Enjoyed a calm, sunny day for a climb and ski of Mt. Elbert yesterday with my sister! We didn't see anyone else all day. We were very happy to find that a summit ski was indeed in - in fact, there was good snow for the top 1,000' or so! Between 13,000' and 13,400', the snow is melting fast and we had to walk for a good portion of this stretch. Below 13,000', we were able to go all the way to the switchbacks at 11,200', although some sections below the 12,400' saddle will be melted out soon (unless it keeps snowing). From there we walked about 100' vertical and skied most of the way through the trees until just above the Mt. Elbert/Colo. Trail junction, which was just a few minutes from the upper trailhead.
Image #1: Snowshoeing just below treeline
Image #2: Bony ground above 13,000' - the Box Creek Couloirs route holds continuous snow all the way to the 12,400' saddle, and there were some fresh tracks on the route
Image #3: Skiing off the summit
Image #4: Great snow below the summit!
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