Mount Elbert
Climbing Tips

Well, as I was saying, my sweetheart wrote a wonderful romantic page about our Mt. Elbert experience but left out the practical side of it -- passing along some tips to hikers who might be interested in climbing Mt. Elbert for the first time. So here they are. :-)

The Mount Elbert Trail we took begins at a trailhead adjacent to the Halfmoon Campground, which is on the North side of the mountain. The elevation at the trailhead is 9,622 ft. The six mile trail ends at the summit of Mt. Elbert at 14,433 ft. for a total gain of 4,811 ft. There are other trails available but the south trail is recommended for the first-time Elbert climber.

• While Mt. Elbert is not a technical climb requiring ropes, it is a strenuous climb requiring you to be in good physical condition. The thin air at these altitudes combined with the rapid gain makes Mt. Elbert a physically challenging climb. This is no hike in the park, my friends. If you plan on climbing Mt. Elbert, begin an exercise program to strengthen your back, hips, legs, and cardio-vascular system at least two months before you climb.

• This climb is not recommended for children under the age of 12.

• Climbing Mt. Elbert in the winter is only for experienced mountaineers. The best months for climbing by inexperienced climbers or amateur hikers is late June to mid August.

• Get an early start! Be at your trailhead at 7:00 a.m., no later than 8:00 a.m. Thunderstorms tend to develop in the afternoon and they can be very dangerous to the hiker above treeline. You will want to summit before noon. Depending on your physical ability, the climb will take three to five hours.

• If thunderclouds begin to develop overhead, get below treeline fast. Lightning is a very real danger.

• In the summertime, wear or carry 3 or 4 layers of clothing, such as a T-shirt, a sweatshirt, and a warm waterproof windbreaker, pants and shorts. Even though the air around you will be cool or cold, you will sweat a great deal. Be prepared to remove layers during the hike and replace them once you summit. It might be a good idea to carry a dry T-shirt to change into once you summit. The temperature at the summit is rarely above 50F degrees.

• Wear sturdy hiking boots with THICK, comfy socks. Your feet will be put to the test!

• Bring sunblock and sunglasses. The ultraviolet rays at high elevations is severe and can quickly burn you, even on a cloudy day.

• Carry plenty of water! Two quarts per person is ideal. Take sips of water each time you take a rest and don't let yourself get dehydrated.

• Carry high carbohydrate snacks such as trail mixes, granola, power bars, etc. Snack lightly when you rest. Also bring sandwiches or another type of light lunch that you can easily carry and eat at the summit.

• Bring toilet paper or other tissue as well as zip-lock baggies. There are no restrooms on the trail! If you have to "go," you will have to go 100 feet off the trail (minimum) and dig a hole to bury feces at least 12 inches deep. You don't need to bury pee, but you must pack your tissue out with you. That's what the zip-lock baggies are for. When you reach tree line, it's a good idea to go whether or not you feel like you need to. After you leave tree line, there will be nowhere to go without severely damaging the tundra as well as not being seen by other climbers.

• Pack out all your litter! Take care of the mountain and keep it beautiful.

• Stay on the trail above the tree line. The tundra is very delicate. Once damaged, it takes years to return to its normal condition.

• If you live at a low elevation, you may experience some symptoms of High Altitude Sickness. These symptoms are headache, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. My sister, a very healthy and fit tri-athlete who lives at 800 ft. elevation, experienced these symptoms, which made the climb especially challenging for her, but she did manage to summit. If your symptoms become severe, the only cure is to reduce your altitude by climbing down.

• If ever in doubt of the weather or your physical condition, come down. The mountain will still be there to climb another day. Stay safe!

• When you reach the summit of Mount Elbert, you will find a register that can be signed by any climber. It is chained to a rock and rolled up inside a sealed piece of white plastic PVC pipe. Be sure to sign it!

• DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA AND PLENTY OF FILM! The vista at the summit is incredible! If the thin air doesn't take your breath away, the views will.