Mount Elbert
Sawatch Range / Rocky Mountains • Colorado, USA
Mount Elbert in the Sawatch Range / Rocky Mountains (Colorado, USA) rises to an elevation of 14,440 feet (4,401 m) with +9,093 ft of prominence. Ranked as #1 in Colorado & #2 in Contiguous USA, the standard route is Northeast Ridge / South Mount Elbert Trail (Class 1) (Class 1). Best climbed during July through September, the ascent requires standard trail registration.
Peak Geography & History
Named after Colorado statesman Samuel Hitt Elbert, Mount Elbert is the highest point of the entire Rocky Mountain chain. Although it involves no technical rock scrambling, it should never be underestimated: ascending nearly 5,000 vertical feet to over 14,400 feet puts tremendous cardiovascular stress on the body. The trail weaves through aspen and lodgepole pine forests, crosses above treeline at 11,900 feet, and winds up broad alpine talus slopes to a sweeping summit with views of Mount Massive and La Plata Peak.
Required Gear Checklist
Clear morning skies rapidly give way to violent thunderstorms and deadly lightning strikes by midday. Be off the summit by 12:00 PM.
Nearby Climbing Routes & Trails
Expedition Information
July through September
No permits required for day hikers. Forest Service trail parking fees may apply.