- …
- Yak
- Quests
- 50 State Highpoints
- Mount Elbert
14,440 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
Mount Elbert
Mount Elbert is a 14,440 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge: 9 mi, 4,461 ft of gain, Class 1.
Mount Elbert at a glance
- Elevation14,440 ft4,401 m
- RouteNortheast RidgeClass 1
- Distance9 mi4,461 ft gain
- Time8 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the Northeast Ridge
From Leadville, Colorado, take Highway 24 south to either the North Elbert trailhead (via Half Moon Road) or the South Elbert trailhead. The northeast ridge from the north trailhead is the most popular route with steady grades on a well-maintained trail. Colorado's highest peak at 14,440 feet, this is a popular but long day. False summits can be demoralizing as the ridge goes on. Start early to beat weather and crowds. Snow can linger into June most years. No technical climbing required but the altitude and distance make this a serious undertaking.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Emergency Bivy
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Heavyweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
What to watch for
- Storms
- High winds
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Low visibility
Mount Elbert on Yak
Climbers have shared 73 climbs of Mount Elbert on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Elbert
50 State Highpoints
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Lower 48 Ultras
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Mount Elbert
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Elbert?
Mount Elbert is 14,440 feet (4,401 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.
Is Mount Elbert the highest point in Colorado?
Yes. At 14,440 feet, Mount Elbert is the highest point in Colorado. It is the 2nd highest of the 72 Lower 48 14ers.
How hard is it to hike Mount Elbert?
The Northeast Ridge is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 4,461 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Elbert?
Most people take 8 – 9 hours round trip on the Northeast Ridge, covering 9 miles with 4,461 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Elbert?
The Northeast Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 4,461 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Elbert?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Elbert reaches 14,440 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Mount Elbert?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Mount Elbert?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Elbert?
The Northeast Ridge starts at about 10,060 feet, roughly 4,380 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Mount Elbert?
The standard route is the Northeast Ridge. Other routes include the East Ridge.
Climb Mount Elbert with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list