How To Hike To The Summit of Mount Elbert in Colorado

Learn about hiking to the summit of Mt. Elbert 14er, including the distance, detailed map, elevation gain, wildlife, treeline, trailhead location, and where to stay.

Mount Elbert, standing at 14,440 feet, is the highest peak in Colorado and the second highest in the contiguous United States.

Nestled in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains west of Leadville, Colorado, Mount Elbert is a majestic mountain that offers hikers breathtaking views and an unforgettable adventure.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a novice looking to tackle your first fourteener, this guide will help you plan your journey to Mount Elbert’s summit.

Watch the video below to learn more about hiking to the summit of Mt. Elbert.

• Mileage: 10 mile hike
• Elevation Gain: 4,700 ft
• Time: 5 hours to 8 hours, depending on your ability
• Type of Hike: Out and Back
• Things To Consider: Start early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms on the summit
• Notes: Best time to hike mid June to mid September

Mount Elbert offers several routes to the summit, but the two most popular are the Northeast Ridge and the South Mount Elbert Trail.

Northeast Ridge

• Trailhead: Mount Elbert Trailhead (North)
• Distance: 9 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 4,700 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

This is the most popular route and is well-marked, making it a favorite for many hikers. It offers a steady ascent and is a great option if you’re looking for a more straightforward path to the summit.

South Mount Elbert Trail

• Trailhead: South Mount Elbert Trailhead
• Distance: 11 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 5,100 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

This route is slightly longer and steeper than the Northeast Ridge but is generally less crowded. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a great choice if you’re looking for a bit more solitude.

NOTE: The trailhead to Mt Massive is about a half-mile west of the Mt Elbert trailhead on Halfmoon Road. The hike to the summit of Mt Massive is another 14er worth the hike.

Check the Weather

The weather in the Rockies can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations. Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and conditions.

Acclimate to the Altitude

If you’re not used to high altitudes, it’s essential to acclimate before attempting to summit Mount Elbert. Spend a few days at a higher elevation to help your body adjust and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Pack the Essentials

• Clothing: Dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. A moisture-wicking base layer, insulating middle layer, and waterproof outer layer are recommended.
• Gear: Ultrarunning shoes or hiking boots and trekking poles are crucial for navigating rocky terrain.
• Navigation: GPS device to help you with distance and time
• Food and Water: Bring plenty of water (at least 3 liters) and high-energy snacks to keep you fueled.

Start Early

Plan to start your hike early in the morning to allow plenty of time to reach the summit and descend before afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the Rockies during the summer months.

Standing atop Mount Elbert, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Rockies, including neighboring fourteeners like Mt Massive and expansive wilderness.

Take a moment to soak it all in and capture some photos before beginning your descent.

There are tons of places to camp between the trailhead of Mt. Elbert and on Halfmoon when the pavement turns to dirt.

You can tent camp, or if you have an RV or travel trailer, you can boondock in one of the many places to camp.

Our favorite place to stay when visiting Leadville, Colorado, is the Sugar Loafin Campground. The drive from the Sugar Loafin Campground to the Mt. Elbert Trailhead is about 20 minutes.

At Sugar Loafin, they have 30-amp and 50-amp RV hookups and tent camping. There are bathrooms, showers, and a laundry facility.

Hiking to the summit of Mount Elbert is a challenging yet achievable goal for many outdoor enthusiasts. With the right preparation and mindset, you can conquer this mighty peak and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the world of fourteeners, Mount Elbert offers an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Colorado’s stunning Rocky Mountains. Happy hiking!

• Hike other 14ers in the area. Mount Massive is another must-do 14er near Mount Elbert.
• Explore Leadville, Colorado. Leadville is a captivating town nestled high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Known as the “Highest Incorporated City in the United States,” it boasts a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a unique charm that draws visitors from far and wide.
• Learn about the history of mining at the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum in Leadville.
• Drive the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway, which takes you through multiple towns and has great mountain views. This road is open from Memorial Day weekend to early Fall.
• Ride a bike on the Mineral Belt Trail, an 11.6-mile path that is basically an outdoor museum showcasing the area’s mining history. You can rent a bike, or if you need cycling stuff, visit Cycles of Life.

If you liked this hike to the summit of Mt. Elbert 14er, check out the link below for some other hikes you may also like.

SIMPLY CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

Heading out for an ultra run or a hike takes planning and the proper clothes, equipment, and nutrition.

There is nothing worse than finding out you forget something.

Having a checklist of your essential items is very helpful in setting yourself up for success when hitting the trail.

Below is a link to our essential hiking and ultra-running gear checklist. For each hiking and ultra-running adventure, we print out and check off the items before heading out the door.

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is our favorite sun hoodie and was perfect for the hike up to the summit of Mt Elbert.

We love our Black Diamond Trekking poles. They are lightweight and compact, and they were perfect for hiking up to the summit of Mt Elbert.

Hoka Stinson’s are our favorite trail running and hiking shoes, and they were perfect for the hike up to the summit of Mt Elbert.

When using trekking poles, the tops of your hands will get beat up by the sun. Furthermore, it is nice to have gloves on when using trekking poles. Outdoor Research Activeice Sun Gloves are our favorite sun gloves and were perfect for the hike up to the summit of Mt Elbert.

The Osprey Talon 11L is the perfect day hiking pack for carrying a water bladder, a hand-held water bottle, all your clothing, food, trekking poles, and camera gear. It was also the perfect backpack for the hike up to the summit of Mt Elbert.

Fuel and hydration are key in a successful hike to the summit of Mt Whitney. Tailwinds Endurance Fuel is our go-to drink for hydration, electrolytes, and fuel to keep us going while on the trail. Tailwinds was the perfect drink for the hike up to the summit of Mt Elbert.

Capturing the moment is a must while on an epic adventure. The GoPro is our go-to video camera. It is easy to use for video and pictures with its voice command while on the trail. The GoPro was the perfect setup for the hike up to the summit of Mt Elbert.

Having a quality camera helps capture epic pictures. Although not inexpensive, the Sony RX100 is worth the cost. It is compact and lightweight, and it beats carrying a full-body camera for a long hike. The Sony RX100 is our go-to camera and was the perfect setup for the hike up to the summit of Mt Elbert.

Our go-to tripod while out on the trail. The perfect setup for GoPro and the hike up to the summit of Mt Elbert.