Summary
Mount Elbert Elevation 14,440ft. (Sep. 13, 2025) "East Ridge" trail from South Mount Elbert 4X4 TH. From this TH, this class 1 trail runs (9.7 to 10.5 miles rt. with 4,000ft. gain). TH directions are as follows, take 82 West 4 miles to Lake View campground sign, go past campground to a scenic overlook, right next to an over look is a 4X4 road go 1.8 miles to end of rd and to the TH. This year the 4x4 road was more aggressive then last driven and our new Toyoya Land Cruiser had no problem. The trail itself is well maintained and after 2 decades from my first ascent, the trail has been rerouted with better switchbacks and erosion control. The upper part of the trail goes straight for the summit and then redirected left or south to switchback up the south face to the summit.
Trip Schedule break down
| Saturday | 7:45AM | -leave the TH |
| 11:20AM |
| |
| 2:10PM | -back at TH |
A day of weather changes:
- We left the TH just as the rain was letting up
- As we approached the upper ridgeline and over to the south face snow moved in with little visability
- At the summit the weather moved in an out
- the travel back to TH was slick on top opening up to sunny conditions near the CT
- the travel back to TH was slick on top opening up to sunny conditions near the CT
- Arrived back at the TH just before the rain picked up for the rest of the day