5 votes

Mount Elbert

Mount Elbert, Twin Lakes, Colorado 81211 USA

Independent

“the highest Rocky Mountain Peak”

Mount Elbert is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains of North America. At 14,440 feet , it is the second-highest mountain in the contiguous United States (after Mount Whitney in California), the highest of the fourteeners of Colorado, the fourteenth-highest mountain in the United States, and the highest point of the Sawatch Range. Situated in Lake County approximately 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Leadville, it lies within the San Isabel National Forest, near Twin Lakes, in the center of the state of Colorado. The mountain was named after Colorado statesman Samuel Hitt Elbert, who was active in the formative period of the State and was territorial governor of Colorado in 1873. Henry W. Stuckle of the Hayden Survey was the first to record an ascent of the peak in 1874. The mountainous terrain is categorized as Class 2 Level or A+ in mountaineering parlance. Mount Elbert is referred to as the "gentle giant" that tops all others in the Rocky Mountains.

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Reviewed by
BenjaminRWold

3 Reviews
4 Helpful

November 09, 2014

Rated 5.0

Chini Tiongco must be a badass, because this hike was the most strenuous thing I've ever done. It was my biggest challenge and best view so far. I'm from sea level. I was in CO for about 3 days before I attempted Mt. Elbert, and I was definitely not as acclimated as I thought. This was every bit worth it; but don't do it thinking anyone can. You should know a good bit about 14er hikes before you try one. If you're up for the challenge, though, the view may be the best reward you've ever received. Happy climbing!

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