Mt. Elbert's NE Ridge Route. Picture is taken from Leadville looking West.

Made the summit just before a snow and sleet storm sent us quickly down.

Scramble: Class 1 – Steep Hiking

Altitude: 14,433 ft

Elevation Gain: 4,400 ft approx

Ascent Time: 3 – 4 Hours NE Ridge

This scramble is the highest peak in Colorado, what more needs to be said!

The North Elbert Trailhead (10,050 ft) is .1 mile east of the Mt. Massive trailhead. Both mountains are just a few miles west of Leadville. From third street and US 24 (Harrison Avenue) in downtown Leadville. Go 3.6 miles southwest on highway 24 to Colorado 300 road. Turn west (right) onto Colorado 300, go approx .7 miles and then south (left) on Lake County 11 road for approx 1.8 miles then turn right at sign corner for Halfmoon Creek. Follow this dirt road for approx 6.9 miles passing Halfmoon campground at 5.6 miles and Elbert Creek campground at 6.7 miles. The North Elbert Trailhead is the parking lot on your left with washrooms.

From the North Elbert Trailhead you start on the Colorado Trail heading south to cross over the NE Ridge. Once on the south side of the NE Ridge you will leave the Colorado Trail heading right and up to the ridge top and treeline. There is a Mt. Elbert trail sign as you leave the Colorado Trail. It’s around 1.5 to 2 hours total to reach the treeline. From above treeline it’s another 1.5 to 2 hours on a good trail to the summit!