Trail Overview

This is a one-lane road that starts fairly easy but becomes progressively more difficult as you wind through the beautiful aspen forest above Twin Lakes. Along the trail, there are several dispersed camping sites, some with spectacular views of the Twin Lakes valley. Mount Elbert Road ends at the Mount Elbert East Ridge trailhead. From there, you will head up Hollenback Road (FS 125.C), crossing a creek, passing abandoned mines, riding along a ledge road with sections of off-camber loose rock, all leading to an abandoned mine site and panoramic views at 12,500 feet elevation.

Photos of Mount Elbert East Ridge

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Difficulty

This trail features a one-lane ledge road with no bypasses or turnouts, steep grades, loose rock, and off-camber sections.

Technical Rating

Jack Ford

Jul 15, 2026

Temporarily Closed

Court Legare

Jun 29, 2026

Open

Dusty

Jared Herndon

Jun 20, 2026

Open

The trail was pretty narrow with steep drop offs and tight switchbacks. Made it up to the mine and back without anything but the center diff lock. Wouldn’t recommend anything with a wider or longer wheel base. Spent most of the time in the upper portion leaning over the edge. Over growing trees will scrape your sides. Also a small 1 foot deep creek crossing. Would’ve tried completing the trail, but it was getting late and the old mine made a good turnaround spot already close to the top.

Benjamin Triger

Jun 20, 2026

2024 Yamaha Tenere 700

Open

Normal

If you’re planning to go on adventure dual sport bike, please taken into consideration. This is very rocky climb towards the second half of the trail. I decided to stop when I got too rocky in a viewpoint and I went back down went up 85% gorgeous views of the lake.