance and then it begins to climb. The trail passes the bulge on the north side. We crossed the creek on a few small diameter downed trees. Leave the Colorado Trail behind at mile 1.4 and turn right towards Mt. The switchback marks the end of the traverse across the South Face and the start of the upper climb (switchbacks) toward the summit. Mount Elbert is the highest point of elevation in the state of Colorado, but the South Mount Elbert Trail is not technically difficult. Elbert is not the ridge to your left; it is currently out of sight ahead of you.
Louis Dawson recommends using the South Mt. Elbert Trail for winter ascents.
Once in the open alpine tundra, the good trail climbs through a series of switchbacks to reach the Northeast Ridge. The 13,500 feet contour is 0.45 above the 13,000 feet contour and 0.70 mile above the boulder. Elbert, the..." | Check out answers, plus see 144 reviews, articles, and 155 photos of Mount Elbert, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 53 attractions in … It will exercise your heart, lungs, and legs. Acclimate, be a prudent mountaineer by carrying the ten (plus) essentials (including plenty of water), and be in good physical condition.
The ridge is 0.65 mile from tree-line. One-Way Mileage: 4.2 miles - from the Upper South Mount Elbert Trailhead accessible by 4WD. All rights reserved cloudhiking, 2009-2015, Leadville Ranger District of San Isabel National Forest. The ridge is 0.65 mile from tree-line. Clouds cover the upper section of the ridge, but the trail stays on the crest (avoiding most of the snow in the photo.). Gear | Skills. Gear | Skills. The trail rises closer to the north edge of the East Ridge. For the next mile the trail climbs steeply through the trees to treeline. Plan on extended hike-a-bike on the way up and a long downhill as the reward for bagging the summit of Colorado's highest peak, Mt. Be prepared.
Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to support. Trailforks scans ridelogs to determine the last time a trail was ridden. There is one more false summit, before the trail reaches the real top. Elbert is also climbed in the dead of winter by experienced mountaineers. Tree-line is near 11,800 feet and 1.30 miles from the Colorado Trail junction. While climbing the ridge there are good views of Twin Lakes and the trail below.
Leaving the East Ridge the trail crosses the South Face to the west. From the ridge switchback, it is an easy (descends about 100 feet) 0.30 mile to the junction with the North Mount Elbert Trail. The climbing starts immediately. The route follows the Colorado Trail (a new section) as it climbs through switchbacks. At 0.30 mile from joining the East Ridge or 2.20 miles from the Colorado Trail Junction, a lone boulder is reached. The guide will familiarize you with the Mount Elbert Trail system and the area.