Mt Elbert is Colorado’s tallest mountain. I attempted to climb it. Here are some of the places and things I learned about to make my trip smooth. I’ll pass the information on to you to make sure your trip is smooth and easy! I didn’t make it to the top but turned back due to fatigue and then the weather. Good luck!
Useful Links
Preparing to Trek Up Mt Elbert
You need to be at your trailhead as early as possible. Some people start the trail at 4 or 5 am but I recommend starting at sunrise rather than using a headlamp to hike the trail. Don’t make the mistake I made and arrive several days before to begin acclimation. I arrived and the next day I attempted to summit. Make sure you’re ready for the altitude and the mileage.
I camped near the trailhead so I could walk directly from my spot. It added 1.25 miles to my hike which also didn’t help. I recommend you drive to either the southeast trailhead or drive up the road with a truck to the truck parking area. The truck parking area reduces the trail by about 1.75 miles. Worth it if you’re not ready for all the extra miles.
Camping
I camped here for my time in the area. The views from the cliff area are seen above and were really gorgeous. I walked from here to the trailhead area which I don’t recommend. The spot is basic boondocking and make sure to pack in and out all your stuff. There is camping all around this area and you can find several different locations if this area doesn’t work for your setup.
Trekking up the Mountain
I started at my camping spot but I’d recommend driving to the trailhead parking lot or driving up the road to the truck parking area. Please be prepared to cross a stream and I’d recommend a 4-wheel drive truck. I did see cars going up the road to the truck parking area but I’d be careful going up the poorly maintained road.
The trail is well maintained and there are several signs to follow up the trail. The trail is well worn and I saw several people passing us and the early birds coming down from their sunrise assents. Be prepared to bring water because, after the truck parking area, there aren’t any more streams to take water from. Also be prepared with sunscreen, wind protection, rain protection, and eye protection because above the treeline weather can be chaotic and windy. Several people we talked to had varying experiences from sleeting, blowing dust, to no wind all within a few hours.
Amenities
The nearest “big” town is Buena Vista and you can find groceries, gas, and even a pet cleaning station if you need anything. There is a small general store and some lodging options in Twin Lake, CO which is just down the road from the camping area. Leadville is to the north and has some more groceries, gas, and even urgent care if something goes wrong.
You’re split between Buena Vista and Leadville so you have several options for amenities between those two towns. I also used Snowy Peak RV Park for their $5 shower if you need to clean up after your hike.
Conclusion
I set myself up for failure looking back on my experience. I didn’t get acclimated. I took the longest route possible and I didn’t plan my pack correctly. Hopefully, now you can take some of the problems I experienced and make sure if you’re coming from the flatlands you can summit the mountain on the first try. I will surely return to try again and I’ll be sure to follow my own advice!
Plan for 6-7 hours of hiking if starting from the trailhead.
Approximately 4800-foot elevation gain
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