Log In 
Peak(s):  Mt. Elbert  -  14,438 feet
Date Posted:  05/30/2013
Date Climbed:   05/26/2013
Author:  runaroundaroo
 Mt Elbert - East Ridge   

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.
Image
Hiking up Elbert above tree line


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.

Image
Panoramic before we hit snow


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.

Image
The incline in the snow


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.

Image
Hiking down between the snow and treeline


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!

Image
Sliding down Mt Elbert


You can find more photos and a full recap here.



Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
1 2 3 4 5 6


Comments or Questions
xtine67
thanks
6/3/2013 10:52pm
this is great!!! i've decided I wanted to hike some 14ers this year and wanted to start out easy... and this certainly helped!!


brianlpowers
4WD Road
6/6/2013 6:45pm
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!


runaroundaroo
User
4WD Road
6/7/2013 2:33am
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.



   Not registered?


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.