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Up, up and away, to the highest point of land in the State of Colorado (14,433'). We are talking about Mt. Elbert located just southwest of Leadville. There are at least five trails up Mt. Elbert. The one discussed here starts in the Halfmoon Creek Valley and uses the Colorado Trail for access. The trail starts at the CT Trailhead 1.5 miles west of Halfmoon Campground. At this point the CT, FS1776, crosses the road. A campsite is available northeast of the road/trail intersection, noted as campsite 12. Hike south on the Colorado Trail for .7 mile then turn right and begin ascending the unmarked northeast ridge trail. In about another mile you will come to timberline and the trail will continue on the northeast ridge of Mt. Elbert until about 12,700 feet. From this point the trail levels out a little to the summit. Mt. Elbert is 5 miles one-way with 4,400' elevation gain, allow 9 hours for the round trip. The Scouts who tackle this one will feel like they have accomplished something by the time they return; the “Fourteener” patch is available from the Denver Area Council. See section 26-11 in the Important Facts and Information Chapter. Note: Always start early in the morning to protect your group from afternoon thunderstorms and the heat of the day. Take extra water, there is usually little or no water available on top of fourteeners.
Created on: 2024-09-07 22:15:54