North Mount Elbert Trail

At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the highest peak in Colorado and the second highest peak in the lower 48 states coming in just 63 feet below the tallest peak, Mount Whitney in the High Sierras of California. Mount Elbert, as well as Elbert County and the town of Elbert, Colorado, were named after Samuel H. Elbert (1822-1899). Elbert was an outstanding and widely known civic leader in the Territory and State of Colorado.  He served as Colorado’s Territorial Secretary, Territorial Governor, and State Supreme Court Justice.  Active in the formulation of mining legislation and reclamation projects, he promoted concepts of conservation that were ahead of their time.

North Elbert Trail 4.3 miles (one way), 4400 feet gain

From Leadville, travel 3 miles south on US 24. Take Colorado 300 west ¾ of a mile to Lake County Road 11.  Follow signs to Elbert Creek Campground.  The trailhead is just west of this campground on the south side of road.

From the trailhead follow the Colorado Trail South.  Then veer right at the junction of the Colorado Trail and the Mount Elbert Trail.  Follow the trail to the summit.

This trailhead is very heavily used on weekends and moderately/heavily used on weekdays during the summer and fall, and lightly used during spring and winter. During the winter, road access to this trailhead is restricted to snowmobiles, hikers, and skiers. Full size vehicles do not have access to this trailhead during summer months.

At a Glance