History and Overview
      Mt Elbert is named after Samuel Elbert, a former territorial governor of CO. Mt Elbert is the highest peak in Colorado. It is also the highest peak in Lake County and the second highest peak in the contiguous 48 states. It is located in Lake County just Northwest of Twin Lakes. It has 2 very popular routes. The northern TH is the North Elbert TH and the south is the South Mt Elbert TH. Both routes are very similar and are considered Class 1 routes. The south route is one of the most worn I have ever encountered in Colorado. Because Elbert is one of the easiest fourteeners to climb by it's easiest route many people unfortunately have not historically stuck to good Leave No Trace practices and there is a virtual highway leading to the summit.

Hike Overview
      While Mt Elbert is considered Class 1 and is not technically challenging, it is still a big commitment as this hike gains 3,950ft in just 3.5 miles of leaving the Colorado Trail. Much of the hike is above treeline which should be taken into consideration. In warmer months afternoon thunderstorms are common. In winter, high winds and blowing snow are common.  There are 2 options for hiking Mt Elbert. The North trail runs up Mt Elbert from just south of the Start of segment 11 (Mt Massive TH) at the Mt Elbert TH:

The south Mt Elbert trail lies just 1.2 miles from the end of Segment 11. Both approaches are very similar in distance and elevation gain. This site only covers the South Trail (as I've only done Mt Elbert from this approach).

Hike Details
      This hike is a 7 mile round trip from where you leave the Colorado Trail. Expect on average about 4.5 hours to make the round trip. The turnoff for the South Trail is very clearly marked with a sign at 10,525ft. Immediately begin gaining elevation as you climb up through aspen groves:

 The trail will switchback in a few areas until reaching treeline between 11,400ft and 11,600ft. From treeline much of the remaining hike can be seen. Continue hiking up until reaching about 13,600ft where the trail will make a slight turn to the south. Skirt around Elbert's South side before making some switchbacks up to the summit at 14,433ft:

Looking back on Twin Lakes from the summit of Mt Elbert
Topo Images

Maps by National Geographic Maps