Because it is a 2.5 hour drive SW of Denver, I drove up to nearby town, Leadville, on Monday afternoon. Along the way, I stopped at Dam Dillon Brewery; #48 on my CO brewery list.
At Copper Mountain, I turned off I-70 onto Highway 91, which marked the start of the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. The weather was fabulous and the fall foliage was in full swing.
I continued on for a small piece past Leadville, taking in the incredible views of Mt. Elbert.
I arrived at stunning Twin Lakes, immediately realizing that I had been there a year prior on my sister trip to Aspen.
Heading back to Leadville, I explored downtown. At 10,152', the sleepy mountain town has much to offer in terms of outdoor recreation and history.
#49 on my brewery list was Periodic Brewery. Cleverly named and designed, it is famous for being the highest craft brewery in the world.
It was an early--and chilly--night!
Despite my close proximity to the mountains, I set my alarm for 4am. As I stepped outside into the cold morning air (30-degree temp), my attention immediately went up towards the bright night sky. I could not recall the last time that I could see the stars so clearly.
The trailhead was a 30-minute drive south of Leadville. Red and I took our time on the last 5 miles of dirt road. The Northeast Ridge route is a Class 1 trail. However, at 9.5 miles and 4,700' elevation gain, it is the most physically enduring hike that I had attempted thus far. I set off from the trailhead at 5:30am (elevation 10,040'). With my headlamp guiding the way, I hiked into the forest.
Initially following the Colorado/Continental Divide Trail, I took the switchbacks up a hill for about a mile before descending slightly to reach a trail junction near 10,560'. From there I turned right to follow the North Mt. Elbert trail. I was relieved as the break of dawn came at last.
I continued up through the forest for another mile to reach a small clearing before finally reaching tree line near 11,900'. Sunrise produced a beautiful and vast array of colors.
After leaving the trees, I followed the trail as it switchbacked up a gentle slope below the Northeast Ridge.
Near 12,700', I reached the crest of the Northeast Ridge, able to see the large cirque at the head of Box Creek.
I continued southwest along the ridge, approaching steeper terrain at 13,400'.
Fresh snow patches covered parts of the trail as I slowly and carefully climbed through the talus to the right of the cirque.
After a steep ascent, the hike flattened out at 13,900'. However, multiple false summits clouded my view to the top.
After a steep ascent, the hike flattened out at 13,900'. However, multiple false summits clouded my view to the top.
I continued up to 14,300', where the true summit ridge finally came into view. I had befriended a couple from Ohio along the journey as we encouraged each other to withstand the unforgiving wind. We were the first ones to summit that day.
After 4 hours of hiking, I approached the summit at 9:30am. The wind was hitting hard from every direction, which is when I decided to stop at the summit ridge at 14,300' (summit 14,433'). There is a line that must be drawn between being brave and being reckless--this is where I drew that line.
Nevertheless, the views from where I sat were unrivaled. Mt. Massive, the second highest mountain in Colorado, dominated the view towards the north, while 14,336' La Plata Peak lay to the south.
Desperate to get off the summit, I quickly began the journey down.
Fortunately, the wind seemed to calm down as the morning progressed.
I passed a few groups of hikers on the way down, but not nearly as many as the trail usually sees.
As I neared tree line, I shed layers and breathed a sigh of relief to finally have shelter from the wind.
Back in the forest, I noted how different--and less intimidating--it looked by day.
I reached the trailhead at 12:45pm, clocking just over 7 hours RT.
From my experience, I agree with popular belief that Mt. Elbert has some of the best views in the state (due to both altitude and location). I disagree, however, that it is one of the easier 14ers. Though the weather had not been on my side, I still think that it is a grueling hike in distance and elevation gain. However, I would add it to my repeat list as the reward is quite worth the effort.
Nevertheless, the views from where I sat were unrivaled. Mt. Massive, the second highest mountain in Colorado, dominated the view towards the north, while 14,336' La Plata Peak lay to the south.
Desperate to get off the summit, I quickly began the journey down.
Fortunately, the wind seemed to calm down as the morning progressed.
As I neared tree line, I shed layers and breathed a sigh of relief to finally have shelter from the wind.
I reached the trailhead at 12:45pm, clocking just over 7 hours RT.
From my experience, I agree with popular belief that Mt. Elbert has some of the best views in the state (due to both altitude and location). I disagree, however, that it is one of the easier 14ers. Though the weather had not been on my side, I still think that it is a grueling hike in distance and elevation gain. However, I would add it to my repeat list as the reward is quite worth the effort.
