Mt. Elbert

Overview Photos Routes Map Trip Reports FAQ

At 14,438', Mount Elbert is the highest mountain in Colorado, the highest of the Rocky Mountains, and the second-highest in the contiguous United States. Elbert is in the Sawatch Range near the city of Leadville, a 2 hour drive from Denver. Climbing Mt. Elbert is relatively easy compared to many other 14ers and you'll find a trail all the way to the summit, with stunning views over the upper Arkansas River Valley and across the expansive Sawatch. But don't be fooled - getting to the summit is an arduous trek if you're not used to climbing high peaks. It's one of the easiest 14ers in Colorado and sometimes a first 14er climb for beginners.

Elevation 14,438' (LiDAR)

Prev Elevation 14,433'

CO 14er Rank 1 of 53

Range Sawatch

Forest San Isabel

Lat / Lon 39.11774, -106.44537

County Lake

Towns Leadville, Twin Lakes, Aspen

Planning Weather
Conditions (7/2/2026)
Cell Reception

More Member Ascents (17,794)
GPX Library (30)
Climb Times

Photos

360° Summit Pano

Member Contributed Photos

Peak 154 Aerial Photos 1 Sunrise and Sunsets 14 Moon and night sky 1 Wildflowers, plants, trees 20 Waterfalls, lakes, rivers 1 Wildlife in Colorado 4 Rocks, geology 2

Climbing Routes

		Mt. Elbert - Northeast Ridge Standard Route Difficulty: Class 1 Total Elevation Gain: 4,500' Round-trip Distance: 9.75 mi	Exposure: Low Rockfall Potential: Low Route-Finding: Low Commitment: Low
		Mt. Elbert - East Ridge Difficulty: Class 1 Total Elevation Gain: 4,200' Round-trip Distance: 11.25 mi	Exposure: Low Rockfall Potential: Low Route-Finding: Low Commitment: Moderate
		Mt. Elbert - Southeast Ridge Difficulty: Class 2 Total Elevation Gain: 5,300' Round-trip Distance: 10.5 mi	Exposure: Low Rockfall Potential: Moderate Route-Finding: Moderate Commitment: Moderate
		Mt. Elbert - Box Creek Couloirs Difficulty: Difficult Class 2 Moderate Snow Total Elevation Gain: 4,200' Round-trip Distance: 10 mi	Exposure: Considerable Rockfall Potential: Moderate Route-Finding: Moderate Commitment: Considerable

Map

Trip Reports

8 Recent Reports	Peaks	Climbed	Added
Elbert North and the Gang By: Pelotondon Peak(s): Mt. Elbert Added: 5/31/2026	Mt. Elbert	5/30/2026	5/31/2026	3	11
Mt Elbert, Cosgriff and Bull Hill Loop By: CaptainSuburbia Peak(s): Mt. Elbert, Bull Hill, Mt. Cosgriff Added: 12/4/2025	Mt. Elbert Bull Hill Mt. Cosgriff	11/10/2025	12/4/2025	12	48
Elbert Northeast ridge By: Krispy Peak(s): Mt. Elbert Added: 9/21/2025	Mt. Elbert	9/16/2025	9/21/2025	2	4
Mt. Elbert - Northwest Ridge By: htownbrewer Peak(s): Mt. Elbert Added: 9/17/2025	Mt. Elbert	9/5/2025	9/17/2025	3	4
Tour de 14ers Bikepack - Summer 2025 By: Cool Hand Luke Peak(s): Mt. Elbert, Blanca Peak, Uncompahgre Peak, Mt. Lincoln, Castle Peak, Mt. Blue Sky, Mt. Wilson, All 58 14ers Added: 8/11/2025	Mt. Elbert Blanca Peak Uncompahgre Peak Mt. Lincoln Castle Peak Mt. Blue Sky Mt. Wilson All 58 14ers	6/16/2025	8/11/2025	15	50
Elbert - East Ridge from South TH By: gprovost Peak(s): Mt. Elbert Added: 8/8/2025	Mt. Elbert	8/7/2025	8/8/2025	2	4
Elbert - NE Ridge, Fifth of July... By: nickdanielson Peak(s): Mt. Elbert Added: 7/5/2025	Mt. Elbert	7/5/2025	7/5/2025	4	4
Quest to 100 / Part 2: Bagging the Big Boys Before the Summer Swarms / #20 to #33 By: notidealbutfine Peak(s): Mt. Yale, La Plata Peak, Pikes Peak, Fletcher Mountain, Mt. Elbert, "Lackawanna", Torreys Peak, Mt. Blue Sky, Mt. Democrat, Mt. Sherman Added: 6/2/2025	Mt. Yale La Plata Peak Pikes Peak Fletcher Mountain Mt. Elbert "Lackawanna" Torreys Peak Mt. Blue Sky Mt. Democrat Mt. Sherman	4/25/2025	6/2/2025	5	44

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Frequently Asked Questions about Mt. Elbert

Is Mount Elbert good for beginner 14er hikers?

Yes, Mount Elbert is widely considered one of the safest and most straightforward introductory 14ers in Colorado. The standard Northeast Ridge route is a non-technical Class 1 walk-up with a well-maintained, easy-to-follow trail. However, hikers must not underestimate it; as it requires a strenuous 9.5-mile round-trip trek with 4,700 feet of relentless elevation gain that demands strong cardiovascular physical conditioning.

Can I camp near the standard Mount Elbert Trailhead?

Yes, the Halfmoon Creek Road leading to the standard North Trailhead is one of the premier camping corridors in the Sawatch Range. There is extensive, free dispersed car camping at established pullouts all along the dirt road, many of which sit directly alongside the creek. Because this area is incredibly popular with hikers, camping spots fill up rapidly on summer weekends, so you should aim to arrive early on Thursday or Friday morning to secure a site.

Are there developed USFS campgrounds on Halfmoon Creek Road?

Yes, if you prefer managed amenities over dispersed camping, the U.S. Forest Service operates three developed sites along the road. Elbert Creek Campground is located directly across the street from the North Mount Elbert Trailhead, while Halfmoon East and Halfmoon West campgrounds are located just a few miles further down the road. These locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis, cost a nightly fee, and provide vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, but do not offer drinking water or trash services.

What is the standard hiking route for Mount Elbert and how long does it take?

The standard and most popular path is the Northeast Ridge route, which begins at the North Mount Elbert Trailhead off Halfmoon Creek Road. The hike takes the average, well-acclimated person between 5 and 7 hours to complete round-trip. To avoid the danger of afternoon alpine lightning storms above the tree line, you should plan your itinerary to start from the trailhead no later than 5:00 AM unless the weather is forecasted to be sunny all day.

Additional Mt. Elbert History

Name History 1 Climbing History 1

Mining 0

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