Mount Elbert: Northeast Ridge

The Northeast Ridge begins at the North Elbert Trailhead (~10,080') at the end of Halfmoon Creek Road, 11 miles west of Leadville via US Highway 24, Colorado 300, and Lake County Road 11. From the trailhead, follow the Colorado Trail (#1776) south through spruce-fir forest. At approximately 0.8 miles, reach the signed junction for the North Mount Elbert Trail (#1484) and turn right. The trail climbs steadily northwest through open forest before emerging above timberline at approximately 11,900'. From treeline, the route follows the Northeast Ridge southwest on clear, well-worn trail. Expect three gradual false summits on the upper ridge before the terrain levels out on the broad summit plateau. The summit of Mount Elbert (14,439') is marked by a benchmark and stone windbreak. Views extend north to Mount Massive, south to La Plata Peak, and west across the Sawatch Range. Return on the same trail. Start no later than 7 AM to clear the summit and descend below timberline before afternoon thunderstorms build, which are common and can be severe above 13,000'.

Colorado's highest peak, Moumt Elbert is the second highest in the lower 48, behind Mt. Whitney and 14th highest in the country. Given the lower traffic and requisite permits to climb Mt. Whitney, and the technical difficulty of summiting many of Alaska's highest mountains, there is a good chance that a hiker standing on the summit of Elbert is the highest person in America!