Mt. Elbert

Route: Northeast Ridge
Posted On: 1/13/2026, By: BrendoRuns
Info: Trail is extremely well packed, spikes useful for most of the ascent but not necessary. There were a few sections up higher that were dry, rocky, and easier without spikes. Traverse over to South Elbert was untracked but dry enough to hop on rocks most of the way over. Elbert should be good to go with no snowshoes until next snowfall 

Route: Northeast Ridge
Posted On: 1/2/2026, By: Dan Kearney
Info: Probably useless after last night's storm, but FWIW: The road was covered in snow, but any AWD car could make it to the summer trail head. Below treeline had a hard packed cruiser trail with only a couple of small dirt sections. Kept spikes on the whole time but they aren't required. Above treeline the trail is 60/40 dirt/hard-packed snow with long stretches of both. Kept spikes on here as well, but if you really want to conserve your gear you'd probably be fine with just poles. Snow wise, the NE and E ridges were totally bare except the trail. Clouds covered the summit so I couldn't get eyes on the ridge over to South Elbert. Didn't posthole once. 

Route: East Ridge
Posted On: 12/24/2025, By: pkrekeler
Info: Perfect conditions for a winter hike.

We arrived in the lower parking lot about 8am. Since there is so much dirt showing, we decided to see how conditions were on the road to the upper trailhead, knowing that we might have to back up or do a 20 point turn around.
It was still early enough for the ice covering the road to be sketchy and slick. We ended up parking about a 1/2 mile from the creek crossing. Those with more experience on sketchy ice might feel more comfortable driving up in the morning.

Hiking was easy. We both wore micro-spikes the entire time. There were a few spots where those without traction would slip or slide.

The temperature was warm - a sun shirt was fine for the area below treeline. We both took off our hats and gloves early on and didn't add a layer until we reached above treeline.

Snow was packed and easy to walk on (with spikes).
We turned around just after treeline because my partner just wasn't feeling it - day and conditions were perfect.

As we returned and neared the Colorado Trail, we encountered one person headed up. His car was parked in the upper lot. The later (11am), conditions melted the ice making driving up easy. Other than one local person walking their dog, no one else was there.

If the lack of snow combined with warm weather continues, the hiking conditions will continue to be ideal. I know there is a slight promise of snow tonight and later this week/weekend, so that might provide some real winter hiking. 

Route: Northeast Ridge
Posted On: 12/20/2025, By: jasonsaude
Info: Packed snow from the parking lot all the way up to just above the tree line. One section 1/4 mile or less of post holing, snow shoes would have been useful but weren’t worth the weight or the pain of putting on or off. Wore spikes the entire way with no regrets. Very gusty but moments of calm kept us going. Parking lot was the only section of road I needed 4wd for but you could easily park on the side of the road. Had a great time, even being a lowlander from GA. 

Route: East Ridge
Posted On: 12/19/2025, By: ccueto93
Info: 2 trees fallen over blocking the path for the 4WD road about a mile in. Will need a chainsaw or man power in order to get out of the way. Had to turn around. 

Route: Northeast Ridge
Posted On: 12/16/2025, By: Conative5280
Info: Used crampons from start to finish. Above tree line had little snow. Recognizable trail route up until the last 500 feet. Trail head was accessible as well, starting to get too icey though. 

Route: Northeast Ridge
Posted On: 12/11/2025, By: MTNCLmber64169
Info: Windy but otherwise fine. Some slick spots and some post holing. Brought BD Sabertooth crampons but didn't put them on and one fell out of my pack. Reward if found. 

Route: Southeast Ridge
Posted On: 11/10/2025, By: CaptainSuburbia
Info: Took the Black Cloud Trail to Cosgriff and Elbert. Then descended to Bull Hill and back to Black Cloud. There is very little snow on the entire route. No spikes or boots needed. 

Route: Northeast Ridge
Posted On: 11/4/2025, By: sumit_utep
Info: Hiked Mt Elbert on 11/01. Pretty hard hike, long and strenuous. Started around 6:30 AM, and summited at 4:15 PM, probably one of the slowest ascents ever. Had to fight constant sub-freezing 40-50 Mph gusts after crossing the tree line, but never thought to give up. Luck favored by weather getting better at the summit giving a beautiful view. For sure, we were the last to get onto the summit that day. Patches of snow inside the forest, but after that most part of the trail was covered with snows. after 13000 ft, micro-spike is a must still.
One more snowfall will make this trail in full winter condition. 

Route: N Mt Elbert Trail #1484
Posted On: 10/8/2025, By: BostonPaulie
Info: Excellent conditions the entire trail. Some snow patches above 13,000 that were hard packed and easy without spikes. Plenty of exposed rock for traction. The final ridge to summit (13,800+) was completely dry. Trail is well maintained and easy to follow. I descended the south side along the CDT and Colorado trail to compete a 14 mile loop, mud up high from all the snow melt but then dry below 12000 and could run most of it. Aspens mostly bare probably from wind storm on 10/5 but still a pretty walk out. 

Route: Northeast Ridge
Posted On: 10/3/2025, By: binchen1230
Info: Trail was mostly dry until near the top. Some icy sections near top in early morning but melted by early afternoon. Should be great condition until next snow. Great views on twin lake with fall colors on the way down. Great views of all the mountains around from summit. A little hot with high 50 and sunny but morning was cold before sunrise. 

Route: Northeast Ridge
Posted On: 9/19/2025, By: drawt1227
Info: Completed hike today. Most of snow and ice has melted for now. Trail in great condition all the way up. Summit was crazy wind and chilly at 10:30am. 

Route: Northeast Ridge
Posted On: 9/15/2025, By: colemfujis
Info: Mostly summer conditions but there was a fair amount of ice and snow covering the route in the last mile before the summit, although it was mostly packed down. Bring your good boots (and maybe spikes). 

Route: Northeast Ridge
Posted On: 9/3/2025, By: Mesquandolas
Info: Parked at the North TH at 5, tons of space. Left at 5:15, summited at 9:45, clear blue skies and excellent trail conditions. Was windy and colder once above the tree line, but calm at the peak. Stayed at the peak until 10:30 and still good looking skies. Back to the TH by 1. 

Route: East Ridge
Posted On: 8/16/2025, By: rvdolson
Info: Road up to the 4WD trailhead is no joke. High clearance a must and 4WD needed to get past a spot early on. Plus is that there are very few cars at the upper trailhead and it's a great, flat place to car camp and be ready to start out early.

Trail was in great condition. Zero water along the way (save at the very beginning) so bring plenty.

This route has the best views, in my opinion, and is much less crowded. Two other vehicles at the 4WD trailhead and encountered less than 15 people on the trail.