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Start 6:30, Treeline 8, Summit 11:45, Left 12:05, Finish 2:30
Started climbing from the trailhead at 6:30. If you really have trouble while still in the trees my advice is to turn around because the higher parts of the mountain will be worse. Broke through the treeline and took this picture.
You can see part of the trail around the false summit here. Do not think you are done once you are there. There is plenty of mountain after that false summit. It is also the hardest area to climb. Just before I got to that false summit I turned around and took this picture.
The trail gets a bit better once above the false summit. Due to an incoming storm I didn't stay on top very long. In fact, the storm had everyone RUNNING down the mountain just to get to the treeline out of the wind and rain. But I did get some great pictures while on the summit.
The last pic was while driving back towards Leadville. Check Mt. Elbert off the list!
I also decided to list some hints from my first 14er for other newbies:
-Acclumate to the elevation before making the try. Don't climb the day after a 9 hour drive from Omaha (with the top down getting sunburned)
-Go light! Broken in shoes/boots, trekking poles, lots of water, some food, a jacket, sunglasses, and a camera should be about it. Don't carry a huge daypack like I did
-Take little steps. No more than a foot between steps. Sometimes heel to toe
-Trekking Poles. My first time using them (and yes, I know how to properly), and I'm glad I did. I have some knee problems but felt great when I was done. They are worth the money
-Start early. I wish I would've started around 4am due to storms. The sunrise would've been nice to see from 14,000 ft. as well!
-Be ready. You don‘t have to be an Olympian, but don‘t expect to summit if you‘re not in shape. I did see an old guy having trouble but make it up shortly after I did so anyone can do it. It is also a head game so be motivated and don‘t let the false summits discourage you.
-Do your homework. Check out all you can before you go, but everything should be on 14ers.com! (Trailhead, routes, turns, false summits, class number, weather, equipment, etc.)
Please vote or leave a comment to let me know how I‘m doing on these reports!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Elbert was my 1st 14er just 13 days before you did it and let me tell you that you tell the truth throughout your report!!! That mountain whipped my tail loudly, I thought getting to the treeline was an accomplishment but that‘s just barely the halfway point!!! That mountain seemed to go on for-freakin-ever!
But once we reached the summit, all the pain in my legs and the sweat was worth it. Terrific views! Did you stay in Leadville? We stayed at the Timberline Motel, not exactly honeymoon type ambiance but it had a good view of the mountain from our window and a somewhat soft bed. We celebrated afterward at the Silver Dollar Saloon, and I did like that place!
Awesome pointers also. Those are a God-send for newbies, I could have used some of those before my 1st 14er. Have you done any more 14ers since?
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