Mount Elbert — Local services in Four Corners States

First 14er we did, and we got lost for 18 hours. We camped at around 11,500 feet to get acclimated to the altitude. Woke up with a bear bumping our tent cause my genius cousin left an apple inside there with us. He sat up with the hatchet and I told him to lay down cause if we fight a 500 lb animal we'll probably die. After a few minutes our fuzzy forest friend walked off. The next morning we ate Ravioli, and that was the last thing we ate for 18 hours.....Harrrrd hike, tough, steep, even though it was a class one. Took us a few hours, and only saw 2 people- an 80 year old from the Army, hiking solo, and a skiier, skiing down one of the slopes....but once at the top, Beeeeautiful views at the top; we went in early may so there was still a lot of snow on the peaks. Around 11am, we headed back down. On our way down our snow shoe tracks got covered, we were taking the Northeast Ridge- a class 1 route. My cousin and I decided to zig zag down the mountain, and call out to each other if we found the trail. We got waaay off trail and the sunset. Within minutes it was sooo dark you couldn't see your hand in front of you. Trees were so thick and such a dense forest that each shoulder would hit each tree we passed by. All of the sudden I fall into thick ice and land waist deep in a freezing cold creek. Luckily my cousin was there to pull me out, and lucky enough we had spare clothing. While hiking down we heard animals - perhaps deer, or curious cougars beside us. Then all of a sudden, we came across a flat road. We sat down to rest, have a ciggerette (can you believe that), and share one starburst. Luckily, we had a water bottle with a filter so we were able to fill up from the creek next to us. While we laid and looked at the stars- my cousins phone goes "beeepbeep" he had service. Right away, around 2am we called 911; after explaining our situation they forwarded us to Lake County Search and Rescue. Luckily I'm an astronomy nerd and was able to explain our location and proximity from the Mt. Elbert, Mount. Massive, Highway 82; they told us to hike south until we reach a dead end. Sure enough we did. They told us they think they know where we are and to head back north until we reach a gate, they said for us to call them when we reach the gate and to head east down the road. Around 5am, we saw the brightest lights we've ever seen in our life. The both of us collapsed and laid on the ground. They gave us blankets, water, and the best freakin turkey sandwiches. They started laughing and when we asked why- they said, "the spot you called us from, you were only 500 feet from your the campsite parking." At 6am we reached our car and headed back, somehow, through the hallucinations and physical and mental exhaustion. After that trip, we learned to be more prepared when we go hiking. I don't go hiking without flashlights, first aid kids, flares, mirrors, and other survival equipment.

It was the most intense, yet amazing trip...

Did an early-winter ascent on November 19th, this was our group's first time hiking in snow and it wasn't too bad, but you have to know what you're in for, have the right gear, and pick a day with the right conditions. It had last snowed the week before meaning there was plenty of time for folks to walk the trail before us, so the trail was all packed snow in the woods, and above treeline the trail was patchy snow, though most of the mountain was without snow. Luckily most of the snow we encountered was either packed down or durable enough to walk on, though all of us broke through a few times on the trail into 1 foot snow drifts, so bring gaiters or a change of socks. Definitely need some kind of traction, we had microspikes that we rented in Leadville for $8.

We hiked the North ridge, we left Leadville around 5:15am and made it to the trailhead around 5:50, the road to the trail was also packed snow but 4WD made it very easy, if it has snowed recently consider taking the Southeast ridge instead as the trailhead is closer to the highway. We arrived just as the sun was rising so we could see the trail, but with later sunrises or earlier starts you should be ready to bring flashlights or headlamps. Once out of the woods an apparent summit is visible but it is one of 2 false summits, don't get your hopes up. We were only somewhat acclimated, I'd been above 5000ft for 2 weeks at this point and had hiked above 10000' one day in the week prior. I felt well acclimated and didn't feel the elevation until 14,000' but others in my group felt the effects earlier, it depends on the person. We took many breaks and made it out of the treeline at 9am, to the first false summit at 11:20am, and to the summit at 12:40pm. The descent was much faster without having to take breaks, we made it to the trailhead around 3:40pm. All told it took just under 7 hours to summit, and 3 hours to come down, for 10 hours total.

Not unrealistic to make this your first winter ascent as it was for us, but be sure to read up on how to...

North Mt. Albert trail. Got to the parking lot at 504am on 7/13/22 a WEDNESDAY. There was approximately 20 spots left. Worth noting there is only about 60ish spots total in the small lot then I guess people park on the road? Your start/park time depends on the day of the week/fitness level. I overheard someone at the peak say they got got up "@ 1am" for this hike. What!?

Started hike at about 0520. It gets tough after mile 3/out of the tree line. Trail is nice. After mile 3.5ish, multiple routes veer off the main route and it can get vague. Pay attention. I blitzed up this thing in 2h23m. Took breaks to hydrate while hiking so no real breaks. Passed about 33 people. Only about 5 were on top that started before me. Honestly I thought views from Mount Lincoln were better but glad I did this due to it's hype. A tad windy up there. Hoodie mandatory for me at top. Hiked up in a tee shirt and shorts and was fine. Only used flash light for less than 10 mins. One thing I noticed... people are always overpacked for hard hikes. Just bring what's neccesary don't weigh yourself down and/or over dress. Note: Using poles going up is a waste of overall energy. Made it down in 1h51m. About 40ish people coming up as i passed. Clouds were already moving in around 0745. Check the weather before you go. I would avoid this place at all costs on weekends and/or days attached to it. As you can see from reviews, people start insanely early on those days so parking could be a chore. Only 9.81m round trip on my...