Mt. Elbert-the Top of the Rocky Mountains

DJ  Monday, April 19, 2010

Adventure Video

Adventure Review

Andrea and I hiked to the top of Mt. Elbert in September of 2009.  It was the one of the hardest thing we had ever done.  This mountain is the Highest mountain in the Rocky Mountain range.  It’s summit is at 14,443.  We took the easiest route to the top as this was our first attempt to reach such an altitude.  I highly suggest this Xperience.  Here are some of the reasons why:

• Fall weather is beautiful here with the change of the Aspen trees.
• This hike was the lowest rated on the climbing scale for a mountain of this height.
• The trail is easily to distinguish once you find the right signage.
• The scenery is among the best I have ever seen.

The challenges of this hike:

• The trail head parking area is well marked, but finding the right jeep trail to follow to the easy hike was aggravating.
• Even though this is a class 1 trail it is not for the weak of body and mind.  It is challenging to climb to the summit.
• You need to have the right gear:  proper clothing, boots, water, food, compass, map, gps, etc.
• Watch the weather
• You need to start your hike at dawn to reach the summit and be down before the afternoon storms.

I plan to do this climb again but using a more challenging route.