After breaking through treeline on the North Mount Elbert Trail around 11,800 feet, it's a steep hike over several false summits. The trail becomes progressively rockier after leaving treeline, but it is easy to follow the entire time. Getting to treeline by sunrise can be a treat and a good benchmark for getting off the mountain early.

Matthew

July 12, 2023

Running

After breaking through treeline on the North Mount Elbert Trail around 11,800 feet, it's a steep power hike over several false summits. The trail becomes progressively rockier after leaving treeline, but it is easily to follow the entire time.

The trail is VERY steep after leaving the Colorado Trail so hiking might come before treeline. Regardless, the trail is much harder to run above treeline. You can definitely run most of the downhill, though.

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Best routes to Treeline on Elbert

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

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3. Mount Elbert Loop — San Isabel National Forest

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

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Elevation 3,640 m

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Location: Lake County, Colorado, United States

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Treeline on Elbert

1. North Mount Elbert Trail

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

3. Mount Elbert Loop — San Isabel National Forest

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