Mt Elbert is the highest summit of the Rocky Mountains of North America! The elevation is 14,440 ft (4401.2 m).

Initially my team planned on leaving from Denver around 2am and starting the hiking toward 5am. As a matter of fact this idea makes more sense because once you make to the summit, most likely you will be able to see the clouds around the skirts of the mountain which  creates a fascinating view for hikers and as well as photographers. However as a troublemaker I was not going to wake up at 1:30am and hit the road just because of the idea. So, after all we agreed to meet up at the starting point of the trail at 7am.

There are different routes to the top of Mt. Elbert depending on the difficulty. Most people prefer taking “Northeast Ridge Standard Route” that is about 9 mile hiking and considered as Class 1. Throughout the entire trip, cumulative elevation gain will be about 4700′.

Keep in mind, although this is labeled as Class 1 hike, unless you start walking really early in the morning, strong winds will be pounding your faces brutality and eventually slowing you down. Prepare to take a windbreaker jacket, a face-mask along with you or on you. And enough protein bars to help you recharge your body.