I've talked a couple of friends into doing a night hike up Elbert and was hoping to get some advice into the recommended trail. Both are rated class 1 but after reading some trail reports it looks like the NW ridge gets pretty rocky at the top???Is it anything to be concerned with in the dark? is the east ridge less rocky? Also, we are hoping to catch the sunrise and then head down, is one route more scenic than the other for an early morning hike down?
I would guess that both are awesome, but I took them on La Plata's southwest slope last year (their first 14er), it was a little more than they had bargained for and I want to make sure they have more fun on this trip. Thanks in advance
Mt Elbert-(Standard)NW Ridge or East Ridge
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bigredmachine
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Adventure Seeker
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Re: Mt Elbert-(Standard)NW Ridge or East Ridge
The east ridge is not rocky at all. There is a trail all the way to the top. I actually find that route very enjoyable. You also have 600 feet and a mile less of climbing, if that makes a difference.
