{"id":798749,"date":"2019-08-21T19:23:13","date_gmt":"2019-08-22T01:23:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/?p=370281"},"modified":"2019-08-21T19:23:13","modified_gmt":"2019-08-22T01:23:13","slug":"hiking-mount-elbert-focus-on-mindful-economic-steps-to-scale-colorados-highest-point","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/ksmt\/local-news\/hiking-mount-elbert-focus-on-mindful-economic-steps-to-scale-colorados-highest-point\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking Mount Elbert: Focus on mindful, economic steps to scale Colorado\u2019s highest point"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"swift-gallery p402_hide\" readability=\"6.8732590529248\">\n<ul id=\"imageGallery-370281-689\" class=\"gallery list-unstyled\">\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-1024x768.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Antonio Olivero \/ aolivero@summitdaily.com | The trail all the way up to the summit of Mount Elbert along the mountain's northeast ridge.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-1.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>The trail all the way up to the summit of Mount Elbert along the mountain&#8217;s northeast ridge.<\/strong><br \/>Antonio Olivero \/ aolivero@summitdaily.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"The trail all the way up to the summit of Mount Elbert along the mountain's northeast ridge.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-1-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-1-1024x768.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Antonio Olivero \/ aolivero@summitdaily.com | The trail all the way up to the summit of Mount Elbert along the mountain's northeast ridge couldn't be more easy to follow with a clear, gradual path well worn above tree line.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-0.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"10\">\n<p><strong>The trail all the way up to the summit of Mount Elbert along the mountain&#8217;s northeast ridge couldn&#8217;t be more easy to follow with a clear, gradual path well worn above tree line.<\/strong><br \/>Antonio Olivero \/ aolivero@summitdaily.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"The trail all the way up to the summit of Mount Elbert along the mountain's northeast ridge couldn't be more easy to follow with a clear, gradual path well worn above tree line.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-2-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-2-1024x989.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Antonio Olivero \/ aolivero@summitdaily.com | The view toward the southeast from the 14,440-foot summit of Mount Elbert provides views of Twin Lakes in the forefront and Pikes Peak on the hazy horizon line.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-0.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"10\">\n<p><strong>The view toward the southeast from the 14,440-foot summit of Mount Elbert provides views of Twin Lakes in the forefront and Pikes Peak on the hazy horizon line.<\/strong><br \/>Antonio Olivero \/ aolivero@summitdaily.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-2-1024x989.jpg\" alt=\"The view toward the southeast from the 14,440-foot summit of Mount Elbert provides views of Twin Lakes in the forefront and Pikes Peak on the hazy horizon line.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-3-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-3-1024x768.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Antonio Olivero \/ aolivero@summitdaily.com | The trail up Mount Elbert's northeast ridge doesn't provide much cliffside consequence, though there is a short portion that skirts scree and takes some care.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-0.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"10\">\n<p><strong>The trail up Mount Elbert&#8217;s northeast ridge doesn&#8217;t provide much cliffside consequence, though there is a short portion that skirts scree and takes some care.<\/strong><br \/>Antonio Olivero \/ aolivero@summitdaily.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-3-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"The trail up Mount Elbert's northeast ridge doesn't provide much cliffside consequence, though there is a short portion that skirts scree and takes some care.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-4-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-4-1024x696.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Antonio Olivero \/ aolivero@summitdaily.com | The view of Mount Elbert, left, and its sister and second-highest mountain in Colorado Mount Massive, at right, while driving on Lake County Road 11 south of Leadville to the North Mount Elbert Trailhead.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"1\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"13\">\n<p><strong>The view of Mount Elbert, left, and its sister and second-highest mountain in Colorado Mount Massive, at right, while driving on Lake County Road 11 south of Leadville to the North Mount Elbert Trailhead.<\/strong><br \/>Antonio Olivero \/ aolivero@summitdaily.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-4-1024x696.jpg\" alt=\"The view of Mount Elbert, left, and its sister and second-highest mountain in Colorado Mount Massive, at right, while driving on Lake County Road 11 south of Leadville to the North Mount Elbert Trailhead.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-5-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-5-1024x768.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Antonio Olivero \/ aolivero@summitdaily.com | A view to the northwest from Mount Elbert's 14,440-foot summit provides expansive views of some of the state's highest points in all directions.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>A view to the northwest from Mount Elbert&#8217;s 14,440-foot summit provides expansive views of some of the state&#8217;s highest points in all directions.<\/strong><br \/>Antonio Olivero \/ aolivero@summitdaily.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-5-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A view to the northwest from Mount Elbert's 14,440-foot summit provides expansive views of some of the state's highest points in all directions.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-6-e1566424747486-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-6-e1566424747486-768x1024.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Antonio Olivero \/ aolivero@summitdaily.com | This view hiking down the North Mount Elbert Trail gives an idea of the switchbacks with a gradual incline that dominate the first portion of the hike below tree line.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>This view hiking down the North Mount Elbert Trail gives an idea of the switchbacks with a gradual incline that dominate the first portion of the hike below tree line.<\/strong><br \/>Antonio Olivero \/ aolivero@summitdaily.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/Elbert-SDN-082219-6-e1566424747486-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"This view hiking down the North Mount Elbert Trail gives an idea of the switchbacks with a gradual incline that dominate the first portion of the hike below tree line. \"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"caption-toggle\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/news\/hiking-mount-elbert-focus-on-mindful-economic-steps-to-scale-colorados-highest-point\/#\" class=\"show-captions\">Show Captions<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/news\/hiking-mount-elbert-focus-on-mindful-economic-steps-to-scale-colorados-highest-point\/#\" class=\"hide-captions\">Hide Captions<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>LEADVILLE \u2014 Though it may lack in true climbing excitement compared with many of the state\u2019s 14,000-foot mountains, hiking Colorado\u2019s highest point, Mount Elbert, provides a textbook Rocky Mountain challenge for most any hiker.<\/p>\n<p>At 4,700 feet of total elevation gain in just under five miles of hiking, Elbert\u2019s northeast ridge trail hits hikers with the task of climbing about 1,000 feet every mile. For most hikers, the 1,000-feet-per-mile standard is kind of a rule-of-thumb suggesting when hikes start to get steep. The good news about hiking the 14,440-foot mountain \u2014 the second highest point in the Lower 48 \u2014 is that with an early start and a consistent, mindful rhythm in your hiking, conquering Elbert is doable for most any hiker in solid shape.<\/p>\n<p>More good news for hikers is that the North Mount Elbert Trailhead parking lot is accessible for most any vehicle: A two-wheel drive sedan can make it up the 5-mile dirt road. On a weekday, plan to get to the parking lot at 6:30 a.m. or earlier to secure a spot. On busy weekends, that arrival time should be closer to 5:30 a.m. or earlier. That might seem like an early start, especially if you\u2019re driving the hour or so through darkness from Summit County. But the earlier the start the better, as Elbert is notorious for sudden afternoon thunderstorms.<\/p>\n<p>From the trailhead, it\u2019s a short walk to reach the Colorado Trail, which you\u2019ll stick with for just more than a mile. The sign directing hikers to the trail up Elbert\u2019s northeast ridge is hard to miss. Once on the northeast ridge trail, which begins just above 10,500 feet, be ready for a plodding, gradual climb for the next 4 miles all the way up to the summit.<\/p>\n<p>Two to three liters of water is a good amount to have, as hiking above tree line means 14,000-foot sunshine can zap you of hydration fast.<\/p>\n<p>Below the trail\u2019s tree line, 1,400 feet of moderate switchbacks dominate the way. Through this portion, be sure to work into a regular hiking rhythm, timing your breathing, steps and poles by keeping time \u2014 the ol\u2019 \u201c1 and 2 and 3 and \u2026\u201d \u2014 in your head.<\/p>\n<p>Though Elbert isn\u2019t one of the state\u2019s most difficult of 14ers, trekking poles are highly encouraged for securing your footing through scree, or loose rock, during the descent. But they are arguably just as important on the way up to have an economic output of energy.<\/p>\n<p>A focus on rhythmic breathing and steps, and balancing out the climb\u2019s weight on your upper body with the trekking poles, is a great way to get up the switchbacks.<\/p>\n<p>In hiking Elbert, know that you will be taking 1,200 to 1,700 uphill steps every 15 to 20 minutes. Each individual step you take up the mountain might seem inconsequential, but it all adds up over 6 to 8 hours. At the equivalent of about 450 flights of stairs, Mount Elbert is a natural StairMaster.<\/p>\n<p>You should expect to burn 130 to 180 calories every 15 to 25 minutes during the plodding, gradual ascent of Elbert, so the best way to maintain your economy of energy is to snack on quick, high-calorie food on the way up, such as stroopwafels or gummies. At altitude, it\u2019s important to remember hunger cues can be suppressed, so even if you\u2019re feeling a little hungry, it\u2019s probably a good time to refuel.<\/p>\n<p>Once above tree line, you pretty much know how far away the top is, with the exception of a few false summits. Remember not to get summit fever: One by one, stick with those mindful steps, and you\u2019ll be on top of the state before you know it.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/news\/hiking-mount-elbert-focus-on-mindful-economic-steps-to-scale-colorados-highest-point\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">via:: Summit Daily<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The trail all the way up to the summit of Mount Elbert along the mountain&#8217;s northeast ridge.Antonio Olivero \/ aolivero@summitdaily.com The trail all the way up to the summit of Mount Elbert along the mountain&#8217;s northeast ridge couldn&#8217;t be more easy to follow with a clear, gradual path well worn above tree line.Antonio Olivero \/ [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[99],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-798749","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-local-news"},"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-18 01:20:41","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"KSMT The Mountain","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/ksmt","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/ksmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/798749","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/ksmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/ksmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/ksmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/ksmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=798749"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/ksmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/798749\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/ksmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=798749"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/ksmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=798749"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/ksmt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=798749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}