There are a handful of different places you can park to do Mount Elbert, but this is the official starting point for the Standard Route. The North Mount Elbert Trail shares its route with the Colorado Trail briefly before branching off and heading up the northern ridge of the mountain.

The first couple miles of the route are runnable before the trail gets too steep (though it still definitely starts out uphill). This is a well maintained trail and a good first 14er to try to run.

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Best routes to Mount Elbert Trailhead

5.0

(9)

278

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1. North Mount Elbert Trail (aka, Standard Route) — San Isabel National Forest

15.5km

08:34

1,340m

Climb Colorado's highest peak through mining ruins to 360-degree views from the Rockies' rooftop.

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Hard

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2. Mount Elbert Loop — San Isabel National Forest

22.9km

10:48

1,470m

Colorado's highest peak via forest trails to alpine ridges with Rocky Mountain views.

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Hard

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3. Mount Elbert Trailhead – Treeline on Elbert loop from Emerald Lake

9.40km

04:29

590m

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard

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Informations

Elevation 3,060 m

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Saturday 7 February

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Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

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Location: Lake County, Colorado, United States

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Mount Elbert Trailhead

1. North Mount Elbert Trail (aka, Standard Route) — San Isabel National Forest

2. Mount Elbert Loop — San Isabel National Forest

3. Mount Elbert Trailhead – Treeline on Elbert loop from Emerald Lake

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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