On Thursday 6 August, 2015, Ray, Dave F, and I continued the Summer 2015 14er Series by attempting to summit the highest peak in Colorado, Mount Elbert, which rises to 14,439’ in elevation and is located approximately 20 miles southwest of Leadville. Trailhead access was by 4 wheel drive only, and Ray’s truck tackled it with gusto. As you will soon see in the photographs, the dirt road to that trailhead took us through a “Dr. Seuss-like” aspen grove.

With temperatures in the 40’s and 50’s at elevation, and a strong northwesterly wind, the weather was a little chillier that last week, but still quite nice. Best of all, and most importantly, there was yet again no risk of afternoon storms.

This was a pretty challenging hike, as it was at a moderate to steep grade for the duration of the trek, with really only one flat spot (Where the trail map image notes “Camp”). The 4WD accessible trailhead sits at just above 10,000’ with a total ascent of 4,389’ over 3.8 miles to the summit. Though tremendously demanding and requiring hard work and endurance to reach our goal, the day was enjoyed by all, and I am thrilled to have summited Mount Elbert with my Buddies Ray and Dave.

As always, I hope you enjoy the pictures, and I would love to hear some of your thoughts via the guestbook or photograph comments! Thanks!