MOUNT ELBERT

Mount Elbert is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains of North America. It is also the highest of the fourteeners in Colorado, and the high point of the Sawatch Range. It is located in Lake County, approximately 10 miles southwest of Leadville. It lies within the San Isabel National Forest.

Elbert is the second highest mountain in the contiguous United States, after Mount Whitney in California, and is but 65 feet shorter than Whitney's 14,505 feet.

Elbert is a fairly easy climb (after adjusting to its elevation—see Altitude sickness), and is popular with hikers. There are three routes up the mountain. The standard route ascends the peak from the east, starting from the Colorado Trail. The most difficult is the Black Cloud Trail, which takes ten to fourteen hours, depending on the pace. Nearby fourteeners include Mount Massive to the north and La Plata Peak to the south.

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