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My one and only Mt Elbert summit was back in February 2018 and I decided it was time to go back. I had climbed the East Ridge that day and planned the Southeast Ridge this time which would allow me to pick up a couple 13ers along the way.
I got up early and left Fort Collins around 3 am arriving at an empty Black Cloud trailhead by 6:30 or so. It was a smallish dirt lot just off the highway that could probably fit 10 or 12 vehicles. After getting kitted up I had some breakfast snacks, a chocolate milk and was on my way.
Day of Climb: Monday, November 10th 2025
Peaks: Mt Elbert, Bull Hill and Mt Cosgriff
Trailhead: Black Cloud
Mileage and Elevation Gain: Approximately 12.25 miles and 5100 feet of gain.
Gaia track.
The Black Cloud trail started beyond a fence at the back of the lot. Still no other cars had shown up which surprised me a little with such a nice forecast. It's good to know you can still climb popular 14ers without crowds on certain days. The trail quickly entered a nice forest as it snaked up the Black Cloud Creek drainage. There were 2 creek crossings over nice log bridges followed by an aspen grove with timber steps running through it.
At about 12200 feet, and near treeline, the trail abruptly turned east, and soon after, started a steep ascent towards the ridge crest. Above 13,000 feet CFI recently had done an amazing job putting in a sustainable trail with switchbacks up what previously was a steep fall-line. The amount of work here must've been back-breaking and very much appreciated. Once through this new section the ridge came quickly.
Beginning of Black Cloud trail.Heading up the drainage.First log bridge.Second log bridge.Aspen grove.First good view of the upper ridge.A nice view of Bull Hill just before the trail turns east.Part of new CFI trail section carved into a talus slope.The last big switchback before the ridge.
The ridge was a beautiful sight for my tired legs. The rest of the route to Elbert could now be seen to the northwest. First though, I turned my attention to the southeast for a quick stroll out to Mount Cosgriff. It was maybe a 1/4 mile and 50 feet of gain away. Cosgriff is definitely up there with Pecks Peak for easiest 13er I've tagged. It had nice summit views though and was complete with a memorial atop a large cairn.
Cosgriff summit with upper ridge looming behind and Mt Elbert to the right.
I only stayed on Cosgriff for a moment and then made the brief descent back to the regular trail to continue towards Elbert. Gaining the upper ridge to reach the unranked 14er South Elbert was the next objective though. There was a nice trail along the entirety of the undulating ridge crest and after about a mile and 500 feet or so of gain I reached South Elberts large, flatish summit. There were spectacular views of Mt Elbert the whole way, and Bull Hill as well, off to the left.
Descending Cosgriff - if you can call it that.Starting my ascent to the upper ridge.Getting close to the South Elbert summit.Standing on South Elbert summit looking out at Elbert.And looking over at Bull Hill
I stopped on South Elbert only to take a few pictures and continued on my way. The descent off South Elbert is very brief and led to a large saddle which I crossed on a nice user trail before heading up Elberts Southwest Ridge. The nice trail continued along the ridge as I climbed the approximately final 600 feet of elevation to Mt Elberts lofty summit and Colorados high point.
Magnificent views were seen in every direction as I grabbed a snack and chatted with 2 other climbers that had summitted from the standard route. The weather could not have been more perfect for November with an almost cloudless sky and near perfect temperatures. I was taking full advantage of our mild fall. I exchanged summit photos with the other 2 climbers and then was on my way towards Bull Hill, my 3rd and final objective for the day.
Descending South Elbert.Saddle.Heading up Elberts Southwest Ridge.Full ridge view.Getter closer.Final approach to the summit.Summit photo!Looking down the Southwest Ridge from the summit.Looking over at South Elbert and Cosgriff from the summit.
The descent back down the Southwest Ridge went fairly quickly to the South Elbert saddle. From here, I continued southwest towards Bull Hill which took me up and over a small knob before finally plunging steeply towards Bull Hills saddle. This was over a junky talus slope without a trail as far as I could tell. I went down a bit left of ridge direct which looked a little spicy.
From the saddle I started my climb up Bull Hills Northeast East Ridge. I alternated between staying on the ridge crest and dropping low on the left. It was easy to keep it to class 2 this was climbing over a mix of talus and solid ground. That ridge probably has some class 3 for the more adventures type. I finally reached the summit after about 400 vertical feet of climbing. I always enjoy these multiple summit days and long ridge walks best!
Descending Elbert and looking out towards Bull Hill.At the saddle and hiking towards the knob.A look at South Elbert again.Coming up to the knob.Starting descent towards Bull Hill.Lots of talus.Easier section of descent.Approaching the saddle.Looking back at the descent.Looking back at ridge direct descent which in hindsight may have been the better option.Heading up Bull Hill.Further up ridge.Final section.Summit views of Mt Elbert on the left and South Elbert on right.Looking south from Bull Hill. Rinker in center and La Plata on right.Looking northwest at Casco Peak.
After a brief stay on Bull Hill I departed down it's southeast ridge for the final leg of my journey. A straight shot down this ridge would reconnect me with the Black Cloud trail, so down I went. As I started out, I briefly saw an elk heard below, but they must have spotted me as I saw them bolt down a nearby ravine. I continued on enjoying the nice grassy slope. Eventually, I hit a very steep rocky section which connected the upper ridge to the lower ridge and then a nice final grassy slope to treeline.
I passed an old cabin to the right upon entering the trees and continued down the ridge. The last bit steepened considerably and the dead-fall started to become a problem. I weaved my way through it though and found the creek without an issue. I crossed the creek and soon after I was cruising down familiar territory on the Black Cloud Trail back to my truck. This was a wonderful loop that I would recommend to all.
Heading down the Southeast ridge.A little further down the ridge.Beginning of rocky section.Look back up the rocky section.More grass to treeline.Cabin down below on right. I wish I had dropped down to check it out. I was in a hurry to finish though.
My GPS Tracks on Google Maps (made from a .GPX file upload):
It was very nice to see photos of the trail in many sections of the hike. I get a much better idea of what to expect. Thank you. I have been to each of these peaks (and Elbert twice) but on four separate hikes from four different trailheads. Once I even planned to do this loop. But when I get to the summit, I'm usually too tired to continue to the next peak. At 80, I don't know how many more peaks I can climb. I have 20 peaks on my wish-list for next July-August. See you on the mountains.
I forgot how dry it was in November. You've got some great pictures in here! I remember the views over to Bull Hill were quite nice as well. It's amazing to me at how great that trail is for how seldom it gets used.
Thanks pmodell! I'm glad you liked all the pictures. I enjoy sharing interesting routes. Wow! 80 and still climbing peaks. Good luck with your wish-list!
Thanks Kiefer! So many great views from Elbert, but yeah, especially Bull Hill. Agreed, Black Cloud is an exceptional trail and is surprisingly under used.
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