Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
My girlfriend and I wanted to do a hike up Elbert for our second anniversary on the 4th of July. We had just finished a weekend of la crosse at a tournament in Edwards, CO and hikes up to La Plata and Hanging Lake. We were pretty burned out but we thought Elbert would be a great way to finish the weekend. We camped at Lakeview Campground the night before and got a tip from the camp host that the road to the 4WD Trailhead had been redone this year and was much improved. We took our chances in her Honda Fit and went for it.
4:30 AM
We got to the trailhead in about a half hour. The road was tough in our car but we made it 3/4 of the way up the road. We took off from the 4WD South Mt. Elbert Trailhead and it was pretty easy going although the first 1/2 mile on the trail was nearly straight up. After that, the trail rose at a steady pace through aspen and spruce. We made treeline after about an hour. The rest of the trail was a decent haul but was for the most part in good condition. It was a very enjoyable hike, especially for the fact that we were able to hike alone. As for snow, it was not anissue and the entire route was clear and dry.
8:00 AM
We made the summit at 8 and I have to admit it may be my favorite summit view yet. We were among the first on top on the 4th and we had some snacks and took a breather.
8:30 AM
We then took off for the trailhead and made up time. On the way down the weather heated up and we ran into many more people on their way up to Elbert.
10:30 AM
We got back to the trailhead at 10:30 AM. We drove out getting strange looks from people in trucks but made it out. All in all a smooth trip up Colorado's highest peak and on a less-travelled path!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
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.
