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"...
We headed up to Mt Elbert over Memorial Day Weekend. We weren't sure what we were getting into in terms of snow so we were prepared for a full 12 mile hike from the Lakeview Campground where we were camping. It turned out to be our lucky weekend as the 4WD road was clear all the way up to the South Elbert Trailhead. We got to that trailhead before 7am and were the only vehicles up there. It was our Forester XT's first 4WD road (only got her 2 weeks ago) and there was no clearance issues at all.
We started out on the Colorado Trail which was deceptively easy. Before long we veered left and up the real 14er trail...immediate climbing. It may have been 36 degrees when we left the car but layers were stripped off in the first half mile of the hike. I spent the majority of the hike in capris, gaiters, a long sleeve base and a t-shirt. Depending upon the wind I'd alternate between a light zip up and my windbreaker, or neither.
The weather was perfect, the skies were beautiful, the animals were out and we were all in good spirits. We took our time with the hike averaging about a mile an hour. It was comfortable, it was fun and we had plenty of time to snack our way through our packs.
We knew this was going to be a rather snowy climb so we were prepared...at least in the gear department. We had waterproof shoes, gaiters and cold weather layers. We were ready. Well, I thought I was anyway. Climbing straight up hill in snow is not that much fun. Its actually kind of hard and rather discouraging.
But we did summit! And the summit was perfect - nearly wind-free!
As soon as we had all fed our faces and took approximately 359 photos each we strapped on our spikes and headed down the mountain. Personally, I don't think the spikes helped to much. I didn't have the hardcore MicroSpikes like the others did but the snow was melting and slushy enough to just dig your heels into on the way down. Besides, everything below about 12,500 or so was mostly snow-free so spikes definitely were not needed there.
Usually the hike down sounds far more awesome than it is. You'd think downhill would be easier. Its not. It does a serious number on your knees and quads. Any remotely flat ground becomes the most amazing thing you've ever seen, just because it gives you a minute or two to recovery. But this hike was different. There was snow. A snow covered slope has some advantages on the way down...like glissading.
On the hike down we met two people hiking up with boards/skis - it was later in the day so I'm not sure how high quality their ride down was, but there was quite a bit of snow...enough that we were jealous of the guy with a snowboard!
Could the 4WD road be navigated with a moderate clearance front wheel drive vehicle? I have my 4WD Ford Explorer, but would rather take my Dodge Caliber for gas savings!
If you have the Explorer I'd take it. The front wheel drive would be fine but if you like the Caliber and really want to get all the way up the road the Explorer is your best bet.
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.