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Rising 14,433ft above sea level,
Mt Elbert lords over all other mountains in the US state of Colorado.
If mountains were the jealous type, Elbert's superlative status would earn it
a fair amount of peer envy.
Colorado has over 50 14ers -
that is, mountains higher than 14,000ft.
The second highest of these, Mt Massive, is only 12 feet lower and is just north of Elbert.
Elbert and Massive are both located in Central Colorado's Sawatch Range,
which is home to 13 other 14ers.
Trailheads for the two most popular routes up Elbert are only a short drive from historic Leadville,
North America's highest incorporated city.
Proximity to trailheads is but one reason to base yourself in Leadville.
If you're unaccustomed to being at altitude,
a few nights in Leadville might help you acclimatise for your climb.
If you don't have a 4WD, the shortest route up Elbert is the North Elbert trail,
which is only eight miles, or 14.4km, return.
To help avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in Colorado,
start early.
The North Elbert trail is fairly straightforward --
just remember to turn left onto the Colorado Trail soon after setting out.
Ascending through forest, you'll eventually veer right, leaving the Colorado Trail.
After some additional shady climbing, you'll pass the tree line.
Here, your proximity to Mt Massive will become apparent,
and views of Leadville and nearby Twin Lakes -- Colorado's largest glacial lake -- will open up.
While you may think your destination is visible, it's actually a false summit.
You'll have quite a way to climb along the exposed trail
before you'll see Elbert's summit and the mountains on the other side.
'With all this thin air,
you have to stop and catch your breath a lot,
but it's ok because it just gives you more time to look at this gorgeous view.'
If you set out early enough, you'll probably reach the top before noon;
however, don't expect to get back to your car until sometime in the afternoon.
'So we've been going over four hours,
probably four and a half hours, and we're not there yet, but that's ok.'
'Could that be the summit?'
'Or is it another false one?'
'Woohoo, there it is!'
'Just look at the view....'
Elbert is a popular hike, so, in summer, when the summit is easily accessible,
you may not have it to yourself.
That's ok, though -- it's quite fun to share the experience with fellow 14er-nabbers.
You never know who you'll meet...
'Ok, up there in blue is a guy ... and he just told us this is his 58th time climbing this mountain and he's 72 years old. How cool is that?'
And it's interesting to hear fellow hikers' take on the experience.
'It's really challenging .... but, as you can see, once you get up here, it makes it totally worth it.'
'So will you be doing more?' 'I think I'm going to try to knock off ALL of them! That's my goal.'
Regardless of who happens to be sharing this lofty patch of earth,
the views are absolutely amazing. Three hundred and sixty degrees of snow-tinged peaks
create a seemingly endless sea of crested wonder.
'So here we are at the top. It's taken 4.5 hours to get here, and I imagine it's going to take a lot less to get down.
It's amazing up here ... and it's freezing!'
'What's one thing you should definitely bring up here?' 'Gloves.'
In addition to warm clothing, also bring plenty of snacks, sunscreen, and water.
And consider bringing a walking stick, which will certainly come in handy on the long walk down.
As you descend, you'll be treated to distant views of Leadville and the Mosquito Range beyond,
and you may even encounter a few ridiculously cute
and occasionally outgoing creatures
known as marmots.
'The great thing about the Mt Elbert Trail,
is that it's only eight miles return, so it's doable on a day walk, and it IS a walk.
So you can climb Colorado's highest peak in just a morning -- a long morning,
but it's doable for anybody as long as you're not scared of heights.
And it's fantastic up here. Look at this view!
On top of the world.'