Hiked: 9/5/2021
Distance: 12.6 miles round trip on trail
Summit Elevation: 14433'
Prominence: 9073'
Elevation Gain: 4642'
Elevation Gain (in Empire State Buildings): 3.7
Round trip time: 11 hours
Recommended water: 132 oz.
Parking/Fees: Free at North Elbert Trailhead
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Mt. Elbert is the highest mountain in Colorado at 14433' and second highest in the continental US. Since last year, my college roommate Jeff and I had been talking about climbing a big mountain together. Last month, he suggested Elbert since it had been on he and Tracie's bucket list. Leisa was up for it so we booked a flight over Labor Day weekend and met them there. I had watched the weather closely the week before and it was mostly grim: rain, t-storms and a dusting of snow. As the weekend approached, we got lucky with perfectly clear skies. There were multiple trails available, but we decided on the main North Elbert Trail. Recent reports said the road was closed a mile from the trailhead and that is what we found. You could park on one side of the road before the blockade. When we arrived at 5:15 AM, it was 35F, and many cars were already parked, pushing us another quarter mile back.
We spent the first hour in darkness, making up the distance to the trailhead and got a mile up the trail before dawn broke through the trees. The wide trail was in great shape. There was one long, steep section with no switchbacks below the tree line. I also referred to the tree line as the pee line -- the last chance to relieve yourself under the cover of forest. Jeff and Tracie had never hiked above 10000', but were handling the high altitude well. Leisa and I were comfortable above 10000', but hiking to 14000' was always a test. When we got above the tree line, we got a clear look to the towering false summit. It was a little discouraging at first, distant, rugged, and not the finish. We continued up the winding trail on the hulking north ridge while a steady 10mph wind kept things cold. At the base of the false summit, the trail marched directly up the ridge. Groups of hikers were visible at various points drawing the line of ascent. This was the steepest section of trail, braided with parallel use trails, loose dirt, and rocks. Near the top of the false summit, we took our last long break.
The final section of ridge started at 13500', and featured a 2nd false summit. While the slope was not as harsh, each step up was taken with less oxygen than the last. Our progress slowed here to a 100-steps-and-rest pace. However, nobody suffered any serious AMS. Inspiring views of nearby mountains and lakes far below improved as we got higher. After endless trudging, we reached the crowded summit and found a register and reference mark. The benchmark was long gone. Jeff signed us in and we were all relieved and pleased with the success. After photos, we retreated to a large cairn below the summit for lunch.
The way down went slower than expected. We had to step carefully on the steepest parts of the ridge. The extra mile plus at the end also padded the round trip time. Leisa was strong the entire hike and smashed her altitude record again, I think for the fourth time this year. Jeff and Tracie completed the toughest hike of their lives, probably stronger for the wear. While Elbert is considered one of the easier 14ers, it's still a difficult hike at high elevation and only easier in a relative sense. With less gain and distance, I felt it was easier than Mount Whitney, but the main Whitney trail has no sections as steep as Elbert, the Rocky Mountain Highest.
Congrats are in order for Mrs. Tekewin and her impressive, steady progress over the past year--great job, Leisa. It's really cool you are doing these climbs together. But one question, K.--did you really lug 2+ gallons of h20 along?
ReplyDeleteGloop,
DeleteThanks, will pass along the message. Yes, 2+ gallons on a cold day and used almost all of it. I can drink a lot of water at high elevation. Also, it warmed up on the way down and was about 65 at the car.