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Mount Elbert Southeast Ridge

San Isabel National Forest, Colorado · 3 min read

Distance
9.5 mi
Elevation Gain
4,700 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Est. Time
6-10 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
10 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Summit of Mount Elbert, Colorado's highest point at 14,440 feet
  • Panoramic views across the entire Colorado Rockies from the summit
  • The second highest peak in the contiguous United States
  • Non-technical fourteener accessible to fit hikers
  • Above-treeline alpine tundra for most of the upper route
viewssummit

Mount Elbert in San Isabel National Forest stands at 14,440 feet, making it the highest point in Colorado and the second highest peak in the contiguous United States after California's Mount Whitney. The Southeast Ridge route is the most popular approach: 9.5 miles round trip with nearly 4,700 feet of elevation gain on a well-defined trail.

Mount Elbert is the standard-bearer for Colorado's fourteeners: a serious physical challenge but non-technical in route-finding, making it a achievable goal for fit hikers who prepare appropriately for altitude.

The Route

The Southeast Ridge trail begins from the South Trailhead off CO-82 and climbs steadily through aspen and conifer forest before breaking above treeline at approximately 11,600 feet. The long southeast ridge provides the route to the summit: a broad trail across alpine tundra with continuous views expanding in all directions.

The summit at 4.75 miles is marked with a USGS benchmark. On clear days, the views span dozens of named peaks across the central Colorado Rockies. The North Trail provides an alternative descent for point-to-point hikers with two vehicles.

What to Expect

Start before sunrise. Most experienced Elbert hikers leave the trailhead between 4:00 and 5:30 AM to reach the summit by 8 to 10 AM and be well below treeline before afternoon storms develop.

Altitude effects are a real factor at 14,440 feet. The combination of high elevation, exertion, and distance creates conditions where many hikers experience headache and fatigue. The best preparation is spending multiple nights at elevation (8,000+ feet) before the climb. Know the signs of altitude sickness and be prepared to turn around if symptoms are serious.

Nearby

Twin Lakes, Colorado, is a small community directly off CO-82 near the trailhead. Leadville, "the highest incorporated city in the United States" at 10,152 feet, is about 15 miles north and provides full services plus historical interest as a silver mining town. The America the Beautiful pass is accepted at many fee areas in the San Isabel.

Leave No Trace

This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.

Trailhead Parking

Mount Elbert Trailhead (South) off CO-82 near Twin Lakes. Paved lot with vault restrooms. No fee.

← Back to San Isabel National Forest

More Trails in San Isabel National Forest

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Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Trail

8 mi2,200 ft gain
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Hike into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness in San Isabel National Forest, Colorado. This strenuous 8-mile out-and-back gains 2,200 feet through alpine terrain with views of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks.

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Comanche Lake Trail

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Hike to Comanche Lake in San Isabel National Forest, Colorado. This strenuous 7.5-mile out-and-back gains 2,000 feet to a high alpine lake in the Wet Mountains with summer wildflowers.

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Mount Massive Northwest Ridge

13 mi4,300 ft gain
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Summit the second highest peak in Colorado via the Northwest Ridge in San Isabel National Forest. This strenuous 13-mile out-and-back gains 4,300 feet to Mount Massive's 14,428-foot summit.

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Mount Elbert North Trail

9 mi4,400 ft gain
July through September

Summit Colorado's highest peak via the North Trail in San Isabel National Forest. This strenuous 9-mile out-and-back gains 4,400 feet from Half Moon Campground to the 14,440-foot summit.

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San Isabel Lake Trail

2.5 mi200 ft gain
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Walk the San Isabel Lake Trail in San Isabel National Forest, Colorado. This easy 2.5-mile loop circles a scenic mountain lake near Rye with good bird habitat and access to fishing and recreation.

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Twobit Mesa Trail

5 mi1,000 ft gain
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Hike the Twobit Mesa Trail in San Isabel National Forest, Colorado. This moderate 5-mile out-and-back gains 1,000 feet to a flat-topped mesa with wide views across the Arkansas Valley and surrounding peaks.

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Venable Falls Trail

4 mi1,400 ft gain
June through September

Hike to Venable Falls in San Isabel National Forest, Colorado. This moderate 4-mile out-and-back gains 1,400 feet through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to a scenic waterfall with summer wildflowers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mount Elbert technically difficult?
The Southeast Ridge route is a non-technical trail hike with no scrambling or climbing equipment required. The challenge is purely physical: extreme elevation gain, altitude, and distance.
Is a permit required to climb Mount Elbert?
No permit is required as of 2026. The trailhead parking lot is free and does not require advance reservation.
How should I prepare for altitude on Mount Elbert?
The summit is 14,440 feet. The trailhead is above 9,600 feet. Altitude effects (headache, reduced performance, nausea) are common above 12,000 feet, particularly for those not acclimatized. Spending at least one night at elevation before attempting the summit is beneficial.
What are the key weather concerns?
Colorado's afternoon thunderstorm pattern is critical to understand. Many summits of Elbert happen before 8 AM to be descending before the typical afternoon storm window (noon to 3 PM). Check forecasts the night before and plan accordingly.