Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
This is my first trip report and also my first 14er, and the tallest mountain I have climbed was around 2000 feet shorter.
We woke up bright and early at 4 AM and then started to drive to the trail head. Started the climb bright and early on Elbert at around 4:30 Am leaving from the trail head and started to hike up the ridge. Just a note, there is a river which is right at the beginning of the trail, if you look to the right you will be able to see a bridge which will make it easier to cross the river.
We got to the trail split in about an hour and then up the first steep part of the mountain where we took a small break to wash and coming from lower elevation some of the members of the group started to get winded due to this being the first real 14er we have climbed and the elevation was starting to get to people.
After we got above the tree line, we started to climb up the rocky face and towards the second summit. As we started to climb to the first false summit, we passed a few meadows which had some wild flowers growing and also great views of Mt. Massive.
After the first false summit we saw the huge incline and making a stead but slow pace we were able to climb up that and get within a 40 minute hike to the summit. Fatigue started to kick in with some members of my group and we started to take more breaks as we reached within sight of the summit.
After finally running into some of the people we started off on the trail head, and got some final encouragement which helped me push the last 1/2 mile to get on the top. As tradition goes for when I climbed other mountains, I took the picture of the survey marker and also did the hiking pose
On the way down we stopped more and took pictures, we spent around 8 hours on the mountain and I have to say that it was worth every second up there. It did rain so you need to follow the 12 o'clock rule since it did get nasty up there with the rain. I can't wait to have another trip to Colorado and summit some more.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
This was my first 14er too! nice climb, now you will have to add to the list
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
