Route Climbed: North & South Trails Date Climbed: May, 1993; July, 2002
The 1993 climb was on skis from Halfmoon Campground. We had the entire mountain to ourselves until right at the summit.
The 2002 ascent from the south trail, hiking with my wife.
Day Hiker - Dec 28, 2003 1:53 am Date Climbed: Sep 3, 2011
Northeast Ridge
Wow, this trail is steep. It seems that those who built it never heard of switchbacks; the trail just shoots right up the side of the mountain. From the junction at the Colorado Trail to the summit, the trail climbs about 3800 feet in about 3.5 miles. Between 13400 and 13900 feet, there is only one quarter mile of trail.
2003 August 05.
2011 September 03.
Route Climbed: South Mt Elbert Trail Date Climbed: November 29, 2003
This was a 2-day winter climb, with a planned overnight at around 11,500'. Due to a delay with my flight, we unfortunately didn't hit the trail until 1:30p. We started at the winter trailhead and hiked up to 10,600'. We made camp there due to darkness. The next morning, we encountered patches of deep snow below treeline and heavy winds on the south ridge which slowed our progress. Colonelpyat and Scott Patterson made the summit. However, I was moving more slowly because of the effects of going from near sea level to 14,000' feet in 24 hours. I turned back at 13,950' in order to catch my return flight back home later that evening. I would have made it if I had a little more time. Even though I didn't summit, it was a great winter mountaineering experience, and I enjoyed the company of my new SP friends. I look forward to coming back one day to reach the summit.
Route Climbed: S/E Ridge Date Climbed: February 2001
5 of us spent a couple of hours breaking trail in snowshoes on the approach but once we got on the ridge it was fairly windblown and free of snow. It was an unbelievable day for February with NO WIND and clear blue skies. Amazing views in all directions at the top. I still have the summit shot on my fridge at home!
After flying in the night before from Alaska and spending the night at the youth hostel in Leadville, I hit the trailhead at 7:20am on an overcast morning. I immediately felt the effects of altitude as I struggled up the trail with many brief stops along the way. As I approached treeline (about 11,600 elevation) it began to rain and many hikers gathered in the protection of the edge of the trees to consider their options. Some of us continued on as the rain let up. After climbing onto the ridge and then reaching the first false summit - a large rock heap - we encountered rain once again, then sleet. After waiting for a half hour with a handfull of other determined hikers, the skies began to clear up and we proceeded on to the summit, reaching it in georgeous weather at 11:40 - 4 1/2 hours after my start. Not too bad considering how tough it was on me. Among those who waited out the weather with me were Keith Gogan and Beth from Tulsa (Keith teaches backpacking at Oral Roberts U & Beth had been one of Keith's students. And Larry and Carol from Colorado as well as Larry's mother, Rebecca, joined us and made the top. Rebecca, from Tucson, has a fear of heights and had never done anything like this before. What an accomplishment for her! The view from the top was spectacular. After staying for 20 minutes I scampered back down and got to my car in 2 hours.
Route Climbed: Northeast ridge Date Climbed: July 4, 1997
First attempt in 1995 abandoned at 13,600 due to lightning storm. Returned in 1997 and reached summit with 3 friends. Great views and a very enjoyable climb.
Route Climbed: North Mount ELbert Date Climbed: September 8, 2003
My wife Cindy and I attempted Elbert on September 5th, but turned back at 13,000 feet (thundertorms, hail and snow set in on us). "Drove into Leadville to have a few beers" for you Parrotheads out there. Went back alone on the 8th and summitted in great (but cold on the summit) weather about 10:00 am. Views from the trail and summit where much better than I expected.
Route Climbed: From South Mt. Elbert Trailhead Date Climbed: September 7, 2003
An early fall storm made the hike pretty exciting, although it stole away the views from the top we had dreamed about. All six in the party were successful and reached the summit together. The fresh snow above 12,000 ft was beautiful.
Route Climbed: North Mount Elbert Trail Date Climbed: August 9, 2003
Started about 5:30am and reached the summit about 9:30. Got chased off the summit by a towering nasty looking thunderhead to the south which thankfully didn't do much. Got back to the car about 11:15am.
Nice hike on a mostly good trail. Lots and lots and lots of people. Lots of false summits as well which makes you think you'll never get to the actual summit.
Route Climbed: Mount Elbert Trailhead Date Climbed: July 12, 2003
The hike was awesome. This was our first 14er this year, and was an excellent experience. Camped the night before and hit the trail at 5:30am. Finished at 12:30pm, 7 hours round-trip.
Route Climbed: North route Date Climbed: August 15, 2003
Started at 4:05 am - had tea at at 6:20, 12'00 feet and watched an awsome sunrise over the FrontRange. Was at the top at 7:40 and spent about an hour chatting and enoying the view. Was back at the trailhead at about 12. Awsome hike ! Nice to be on top of Colorado.
Route Climbed: North Elbert Trail Date Climbed: Sunday Aug 10, 2003
Good, solid workout with the elevation gain starting below treeline and continuing pretty much for the rest of the hike save for one short spot. Climbed with compadre Andy in preparation for a Longs attempt next week. Rewarding views and a pretty interesting summit. Definitely a mountain to respect during inclement weather.
Route Climbed: North approach Date Climbed: 5-14-2003
Left Salt Lake City at 1:00 am on the 14th and hit the trail head around 9:00 am. Had perfect weather for the entire hike up and back. Made the summit before noon and back to the car by 2:00 pm. Post holing in the deep snow slowed progress and made it a bit harder than it should have been. The views were perfect from all points of the hike.
Sweet climb....me and 2 of my best friends backpacked in to about treeline, after we all agreed that i would wake everyone up at 3 am we all passed out....well i guess i slept right through my alarm cuz i didnt wake up till 5 am but all was well we go to the summit about 7am. it was a bit windy but a beautiful view..i will post pics soon
Nelson - Dec 30, 2003 9:10 am
Route Climbed: North & South Trails Date Climbed: May, 1993; July, 2002The 1993 climb was on skis from Halfmoon Campground. We had the entire mountain to ourselves until right at the summit.
The 2002 ascent from the south trail, hiking with my wife.
Day Hiker - Dec 28, 2003 1:53 am Date Climbed: Sep 3, 2011
Northeast RidgeWow, this trail is steep. It seems that those who built it never heard of switchbacks; the trail just shoots right up the side of the mountain. From the junction at the Colorado Trail to the summit, the trail climbs about 3800 feet in about 3.5 miles. Between 13400 and 13900 feet, there is only one quarter mile of trail.
2003 August 05.
2011 September 03.
JonBradford - Dec 18, 2003 7:00 pm
Route Climbed: South Ridge from Blackcloud TH Date Climbed: July 15, 2000Mighty Elbert. A nice hike for me and dogs Moses and Jax.
Jon Bradford
bdewoody - Dec 3, 2003 1:06 am
Route Climbed: Southeast Ridge Date Climbed: August 99Not too bad.
Andesite - Dec 1, 2003 10:15 pm
Route Climbed: South Mt. Elbert trailhead Date Climbed: sept. 1997I had the flu but it was a great hike on a great mountain.
Alpinist - Dec 1, 2003 12:51 pm
Route Climbed: South Mt Elbert Trail Date Climbed: November 29, 2003This was a 2-day winter climb, with a planned overnight at around 11,500'. Due to a delay with my flight, we unfortunately didn't hit the trail until 1:30p. We started at the winter trailhead and hiked up to 10,600'. We made camp there due to darkness. The next morning, we encountered patches of deep snow below treeline and heavy winds on the south ridge which slowed our progress. Colonelpyat and Scott Patterson made the summit. However, I was moving more slowly because of the effects of going from near sea level to 14,000' feet in 24 hours. I turned back at 13,950' in order to catch my return flight back home later that evening. I would have made it if I had a little more time. Even though I didn't summit, it was a great winter mountaineering experience, and I enjoyed the company of my new SP friends. I look forward to coming back one day to reach the summit.
jeffgun - Nov 15, 2003 1:29 pm
Route Climbed: S/E Ridge Date Climbed: February 20015 of us spent a couple of hours breaking trail in snowshoes on the approach but once we got on the ridge it was fairly windblown and free of snow. It was an unbelievable day for February with NO WIND and clear blue skies. Amazing views in all directions at the top. I still have the summit shot on my fridge at home!
HawkeyeHufford - Oct 7, 2003 3:05 am
Route Climbed: Normal Date Climbed: July 29, 2003After flying in the night before from Alaska and spending the night at the youth hostel in Leadville, I hit the trailhead at 7:20am on an overcast morning. I immediately felt the effects of altitude as I struggled up the trail with many brief stops along the way. As I approached treeline (about 11,600 elevation) it began to rain and many hikers gathered in the protection of the edge of the trees to consider their options. Some of us continued on as the rain let up. After climbing onto the ridge and then reaching the first false summit - a large rock heap - we encountered rain once again, then sleet. After waiting for a half hour with a handfull of other determined hikers, the skies began to clear up and we proceeded on to the summit, reaching it in georgeous weather at 11:40 - 4 1/2 hours after my start. Not too bad considering how tough it was on me. Among those who waited out the weather with me were Keith Gogan and Beth from Tulsa (Keith teaches backpacking at Oral Roberts U & Beth had been one of Keith's students. And Larry and Carol from Colorado as well as Larry's mother, Rebecca, joined us and made the top. Rebecca, from Tucson, has a fear of heights and had never done anything like this before. What an accomplishment for her! The view from the top was spectacular. After staying for 20 minutes I scampered back down and got to my car in 2 hours.
Steve Hufford
Anchorage, AK USA
Email: hawkeye424hufford@gci.net
MrWasatch - Sep 26, 2003 12:02 pm
Route Climbed: Northeast ridge Date Climbed: July 4, 1997First attempt in 1995 abandoned at 13,600 due to lightning storm. Returned in 1997 and reached summit with 3 friends. Great views and a very enjoyable climb.
dougmckenzie - Sep 18, 2003 11:40 am
Route Climbed: North Mount ELbert Date Climbed: September 8, 2003My wife Cindy and I attempted Elbert on September 5th, but turned back at 13,000 feet (thundertorms, hail and snow set in on us). "Drove into Leadville to have a few beers" for you Parrotheads out there. Went back alone on the 8th and summitted in great (but cold on the summit) weather about 10:00 am. Views from the trail and summit where much better than I expected.
tmbass - Sep 18, 2003 9:15 am
Route Climbed: From South Mt. Elbert Trailhead Date Climbed: September 7, 2003An early fall storm made the hike pretty exciting, although it stole away the views from the top we had dreamed about. All six in the party were successful and reached the summit together. The fresh snow above 12,000 ft was beautiful.
Paul and Kathy B - Carrollton, GA
Adam and Suzie P. - Denver, CO
Tommy and Debbie B. - Athens GA
jrf - Aug 30, 2003 7:29 pm
Route Climbed: North Mount Elbert Trail Date Climbed: August 9, 2003Started about 5:30am and reached the summit about 9:30. Got chased off the summit by a towering nasty looking thunderhead to the south which thankfully didn't do much. Got back to the car about 11:15am.
Nice hike on a mostly good trail. Lots and lots and lots of people. Lots of false summits as well which makes you think you'll never get to the actual summit.
Brice Neugebauer - Aug 30, 2003 9:51 am
Route Climbed: North Mount Elbert Trail Date Climbed: 22 May 2000My first 14er
eurobeer - Aug 25, 2003 10:02 am
Route Climbed: Mount Elbert Trailhead Date Climbed: July 12, 2003The hike was awesome. This was our first 14er this year, and was an excellent experience. Camped the night before and hit the trail at 5:30am. Finished at 12:30pm, 7 hours round-trip.
adriandk - Aug 18, 2003 11:38 am
Route Climbed: North route Date Climbed: August 15, 2003Started at 4:05 am - had tea at at 6:20, 12'00 feet and watched an awsome sunrise over the FrontRange. Was at the top at 7:40 and spent about an hour chatting and enoying the view. Was back at the trailhead at about 12. Awsome hike ! Nice to be on top of Colorado.
kcmule - Aug 12, 2003 6:35 pm
Route Climbed: North Elbert Trail Date Climbed: Sunday Aug 10, 2003Good, solid workout with the elevation gain starting below treeline and continuing pretty much for the rest of the hike save for one short spot. Climbed with compadre Andy in preparation for a Longs attempt next week. Rewarding views and a pretty interesting summit. Definitely a mountain to respect during inclement weather.
rob_runkle - Jul 30, 2003 7:02 pm
Route Climbed: Mount Elbert Trail Date Climbed: July 21, 2003Pretty descent, easy hike. 9 solid miles.
grandwazoo - Jul 29, 2003 7:54 am
Route Climbed: North approach Date Climbed: 5-14-2003Left Salt Lake City at 1:00 am on the 14th and hit the trail head around 9:00 am. Had perfect weather for the entire hike up and back. Made the summit before noon and back to the car by 2:00 pm. Post holing in the deep snow slowed progress and made it a bit harder than it should have been. The views were perfect from all points of the hike.
dk77 - Jul 28, 2003 10:58 am
Route Climbed: Twin lakes Date Climbed: 7/27/03Sweet climb....me and 2 of my best friends backpacked in to about treeline, after we all agreed that i would wake everyone up at 3 am we all passed out....well i guess i slept right through my alarm cuz i didnt wake up till 5 am but all was well we go to the summit about 7am. it was a bit windy but a beautiful view..i will post pics soon
robtvahle - Jul 26, 2003 10:47 pm
Route Climbed: North Elbert Trail Date Climbed: July, 23,2003Lighting was my constant companion. I know it was stupid, but I had to chance lighting in order to peak.
I waited two hours at the treeline for one storm to pass.
Lots of sunshine, rain, hail, sheet and high winds.
Scenary is awesome.
A very, very strenous hike for a 270 pound man who lives at 700 feet.
But, it was an endeavor I'll remember all my life.
Of course if it was easy, then everybody would do it.