Mount Elbert Loop Trail

Route Description for Mount Elbert Loop Trail

Put your stamina to the test as you venture the Mount Elbert Loop Trail. When traveling to extreme elevations, it is important to be acclimated to the area’s altitude prior to attempting an ascent, or consider bringing supplemental oxygen. Additionally, this trek demands endurance, so make sure you are well-prepared and equipped for this taxing hike. Lastly, we highly recommended microspikes and trekking poles to safely navigate the vertiginous snow-packed terrain. Note that afternoon storms are common to the area, so try and summit the peak before noon. When hiking in the winter months, it is important to be mindful of avalanches.

Embark on your adventure along the Mount Elbert Loop Trail from the trailhead on Halfmoon Road. From here, track southeast along the Colorado Trail Segment 11. Climbing steeply uphill almost immediately after the trailhead, you will be confronted with several sets of switchbacks. Eventually, you will meet an intersection and veer right to be diverted onto the Mount Elbert Northeast Ridge Trail. Begin your increasingly technical and steep ascent up to the summit of the impressive 14er, and once there, you will be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of Colorado’s mountainous wilderness.

Revel in the alpine vistas, then take the South Mount Elbert Trail down the mountain. When you meet the path's end, turn left onto the Colorado Trail Segment 11 to head northwest, all the way back to the trailhead.