Colorado Highpoint
Mount Elbert
14,440 ft · Sawatch Range · San Isabel National Forest
Strenuous hikeLoading map…
The summit pin marks Mount Elbert itself. The access pin marks the North Mount Elbert Trailhead on Halfmoon Road.
USGS-derived Mount Elbert summit locationStandard route
North Mount Elbert Trail – Northeast Ridge
From the North Mount Elbert Trailhead, follow the Colorado Trail south before turning onto the North Mount Elbert Trail. The trail climbs through forest to treeline, then follows the broad northeast ridge on a maintained alpine trail to the summit.
Distance
9.75 mi
Elevation gain
4,500 ft
Route
Out & back
Difficulty
Strenuous
Trailhead
North Mount Elbert Trailhead
Typical hazards: High altitude, afternoon thunderstorms, lightning exposure above treeline, strong wind, cold, lingering snow, and rapid weather changes.
The standard route is Class 1 and does not require scrambling in normal dry conditions, but the sustained elevation gain and altitude make it a demanding day.
14ers.com: Mount Elbert Northeast RidgeAlternative routes
East Ridge
A longer Class 1 alternative from the south side of Mount Elbert. Distance and gain depend on whether the upper four-wheel-drive trailhead is reached.
Starting from the lower two-wheel-drive trailhead increases the trip to roughly 15 miles and 5,000 feet of gain.
14ers.com: Mount Elbert East RidgeAccess
North Mount Elbert Trailhead
The standard approach begins from Halfmoon Road west of Leadville. COTREX identifies the site as managed by the USFS Leadville Ranger District.
The standard trailhead can fill early.
The North Mount Elbert Trailhead has a developed parking area, but it is heavily used and can fill early on summer weekends. Halfmoon Road and nearby recreation sites can also be affected by wildfire or temporary forest closures.
Know before you go
Protect the alpine route
Stay on the constructed trail and do not cut switchbacks.
Avoid walking on fragile alpine vegetation when snow or trail conditions obscure the normal route.
Carry sufficient water; Colorado Fourteeners Initiative notes that very little water is available along the standard route.
Give wildlife space, including elk using habitat near the route.
Turn around when thunderstorms or other conditions make exposed travel unsafe.
Conditions
Check before leaving
Wildfire, snow, road conditions, thunderstorms, and temporary forest orders can affect access. Halfmoon Road and the North Mount Elbert route were affected by the 2026 Willow Fire before reopening later that summer. Always check current Forest Service alerts before leaving.