Mount Elbert
Mountain peak
At the tallest peak in Colorado, an electrifying mix of thin air, lightning, and rivalry.

📜 Highest point in Colorado and the Rocky Mountains, second-highest peak in the continental United States.
🔍 Known for thin air, lightning, and historical rivalry.

Why Go

⛰ī¸ Straightforward hike to a 14,440-foot summit.
🏞ī¸ Experience stunning alpine views.
📜 Discover the unique historical rivalry with Mount Massive.

Why Avoid

⚡ī¸ Daily afternoon lightning danger from July to mid-August.
đŸ¤ĸ Risk of altitude sickness and severe headaches.
⛰ī¸ Multiple false summits can be misleading.

Tips

↩ī¸ Turn around if headache worsens or clouds develop.
🚗 A 4WD vehicle can shorten the hike to the summit.

đŸ…ŋī¸ Parking

From Twin Lakes, take Lake County Route 24 to South Mt. Elbert Trailhead parking.
Alternatively, with 4WD, take road 125B for 2 miles to clearings, then Colorado Trail (125C).

Last updated 8 days ago

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