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United States
Colorado
Lake County

Mount Elbert Loop — San Isabel National Forest

Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
United States
Colorado
Lake County

Mount Elbert Loop — San Isabel National Forest

Expert

11

hikers

Mount Elbert Loop — San Isabel National Forest

10:48

22.9km

1,470m

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

You'll start your adventure at the official trailhead in San Isabel National Forest, where Mount Elbert is …

Last updated: September 25, 2025

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Tips

Includes segments that may be dangerous

Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.

11.3 km in total

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

35 m

Mount Elbert Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

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 …

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2

4.58 km

Treeline on Elbert

Highlight • Viewpoint

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 …

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3

7.61 km

Summit of Mount Elbert

Highlight • Summit

At 14,440 feet, Mount Elbert is the highest peak in Colorado and the second highest in the contiguous United States. Along with being the tallest peak in the state, it …

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4

13.4 km

Twin Lakes overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

Some of the longer switchbacks on the South Elbert Trail are in a large meadow and offer some views back into the town of Twin Lakes and over towards Buena …

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B

22.9 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

13.5 km

6.69 km

2.67 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

21.8 km

900 m

189 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

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Weather

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Today

Saturday 8 November

4°C

-8°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Nearby routes

5.0

216

North Mount Elbert Trail — Mount Massive Wilderness Area

07:03h

16.4km

1,330m

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