Mount Elbert

Located just one hour from downtown Aspen, lies the tallest and perhaps one of the easier of all of Colorado’s 58, 14ers – Mt. Elbert (14,439′)

The quickest way to the summit begins at the Twin Lakes trailhead via the East Ridge – 9 miles roundtrip with 4,400 vertical feet of elevation gain.  This scenic mountain hike will transition from alpine forest to rocky ridges and moraines with 360 views of the Central Rockies. Typically done in 8 hrs round trip and great for families! Start times will vary based on the weather forecast but plan on hiking around 6am.

If you want to escape the crowds and get off the beaten path, the Black Cloud Canyon trailhead offers the Southeast Ridge – 10 miles round trip with 5,250 vertical feet of elevation gain or the Southwest Ridge – 10.6 miles round trip with 5,250 vertical feet of elevation gain may be just the adventure for you. These hikes are longer and require more effort than the East Ridge, but the reward is typically not seeing a soul on the mountain (until the summit), with endless wildflowers and spectacular views in every direction.