Fantastic snow, all levels of terrain, green through double black and NO LIFT LINES. Less than half the price of the major resorts. I probably shouldn't even be telling you people about this place. No, I don't work there. Just don't want to ruin it.
The first real higher elevation snow hit while we were here. The powder was belly deep near the summit but we made it. Incredible views and smooth grades lead to the summit. It wasn't an easy hike in that deep powder, so if unless you have some snow-routefinding experience it might be best to wait until the summer. Definitely a fun hike/climb!
Each year on the last Saturday in June we climb Mount Elbert, 14, 433' to honor fallen law enforcement officers. Cops on Top strives to have someone on the highest point in each state to honor law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty. We will never forget!
There are two main trails to Elbert's summit -- the South Elbert Trail and the North Elbert Trail. I hiked from the South Elbert Trailhead, taking the four-wheel drive road to just before the footbridge. The four-wheel drive road wasn't as bad as we anticipated, and compared to many Forest Service roads, it was smooth. The trail is steep -- 4,000-foot elevation gain over about 4.25 miles, and treacherous near the summit (scree field). Hiking poles are highly recommended. The view from on top of Colorado is well worth it!
We are low landers so this was a long (10 hr) difficult climb. Proper conditioning and altitude acclimation are essential. Heed warnings about afternoon storms. This is serious stuff.
My husband (53) and son (17) hiked the Mt. Elbert trail from the trail head. It's a 4 mile, 4,000 feet elevation hike. Everyone told us it was one of the easiest hikes but not if you're not in fantastic shape and used to the altitude. My son did just fine, but my husband struggled a little at first and also coming down again. The view was well worth the hike! Make sure you acclamate yourself to the altitude before attempting any hike. We were in CO for 3 days before hiking and it still was difficult. Great trail and fantastic view!!!
Beautiful mountain, and the first one I have ever hiked. My boyfriend and I hiked this mountain and enjoyed it very much.
August of 2014. We took the North Elbert trail starting at 4:15 am. Summitted at 11:30 am and stepped back into the parking lot at 4:15 pm. It is a nice hike but be prepared for it it is more difficult than it looks. All the way up and especially on top the views are magnificent! I plan to come back in august of 2015 and do it again!
Even though this is an "easier" 14er, it is still over 4,000 ft elevation gain, but that just makes the summit that much sweeter
Beautiful Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest mountain, and Mt. Massive, the 2nd highest mountain in Colorado are visible from, and right outside of, Leadville, CO. Both are gorgeous mountains and climbable! Snow-dusted right now!