Description: Out & Back

Difficulty: Advanced/Expert

Length: 9 miles

Notes: This is a peak ascent trail, please dress appropriately and carry extra food, clothing and water. Dangerous afternoon lightning storms are common. Get an early start and turn back at the first signs of approaching storms. This is a very popular trail. Please stay on the trail to avoid further resource damage. A new trailhead is planned for this area, it will be located east of the current trailhead, so you may not have to drive as far along the Halfmoon Road as the following description indicates. Expect snowfields late in the season.

Mt. Elbert is the highest Fourteener in Colorado, at an elevation of 14,433' above sea level.

Getting there: From the traffic light at 6th St. and Harrison Avenue, follow Highway 24 south for 3.9 miles. Turn right (west) on State Road 300 toward the Leadville National Fish Hatchery. After 3/4 mile, take a left on Lake County Road 11, the paved road signed for Halfhoom Campround. Follow this road for 1.25 miles and take a right onto Forest Road 110 toward the Halfmoon Campgrounds and Picnic Area. The trailhead is located 5.3 miles up this road. The road is very rough, but passable by two-wheel drive vehicles.   
 
Hiking Leadville: Please click here and scroll down the page to read important safety information about hiking in remote, high-altitude locations. This information is a cooperative effort of the U.S. Forest Service, San Isabel National Forest, Leadville Ranger District and the Lake County Marketing Action Committee. 

About the Area: Leadville and Twin Lakes are criss-crossed with an incredible network of trails. With an average of 310 days of sunshine a year, more than 35,000 acres within four nationally designated Wilderness Areas, and the state’s highest mountains, Lake County, Colorado, features abundant opportunities for year-round, high-country fun. Plan your trip now! 
 
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