Taken from Mt. Elbert,
1 shows most of the route. From the trailhead (
2), walk through the forest on the great trail for 1.25 miles. Leave the forest and weave through bushes to reach a more-open area at 11,200'. Massive's southwest slopes can be seen after leaving the forest -
3. Follow the trail to the other side of a meadow to reach a trail junction
at 11,200' -
4 and
5. The main trail continues west toward North Halfmoon lakes. Turn right and hike up through trees and a small boulder field, near 11,300' -
6. Reach another, larger boulder field near 11,700' (
8) where the trail can be a bit more difficult to follow as it weaves up through the rocks -
7. Near 11,900', the trail heads up to the right (northeast) as it exits the boulder field under steeper terrain. Near 12,200', reach gentle terrain and follow the trail northeast toward a rock pile -
8. As you approach the pointed rock pile
, you can see much of the route up to the left. Continue all the way to the rock pile at 12,300' -
9.
Pass the rock pile and hike north over a small hill where you will regain your view of the route ahead. -
10. Continue toward more difficult terrain up to the left -
11. Your next goal is to climb north/northwest to gain a ridge that intersects the summit ridge. If there's snow on the slopes, take a close look at
10 to determine the general location of the trail. Follow the trail as it zigzags toward the ridge -
12,
13 and
14. Continue up, up and up as you weave through rocks -
15. Above 14,000', the switchbacks get closer together and the trail reaches a notch before turning right toward the summit ridge -
16. Continue northeast to reach the "top" of this ridge, near 14,200. Walk up and around a corner where the summit ridge comes into view -
17.
Drop slightly to reach a notch and a signed (hopefully) junction
where the
East Slopes trail intersects your trail -
18. Past the junction, stay right of the ridge crest and weave up through the rocks to reach easier terrain on the ridge crest, near 14,300' -
19 and
20. Gain a false summit where you can finally see the summit -
21. Drop to a saddle and continue to the top
-
22 and
23.
