Mt Elbert - Sawatch Mountains

Mt. Elbert's NE Ridge Route. Picture
is taken from Leadville looking West.

Made the summit just before a snow and
sleet storm sent us quickly down.
Mt. Elbert - Sawatch Mountains
Scramble: Class 1 – Steep Hiking
Altitude: 14,433 ft
Elevation Gain: 4,400 ft approx
Ascent Time: 3 – 4 Hours NE Ridge
Highlights
This scramble is the highest peak in Colorado, what more
needs to be said!
Getting There
The North Elbert Trailhead (10,050 ft) is .1 mile east of
the Mt. Massive trailhead. Both mountains are just a few miles west of
Leadville. From third street and US 24 (Harrison Avenue) in downtown
Leadville. Go 3.6 miles southwest on highway 24 to Colorado 300 road. Turn
west (right) onto Colorado 300, go approx .7 miles and then south (left) on
Lake County 11 road for approx 1.8 miles then turn right at sign corner for
Halfmoon Creek. Follow this dirt road for approx 6.9 miles passing Halfmoon
campground at 5.6 miles and Elbert Creek campground at 6.7 miles. The North
Elbert Trailhead is the parking lot on your left with washrooms.
Updated trailhead info can be found
here
https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/trailheadsmain.php
Route Description
From the North Elbert Trailhead you start on the Colorado
Trail heading south to cross over the NE Ridge. Once on the south side of
the NE Ridge you will leave the Colorado Trail heading right and up to the
ridge top and treeline. There is a Mt. Elbert trail sign as you leave the
Colorado Trail. It’s around 1.5 to 2 hours total to reach the treeline. From
above treeline it’s another 1.5 to 2 hours on a good trail to the summit!